Increased community education on pet microchipping, registration, and desexing are some of the priorities in Moorabool’s next draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP), soon to be released for public exhibition.
Endorsed for community consultation at Moorabool’s October 1 council meeting, the draft DAMP 2026–2030 aims to provide a strategic framework for the council’s approach to domestic animal management over the next four years.
All Victorian councils are required to prepare a DAMP every four years and it must meet state government-determined requirements.
According to Moorabool, priorities in its next draft DAMP include increased community education on microchipping, registration, desexing, and containment; continued officer training to maintain high enforcement and investigation standards; and improved data collection and reporting to evaluate the effectiveness of animal management services.
Community engagement will be conducted through Moorabool’s ‘Have Your Say’ website, where a short survey will be available for the community and stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft DAMP.
The survey will seek community input on whether the DAMP addresses key community needs and if the proposed priorities and actions are appropriate.
It will also provide an opportunity for general comments and suggestions.
According to the council, the plan will be widely published via printed and paid social media and there will be direct engagement with staff and through drop-in sessions – and Moorabool staff will also contact local veterinary clinics.
Once the consultation period closes, responses will be reviewed and considered, and the council will then re-evaluate the DAMP and make amendments as required.
Councillor Tom Sullivan suggested that community consultation could also involve contacting people who have dealt with council – for example, in the prior 12 months – in relation to animal management issues.
“[It] might give us a better outcome,” Cr Sullivan said.
