Share your views on new Domestic Animal Management Plan

Published on 31 October 2025

Melton City Council has developed a draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) and is inviting community feedback before it is finalised.

The DAMP will guide Council’s approach to managing the wellbeing of cats and dogs over the next four years. It aims to ensure that people and animals can live safely and harmoniously together in our community.

The plan outlines current animal management compliance and education initiatives, as well as new strategies to address emerging issues. It also highlights opportunities for collaboration between Council and the community to tackle challenges related to pet ownership.

Developed using feedback from the first round of community consultation in June 2025, the draft plan addresses a range of pet-related matters, including:

• Supporting responsible dog and cat ownership
• Addressing the issue of stray cats
• Educating the community about Council’s pound facilities, including available services and how animals are rehomed through adoption or rescue groups

All residents—whether they own a pet or not—are encouraged to share their views on the draft DAMP.

Feedback is open until 9am, Monday 10 November 2025.

To view the draft plan and provide your feedback, visit the City of Melton Conversations page.

Quotes attributable to City of Melton Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi:

“Pets are such an important part of our lives, and we want to ensure pet owners can get the most out of their time with their cats and dogs, and that everyone can feel safe and supported in the way that animals are managed in our City.

“Whether you’re a pet owner or not, we want to hear your views to ensure our final plan meets the needs of pets, their families, and the broader community.”