New Domestic animal plan supports pet wellbeing

Published on 03 December 2025

Pet welfare and protecting the community and the environment are the three key goals of Corangamite Shire Council’s new Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029.

Adopted at the November Council meeting, the plan aims to promote responsible ownership of dogs and cats across the Shire.

The new plan reflects extensive community feedback and analysis of Council’s animal management data.

Mayor Kate Makin said: “By focusing on education, safety, and animal welfare, the DAMP aims to create a healthier, happier environment for pets and their families.

“Pets are an important part of our lives. We have 2,507 dogs and 1,001 cats registered across the Shire. This plan helps make sure they are cared for while supporting responsible ownership,” Cr Makin said.

Key benefits for pets and their wellbeing include:

Better animal welfare: Actions to reduce overpopulation, such as seeking funding for cat desexing, expanding rehoming programs and cat trapping programs.

Improved identification and safety: Promoting microchipping and registration so lost pets can get home quickly.

Responsible ownership education: Campaigns and school programs to teach owners about proper confinement of pets and managing nuisance behaviours such as barking.

Emergency preparedness: Clear steps to protect pets during natural disasters, keeping them safe in times of crisis through household emergency planning

Under the plan, Council will seek funding to build a new pound facility to increase capacity, provide improved animal welfare and support rehoming.

For more information and to view the full Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029, go to corangamite.vic.gov.au/DAMP.