City of Melbourne is preparing its Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2026-29, which outlines our management of cats and dogs through this four-year period. We asked for your feedback on the key issues and objectives we’ve identified. We wanted to know your experiences with animals in the city and what actions or programs you would like to see us undertake.

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 (the Act) requires a Domestic Animal Management Plan to be prepared by every council in Victoria at four yearly intervals.

In preparing our DAMP, we will set goals targeted at promoting responsible pet ownership, ensuring positive welfare outcomes for animals and minimising negative impacts cat and dogs may have on the community and environment.

We sought your feedback on the following topics:

  • training of Authorised Officers
  • pet registration and identification
  • nuisance issues, such as barking dogs
  • dog attacks
  • dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs
  • domestic animal businesses.

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-29