The draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2026-2029 is now on exhibition and open for community feedback. Thank you to the 350+ people who shared their thoughts, priorities and feedback with us in Stage 1. The draft DAMP has been developed using what we heard from the community and the requirements we must meet under Victorian legislation.
The DAMP is Council’s strategy for supporting responsible pet ownership and keeping our community safe and enjoyable for everyone. It outlines how we manage dogs, cats and other animals in Ballarat - through education, services, programs, policies and local laws - while promoting animal welfare and protecting our environment.
Whether you're a pet owner or not, this plan helps ensure a balanced approach to living with animals in our city.
Community members are invited to review the draft DAMP (a copy can be found on this page) and provide feedback prior to its finalisation. Opportunities for feedback close 29 October 2025.
Community feedback from the first stage of the engagement has helped shape several priorities for the next four years. Proactive directions based on community input included in the draft Plan are:
Animal Management Officers will increase their presence in the community through patrols, information sessions and education about responsible pet ownership and effective dog control in public spaces.
A dedicated engagement will be held in future to review the current cat curfew and containment requirements. This will give the community an opportunity to share views and help shape any future changes.
Council will continue raising awareness through education, attendance at local events, and social media campaigns to help pet owners understand their responsibilities and support positive pet behaviour.
Council will continue auditing non-compliant backyard breeders and work to improve overall animal welfare standards across the municipality.
The Domestic Animals Act 1994 outlines a number of statutory requirements that must be included in every Domestic Animal Management Plan. These requirements focus on registration, education, welfare and enforcement. Legislative priorities include:
Council will continue to provide professional development and training to Authorised Officers to ensure they can effectively manage and respond to animal-related issues in the community.
Promoting the benefits of pet registration helps reunite lost animals, supports shelter operations and enables effective planning for services. Council will also continue to assist with microchipping and desexing initiatives.
Animal Management Officers will undertake regular patrols and community visits to promote effective control of dogs and responsible containment of pets.
Council will continue community education around responsible dog ownership to help reduce dog attacks, and take enforcement action against serious or repeat offenders.
Declared and restricted breed dogs will continue to be monitored and audited to ensure compliance with containment and registration requirements.
Council will work to decrease euthanasia rates at the new Regional Ballarat Animal Shelter through successful rehoming programs and partnerships with rescue organisations and foster carers.
Council will continue to support ethical operators and take enforcement action against non-compliant or illegal backyard breeding establishments.
| Click on the dots below to read more about what the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan focuses on. |
Have Your Say on the draft DAMP
Share with us if the Domestic Animal Management Plan reflects the right priorities for Ballarat’s pets and community. Feedback closes 29 October 2025.
