Melton council has adopted its latest Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) for 2026-29, laying out the direction for the city’s animal management services over the next four years.
Melton’s councillors formally endorsed the plan at their meeting on Monday 24 November following two stages of community consultation and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
Council received 187 submissions during the main consultation period, with a further 15 submissions lodged during the final round of consultation between 28 October and 10 November.
Feedback was received on issues relating to discounted desexing, registration and microchipping fees, dog off-leash areas, public space infrastructure, cat curfews and excess animal permits, with future consideration for the issues flagged in the plan subject to further community consultation.
While most suggestions did not require changes to the draft plan, council officers incorporated minor administrative updates.
Cr Julie Shannon said the plan plays a crucial role for those in the community in the care and management of their pets.
“I understand as well as many other people that this plan is important for all residents who love their pets,” she said.
“It aims to ensure that people and animals can live safely and harmoniously side-by-side in our community.”
Council will now submit the DAMP to the state government by the December 4 deadline.
Annual reviews of the plan will track progress and community outcomes.
