Help shape how we manage pets in Merri-bek
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We have released a draft of the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025-2029 (PDF 1Mb) and we want to know what you think about it.
The Domestic Animal Management Plan sets out how we manage cats and dogs in our neighbourhoods, and will help:
- Promote responsible pet ownership
- Support the welfare of cats and dogs
- Reduce nuisance behaviours and protect our environment
- Manage overpopulation and support rehoming
- Tailor services for our growing and diverse community.
This is an opportunity for you, whether you own pets or not, to provide feedback on the plan, which was developed following consultation which took place earlier this year.
The Domestic Animal Management Plan includes a proposed nighttime (7pm-7am) cat curfew in Merri-bek. A cat curfew means cats are not allowed outside of their owner’s property during curfew hours.
Keeping cats within the property can significantly extend a cat’s lifespan and health, it resolves issues of cat overpopulation and reduces negative impacts on wildlife and the environment. It also helps address community concerns about nuisance cats, noise disturbances, soiling and trespass.
The feedback we receive on the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan will be used to refine the draft, which will be presented to Councillors for consideration.
Together we will shape a plan that reflects the unique needs of our community.
Find out more and share your thoughts by visiting the Conversations Merri-bek website.