The City of Greater Bendigo is seeking feedback on a draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025-2029 which was developed following a community consultation process to ensure the views of the wider community are reflected.
The City is also seeking feedback on an amended Keeping of Animals Local Law which has simplified requirements for poultry housing, removed the ability to obtain a permit for a rooster in residential areas and increased the number of cats allowed in a residential area to three.
Over 450 residents (both pet owners and non-pet owners) contributed to the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan either by completing a survey or by making a submission.
Key findings from the community survey revealed that:
- Ninety-eight per cent of respondents knew about the City's 24-hour cat containment with seventy-eight per cent having seen cats in public spaces or not on their owners property
- Sixty-five per cent of respondents think there are enough designated off leash areas within Greater Bendigo and seventy-two per cent find them suitable
- Good feedback to inform future works associated with fenced off leash dog parks was received
- There was support for the continuation of several City offered responsible pet ownership programs including microchipping, registration, desexing programs and discounted impound fees
- The impact of unrestrained dogs, dog barking and dog attacks still remain at a considerable level
- There is reasonable usage of the designated off leash areas and based on the feedback, no changes are urgently required
Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the City has a legislative requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to prepare a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) and this is the fifth plan that the City has prepared
"Companion animals have been part of our lives since recorded history with dogs and cats playing an important role in the daily lives of many Greater Bendigo residents," Cr Metcalf said.
"Therefore, it's vital for the City to undertake the necessary planning to ensure that pets, pet owners and non-pet owners can coexist in a harmonious way.
"The draft plan builds on the achievements and work from the previous four plans to guide future service programs and actions through to 2029.
"Key areas of focus for the next four years featured in the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025/2029 include continuing to undertake responsible pet ownership programs and look for opportunities to improve our designated off leash areas.
"The City received great feedback from the community in the development of the draft plan and I thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey and pass on their comments.
"The draft plan along with an amended Keeping of Animals Local Law is now available to view, and I encourage all interested people to visit the City's Let's Talk community engagement website and pass on any comments they may have."
Any comments and feedback must be received by Wednesday September 17, 2025.
All comments received will be considered with the final plan expected to go to Council for adoption later this year.
