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Domestic Animal Management Plan

The Domestic Animal (Dogs and Cats) Management Plan (DAMP) is designed to balance differing community expectations.

The level of pet ownership in Australia is one of the highest in the world. Our municipality has one of the largest dog and cat populations of any Victorian municipality.


Domestic Animal Management Plan Benefits

Studies show that pets increase people's sense of safety, promote social interaction and encourage people to exercise. In short, pets improve the physical and psychological health of their owners.

Our Domestic Animal Management Plan  provides controls to reduce the negative impact pets can have on the natural environment.

In addition the DAMP will ensure we meet our statutory requirements under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.


Consultation Process

In preparing the DAMP Council consulted widely, with all stakeholders including special interest groups, pet owners and other members of the community. A draft version of the DAMP was available for public comment between 14 November 2007 and 29 February 2008. An extended consultation period was provided to ensure everyone had an opportunity to comment.

Council adopted the Domestic Animal (Dogs and Cats) Management Plan on 10 June 2008.  The Plan has been implemented over a period of three years. Input has been sought from identified stakeholders during the life of this plan. This will ensure that actions invoked are representative of community expectations. A further review of the plan, in consultation with the community will occur for the purposes of developing the next three year plan.

We devote considerable resources to creating a pet friendly environment. Pet registration fees contribute to a wide range of services including animal identification tags, collection of stray animals, education campaigns, micro-chipping days, beach and bicycle patrols and funding for the Geelong Animal Welfare Society to operate the pound facility.

These initiatives are helping us achieve our vision for Geelong which promotes our region as the best place to live in Australia.

Common Questions

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Dog Controls - Why are there five categories for other open space areas?
We have taken the view that as many opportunities as possible should be given for dog owners to exercise their animals.

The categories range from total off leash availability through to dog prohibition in a very small number of areas.

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Domestic Animal Management Plan - What is it?

The Domestic Animal Management Plan details the three year plan  to introduce compulsory microchipping and desexing, cat confinement between sun down and sun rise and an investigation into additional animal impound facilities.

There will also be a review of areas where dogs should be kept on leash. This would include footpaths, roadsides and nature strips, and certain public areas including picnic and barbecue spots and children's playgrounds.

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Domestic Animal Management Plan - why do we need one?
We have consulted with the community and other stakeholders who have an involvement with pets (for example: vets, Geelong Animal Welfare Society, RSPCA and others) to develop the Domestic Animal Management Plan.  This process will be revisited every three years to ensure that the requirements stay relevant to daily life. 

This 'partnering' in developing the plan allows us to establish pet programs and actions that are contemporary and meet community expectations.

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Parks, Reserves and Open Spaces - Can I take my dog to these locations?
We have designated on-leash and off-leash areas to provide the opportunity to exercise your dog.

You must always cary a receptacle to clean up after your dog and to have it under effective control at all times.

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Documentation

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