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Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback on its 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan from 9 May to 9 June 2025

Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, seeking community feedback on responsible pet ownership, public safety, and environmental protection. Consultation runs from 9 May to 9 June 2025.

By news@gippsland - 9th May 2025 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) for 2026-2029 and wants to hear from you - whether you're a pet owner or not. The DAMP is a four-year Plan that provides council with a strategic, balanced approach to ensuring responsible pet ownership, and a requirement under the Domestic Animal Management Act 1994 to develop and implement a DAMP every four years.

The 2021-25 Domestic Animal Management Plan achieved key outcomes, including 24/7 cat containment, increased pet registrations, and improved facilities

Responsible pet ownership

Managing dogs in public spaces and promoting responsible pet ownership is crucial for maintaining community wellbeing, safety, and protecting our local environment while supporting the joy and benefits of having a pet.

It's a big job - from microchipping and registration, to leash laws and dog parks. The DAMP sets out how council manages domestic animals, trains authorised officers, and supports a healthy balance between pets, their owners and the broader community.

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, knows the importance and joys of responsible pet ownership firsthand. "Our family has two dogs - Invee and our newest addition, Sanny. I was proud to register with Sanny using council's new online system. It's quick, easy, and part of what responsible ownership looks like - alongside microchipping, vaccinations, and good training."

Progress in partnership

The previous Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-25 delivered some significant outcomes, including the successful phased rollout of 24/7 cat containment - an ambitious project that relied on strong community education and collaboration.

Other achievements include a notable increase in pet registrations, upgraded pound facilities, improvements in signage, more beach patrols, a subsidised cat de-sexing program, and community education campaigns that boosted awareness around registration and responsible pet ownership.

Cr Rochelle Halstead and her puppy, Sanny, highlight the joy of responsible pet ownership, ensuring safe, supportive dog parks and policies

Pet-friendly future

As part of this consultation, council is seeking feedback on:

• Responsible pet ownership
• Managing dogs in public spaces

Off-leash facilities and regulations at three key locations identified for potential upgrades:

• Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes (119 - 133 Settlement Road)
• Headland Way Reserve, Inverloch (31 - 41 Ullathornes Road)
• Rhyll Recreation Reserve, Rhyll (42 - 52 Lock Road)

Paws and policies

You can also come along and have a chat with us in person at one of our upcoming community engagement sessions. We'll be out and about at local venues to talk all things cats, dogs and responsible pet ownership:

Corinella & District Community Centre

• Thursday, 5 June 2025
• 10:00am - 12:00pm

Berninneit, Cowes

• Tuesday, 20 May 2025
• 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Wonthaggi Plaza

• Monday, 2 June 2025
• 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Inverloch Community Hub

• Thursday, 29 May
• 3:00pm - 5:00pm

"We're reviewing our facilities and leash laws at some key parks, and we want to fetch your thoughts," Cr Halstead said. "We also want to make sure our dog parks, policies and programs continue to promote safety, protect the environment and support the wellbeing of all community members."

Stage one of community consultation is open from 9 May to 9 June 2025. Your input will help shape the Draft DAMP, which will be released later this year for further community feedback. To learn more go to Domestic Animal Management Plan page.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com