Have your say on the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2026-2029
Mildura Rural City Council’s Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2026-2029 is now available for public feedback.
The Plan outlines our strategies for managing cats and dogs in the community.
It aims to promote responsible pet ownership, ensure public safety and address issues such as overpopulation, animal attacks and nuisance animals.
The four-year Plan is a statutory requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, which mandates Victorian councils to prepare a DAMP every four years.
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
Feedback closes Monday 8 December 2025.
