Council endorsed the new 2026-2029

Domestic Animal Management Plan at the meeting on 24 February 2026 (read Council meeting minutes pp.30-32)

Read the 2026-2029 Darebin Domestic Animal Management Plan

Engagement Summary Stage 2

Community Engagement Summary

This is a summary of the key highlights from the 35 responses shared during Stage 2 of community engagement for this project.

  • Community trust
    • Scepticism about Council’s ability to implement the DAMP and deliver reliable animal management services.
    • Highlighting reputation issues linked to service reliability (e.g., pound closures, lack of patrol visibility).

  • Policy areas of interest
    • Cat Management
    • Dog Management
    • Compliance & Accountability
    • Desexing and equity
    • Biodiversity protection and waterways.

  • Equity and communication is important
    • Concerns about affordability of compliance measures (e.g., cat containment).
    • Suggestions for innovative communication methods and better engagement with underrepresented groups.

Engagement Summary Stage 1

Community Engagement Summary

This is a summary of the key highlights from the community engagement during stage one of the project.

  • 879 online surveys were completed

  • 1136 responses to the online quick poll - more than half of respondents (55%) adopted their pet from a shelter


  • 125 participants in 11 stakeholder interviews and 8 pop ups

  • mandatory desexing of cats and strengthening of cat curfew (to 24 hours) received strong support

  • more Council presence in parks and open spaces to help owners keep their dogs on their best behaviour

Implications for Council

  • Rebuild Trust: Demonstrate capability through consistent service delivery and visible enforcement to restore community confidence.
  • Strengthen Accountability: Incorporate measurable targets and clear compliance strategies in the final DAMP.
  • Improve Engagement: Address demographic gaps in future consultations and enhance communication strategies.
  • Service Reliability: Prioritise operational improvements at facilities and patrol coverage to meet community expectations.
Read the Community Engagement Round 1 Summary Report

Background

As part of the Victoria's Domestic Animals Act 1994, every four years Darebin City Council reviews its Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP).

The Plan outlines how the City will manage domestic animals like dogs and cats. It includes a range of solutions and supports for the management of domestic animals. It directs how Council invests its time and resources to the safety and wellbeing of the wider community.

The new DAMP 2026-29 will be implemented in partnership with Whittlesea and Merri-bek Councils and a range of key partners in the community. We aim to finalise and submit the DAMP 2026-29 to Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), early 2026.

Your personal details are collected so that Council can provide you with an opportunity to participate in this project - Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-29.

Please note postcode is mandatory in line with our Community Engagement Policy. All other fields are optional. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for more information.