Domestic Animal Management Plan
Under the provisions of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, all councils in Victoria are required to develop and renew a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) every four years. This plan outlines the services, programs, and policies in place to administer the Act and manage dog and cat issues within the community. The DAMP promotes responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, safeguards the community and environment from nuisance pets, and establishes a framework to assess the adequacy of animal management services. It also details the training of Authorised Officers to ensure effective enforcement of the Act. The plan provides insight into Council operations and policies aimed at promoting responsible ownership, ensuring legal compliance, reducing dog attacks, addressing over-population and euthanasia rates, increasing pet registration, and managing nuisance and dangerous animals. Furthermore, it reviews existing local laws and Orders, identifies specific animal management issues, and includes an annual review with published evaluations in the Council’s annual report.
By completing the Domestic Animal Plan survey below, you will assist Horsham Rural City Council develop a strategic plan that balances the needs of pet owners with the needs of the wider community, ensuring a safe and harmonious environment for everyone. The survey gathers community input, allowing council to understand residents’ experiences with dogs and cats, concerns about animal related issues, and ideas for improving domestic animal management. This information is crucial for creating a plan that effectively addresses key issues like animal registration, managing nuisance animals, preventing dog attacks, and promoting responsible pet ownership.
Have your say by 16 June 2025
In person
• Attend a Listening Post session on:
Monday, 26 May
- Neighbourhood house, 13-15 Robin St, Horsham, 10am-1pm
Tuesday 27 May
- Weir Dog Park, Barnes Boulevard 11am-12noon
- Jenkinson Reserve dog park, Baillie Street 1pm-2pm
- Langlands Park, Houston Street 3pm-4pm
Wednesday, 28 May
- Lions Park (Plant Avenue) between 10am-11an
- Central dog park (Natimuk Road) between 1pm-2pm
Wednesday, 4 June
- Neighbourhood house, 13-15 Robin St, Horsham, 2pm-5pm
How to have your say:
Online
• Completing the survey below
In writing
• Print and post your survey to:
Community Services & Safety
Horsham Rural City Council
PO Box 511, HORSHAM VIC 3402
• Email council@hrcc.vic.gov.au
Please note: This survey is anonymous. We will not collect information such as your name and address and your answers will be used only for planning purposes.
