Domestic Animal Management Plan

Paws for thought on domestic animal management plan

Dogs and cats are an important part of the community.

They provide us with companionship, teach us about responsibility, encourage us to stay active and help us build social connections in our community.

Every four years we are required to update our Domestic Animal Management Plan. It's important because it helps ensure our residents and animals enjoy our shared spaces and live respectfully side-by-side, and to protect our natural environment and native wildlife.

Whether you are a pet owner or non-pet owner, you can help shape the way we’ll manage domestic animals and encourage responsible pet ownership over the next four years by providing feedback via:

  • Online survey by Monday 15 September - link below
  • Attend an in-person pop-up feedback session:
    • Sunday 17 August, 10am to 1pm: Talbot Farmers Market
    • Monday 18 August, 2 to 4pm: Goldfields Shopping Centre - Maryborough
    • Tuesday 19 August, 10am to 12noon: Goldfields Shopping Centre - Maryborough
    • Thursday 21 August, 3.30 to 5pm: Goldfields Shopping Centre - Maryborough
    • Friday 22 August, 11.30am to 1.30pm: Dunolly Bakery

Your input will help shape our draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029.


Project background

Every four years, under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, Victorian local councils must prepare a plan outlining how it will manage dogs and cats within its municipal boundaries.

The DAMP identifies how we will:

  • help pets, pet owners and the general community to live harmoniously together
  • protect the environment and local wildlife from the negative impacts of dogs and cats
  • balance the needs of those who own pets with those who do not
  • promote responsible pet ownership
  • address legal issues
  • improve the experience of animal ownership.

Paws for thought on domestic animal management plan

Dogs and cats are an important part of the community.

They provide us with companionship, teach us about responsibility, encourage us to stay active and help us build social connections in our community.

Every four years we are required to update our Domestic Animal Management Plan. It's important because it helps ensure our residents and animals enjoy our shared spaces and live respectfully side-by-side, and to protect our natural environment and native wildlife.

Whether you are a pet owner or non-pet owner, you can help shape the way we’ll manage domestic animals and encourage responsible pet ownership over the next four years by providing feedback via:

  • Online survey by Monday 15 September - link below
  • Attend an in-person pop-up feedback session:
    • Sunday 17 August, 10am to 1pm: Talbot Farmers Market
    • Monday 18 August, 2 to 4pm: Goldfields Shopping Centre - Maryborough
    • Tuesday 19 August, 10am to 12noon: Goldfields Shopping Centre - Maryborough
    • Thursday 21 August, 3.30 to 5pm: Goldfields Shopping Centre - Maryborough
    • Friday 22 August, 11.30am to 1.30pm: Dunolly Bakery

Your input will help shape our draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029.


Project background

Every four years, under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, Victorian local councils must prepare a plan outlining how it will manage dogs and cats within its municipal boundaries.

The DAMP identifies how we will:

  • help pets, pet owners and the general community to live harmoniously together
  • protect the environment and local wildlife from the negative impacts of dogs and cats
  • balance the needs of those who own pets with those who do not
  • promote responsible pet ownership
  • address legal issues
  • improve the experience of animal ownership.
Page last updated: 14 Aug 2025, 11:54 AM