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Domestic Animals Act S25 and S26 Orders

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 (DAA) allows Councils, by resolution, to make orders under sections 25 and 26 of the Act.

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New Domestic Animals Act Orders

The Council’s decision means that all cats must be securely confined to their owners property 24 hours a day and dogs can only be off leash in designated off leash public areas within the municipality.

Cats

Section 25 of the DAA refers to cats found at large. 

This section allows Victorian Councils to make an order that specifies where cats are permitted during what hours. It also provides the penalty if cats are found at large. 

The new cat containment rules in Greater Bendigo commenced on July 1, 2024.  This means all cat owners must now contain their cats to their property 24 hours a day.  The City understands the new 24-hour cat containment  a significant change to cat owners, but there are also many benefits as cat containment reduces the risk of cats:

  • Suffering traumatic injuries from cars and other animals
  • Contracting common cat diseases such as cat flu, ringworm and feline immunodeficiency virus
  • Accidental poisoning by toxic plants, pesticides, snakes and spider bites
  • Getting lost and being exposed to extreme weather

Cat containment

From July 1, 2024 cats are required to be securely confined to the owner’s property at all times.

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Dogs in public places

Section 26 of the DAA allows Victorian Councils to prohibit dogs from certain public places within the municipality and a requirement for dogs to be on leash at all times, unless in a designated off-leash area as named by the City.

Greater Bendigo is now a default on-leash municipality with new designated areas where dogs can be exercised off-leash.

Dogs in public places

Greater Bendigo is now a default on-leash municipality with new designated areas where dogs can be exercised off-leash.

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