The City of Greater Bendigo is developing a new Domestic Animal Management Plan and undertaking a review of its Keeping of Animals Local Law 2 and is calling on residents both with pets and without pets to have input, to ensure the views of the wider community are reflected.
Local Law 2 has several clauses relating to the keeping of domestic animals and under the Local Government Act must be reviewed every 10 years to ensure it meets community expectations and relevancy.
City of Greater Bendigo Safe Environments Manager Jock Schofield said the City has a legislative requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to prepare a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) and this will be the fifth plan that the City has prepared.
“The new plan will build on the achievements and work from the first four plans and establish a framework to guide future service programs and actions through to 2029,” Mr Schofield said.
“Companion animals have been part of our lives since recorded history with dogs and cats playing an important role in the daily lives of many Greater Bendigo residents.
“Therefore, it’s vital for the City to undertake the necessary planning to ensure that pets, pet owners and non-pet owners can coexist in a harmonious way.
“That is why we want to hear from both pet owners and non-pet owners so we can undertake initiatives to complement pet ownership and also actions that help minimise the nuisance and potential danger created by some dogs and cats.
“Some of the initiatives that have come from previous plans include the creation of new dog parks and off leash areas and new cat containment rules.
“The first step in developing the new plan is to gather feedback through a survey. This information will be used in the development of a draft plan which will also be available for further community comment.”
The survey includes questions in relation to demographics, responsible pet ownership and education, registration and identification of cats and dogs, desexing of cats and dogs and dog faeces management, keeping of animals local law, off/on lead areas (access to public spaces), cat control, dog attacks and nuisance animals and enforcement.
Residents can make comments on the local law review and have input into the development of the by completing a survey by Friday May 30, 2025.
To complete the survey, visit: