Domestic Animal Management Plan

Submissions closed on 14 September 2025, 11:59 PM

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West Wimmera Shire Council is reviewing its Domestic Animal Management Plan and is seeking community feedback. This plan sets the direction for how Council will manage domestic animals, with a focus on cats and dogs, over the next four years.

What is the Domestic Animal Management Plan?

The plan is a requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. It provides a framework for the planning, development, and evaluation of animal management services in the Shire. The plan applies to all cats and dogs, including farm working dogs and therapy or assistance dogs.

The key objectives of the plan are to:

  • Promote responsible pet ownership and community safety

  • Support compliance with animal-related legislation

  • Guide Council’s management of domestic animals across the Shire

  • Provide strategies for addressing issues such as nuisance, registration, and desexing

  • Strengthen partnerships between Council, pet owners, and animal welfare organisations

  • Plan for sustainable animal management that balances the needs of pet owners, the wider community, and the environment

The updated plan will outline actions and priorities to ensure that domestic animal management in West Wimmera is effective, fair, and responsive to community needs.

How you can be involved

Complete the survey
Community members are encouraged to share their views by completing the survey below. Feedback received will help shape the draft plan and ensure it reflects local needs and priorities.

Fill in the survey

The survey will close at 5pm on Saturday 14 September 2025.

Next steps

Council will consider the feedback and prepare a draft Domestic Animal Management Plan, which will be released for further public comment before the final plan is adopted.

Your input is important in shaping the future of domestic animal management in West Wimmera Shire.