Project Background

Based on your feedback, Council is preparing the new Melton Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) and invites you to be involved.

Pets are an important part of our lives, and the purpose of the DAMP is to provide Council with a framework for identifying and addressing matters associated with the management and wellbeing of cats and dogs over the next four years.

It identifies animal management compliance and education initiatives carried out by Council and new initiatives identified to address emerging issues. It also identifies opportunities for community and Council partnerships to tackle challenges associated with cats and dogs in the community.

From the first round of consultation Council has now developed the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 which sets out actions to address these challenges. It also highlights the need to keep improving our services to meet legal requirements and community expectations. Our approach focuses on grassroots change—shaping community values, encouraging responsible pet ownership, and building strong partnerships.

Community Consultation Summary

We’ve been working closely with our community, Council teams, and other key stakeholders to shape the Draft DAMP 2026–2029.

Over 200 contributions were received from the community to develop the draft. Below is a summary of the ways we consulted with the community and staff.

  • Community workshop

  • Council workshops

  • Community Pop-ups

  • Survey

  • Written Submission

We know pets bring joy, companionship, and health benefits—especially dogs, whose owners often connect with others while walking. This understanding helped guide the actions in the draft plan.

Through this process, we have identified some key challenges:

Council is exploring further opportunities to offer discounted de-sexing services for cats within our community. This initiative aims to support responsible pet ownership and reduce stray animal populations.

To strengthen our efforts, we are also working to improve Council’s customer enquiry data collection procedures. Enhancing the quality of the information we gather will help us identify areas experiencing higher levels of concern, allowing us to collaborate more effectively with local residents on education and compliance.

Council is committed to creating more opportunities to work alongside our community to promote responsible dog ownership.

Our focus includes:

  • Reducing the number of dog attacks
  • Improving compliance with dog leashing regulations
  • Ensuring dogs are securely confined at home

Council is committed to ensuring that pound and shelter services meet the needs of our community.

We’ll be investigating a range of service models to understand which approach delivers the best outcomes for:

  • Community wellbeing – supporting both pets and people
  • Cultural and social needs – reflecting our community’s values
  • Economic sustainability – ensuring services are secure and viable

As part of this work, Council will complete a Pound and Shelter Feasibility Study during the term of this Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP). This will guide the development of a clear action plan for how these services will be delivered across the city.

Have your say!

We invite you to review the Draft DAMP 2026-2029 and share your thoughts by filling out the short form below. Your feedback will shape the final DAMP for 2026 - 2029. Together, we can create a safer, more pet-friendly community.