East Gippsland Shire Council has adopted its Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2026-2029, reinforcing its commitment to keeping pets healthy and happy while ensuring parks, streets, and public spaces are safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Developed in line with the Domestic Animals Act 1994, the plan sets out a clear roadmap for managing dogs and cats across the Shire over the next four years, balancing animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the needs of the wider community.
East Gippsland Shire Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the plan was shaped by extensive community consultation, with 78 responses received online and in person.
"Community feedback highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership, stronger enforcement around picking up after pets, and a reasonable registration fee structure for pet owners," Cr Ashworth said.
In response to community feedback, the updated DAMP includes actions to be taken across the life of the plan, such as increasing education around responsible pet ownership, reviewing the registration fee structure to make it more affordable to first register puppies and kittens before they are desexed, maintaining safe and well-managed areas for dogs and cats, and proactive enforcement to ensure compliance with local laws.
"The new plan reflects Council's commitment to animals and the communities they live in," Cr Ashworth said.
"Pets bring joy to many households, and we want to make sure they are healthy, safe, and well cared for. At the same time, it's important everyone can feel safe and comfortable in our public spaces."
The DAMP also addresses a range of priorities, including Authorised Officer training, managing over-population and euthanasia rates, supporting registration and identification, addressing nuisance animals, preventing and responding to dog attacks, managing dangerous, menacing, and restricted dogs, providing pound services, regulating domestic animal businesses, and ensuring the welfare of animals during emergencies.
