Residents are invited to comment on Wyndham City’s draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025-2029.
The draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025-2029 was developed with learnings from the previous Plan; current service demands, and the 1,028 community responses received during consultation in May.
Key actions in the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025-2029 include:
- the extension of the 10pm to 6am cat containment order to 24hr containment, just as dogs are presently contained
- continue educating dog owners about their responsibility to clean up after their pets, issuing warnings or fines if required
- provide information on how to safely trap cats
- continue education on keeping dogs on-leash outside designated off-leash areas
Wyndham City Acting CEO, Mark Rossiter said trespassing cats and cats being out during curfew were more than 60% of concerns raised as part of community engagement that was undertaken earlier this year.
“Trespassing cats are a concern to residents,” he said. “The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) also acknowledges that cats prevented from wandering have an increased life expectancy of 10 years.”
“Containment saves lives, with 10 local government areas of Victoria already with 24hr cat containment orders in place.”
“We expect the containment orders will also reduce the number of cats impounded, we picked up 1,675 cats last year and only 16 per cent were reunited with their owner.”
The draft Plan includes a commitment to educate owners about options available to install contained outdoor spaces, using methods like cat-proof fencing, cat enclosures or fence-top devices.
“Should the draft Plan be adopted following this period of Public Exhibition, it will be a phased introduction over 12 months, to help the community understand and install measures that keep cats confined within their backyards and homes.”
“During that time Council will be looking at the best way to support residents to help their cats transition to these changes.”
The State Government requires all Councils to have a Domestic Animal Management Plan to ensure the welfare of cats and dogs, promote responsible pet ownership and protect the community and the environment from issues caused by nuisance cats and dogs.
For more information and to provide your feedback by 22 October, visit: http//theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/draft-damp-2026-30