Feedback sought on Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-29
Published on 24 November 2025
Mildura Rural City Council’s Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2026-2029 is now available for public feedback.
The Plan balances the needs of pet owners with the wider community and environment, focusing on promoting responsible pet ownership, registration and education.
A statutory requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, the four-year Plan also addresses issues such as overpopulation, animal attacks and nuisance animals.
It is separated into 16 objectives, with key actions including, but not limited to:
- Ensuring Authorised Officers are equipped and trained to enforce animal management laws effectively and safely
- Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership through education campaigns, school visits, social media and initiatives like Responsible Pet Ownership Vouchers and the First Free Animal Registration initiative
- Encouraging desexing, microchipping and registration of cats and dogs, while further enhancing partnerships with 12 rehousing groups to rehome stray and abandoned animals
- Addressing barking dogs, wandering animals and dog faeces in public spaces through education, enforcement and patrols
- Preventing dog attacks through proactive patrols, immediate response to incidents and prosecution of serious cases
- Managing dangerous and restricted breed dogs through annual inspections, compliance checks, and enforcement of strict regulations
- Supporting domestic animal businesses through annual inspections and audits to ensure compliance with regulations
- Enhancing off-leash dog park facilities at Rio Vista Park, while constructing a new park at Kenny Park Merbein
- Providing temporary housing for pets during emergencies at the Mildura Animal Pound
Councillor for Community Health and Wellbeing Troy Bailey said Council’s role was to support the community to live in safety, while respecting the role cats and dogs have in our lives.
“The DAMP plays a major part in achieving these outcomes,” Cr Bailey said. “Pet ownership is a large responsibility, while providing considerable health and wellbeing benefits to their owner, pets require companionship, care for their material needs and regular exercise to ensure good health.
“Mahatma Gandhi is quoted as saying, ‘The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.’
“This Plan sets out a clear framework to ensure our companion cats and dogs continue to play a big role in the lives of locals and are part of our community.
“I strongly encourage all pet owners and those considering this responsibility to review the plan and provide feedback.”
Visit yoursay.mildura.vic.gov.au/DAMP2026-29 to view the Draft Plan in full and have your say before Monday 8 December 2025.
ENDS