Whittlesea council will explore the feasibility of introducing a requirement for dog desexing as part of its draft domestic animal management plan (DAMP).
The council approved the draft plan for 2026-2030 at its September council meeting.
The draft plan outlines how the council will manage dogs, cats and domestic animal businesses over the next four years, with a focus on responsible pet ownership, compliance with state legislation and improved animal welfare.
Whittlesea’s existing plan introduced several significant initiatives, including a 24-hour cat curfew, mandatory desexing of cats, subsidised desexing programs and the annual Pet Expo, with the adopted measures proving to be effective and ultimately being adopted in the new draft plan.
In the new draft plan, it said the council commits to undertake a project that explores the feasibility of introducing a requirement for dog desexing.
The document said it would consider whether a requirement to desex dogs might reduce aggressive behaviours and instances of attack.
The project will consider the following in consultation with community and industry stakeholders to assess whether there is a need for the requirement and if evidence supports it, a policy and transition plan will be put to council.
The new policy will maintain the policy for mandatory desexing of newly registered cats.
The plan also aims to address the overpopulation and euthanasia rates of cats and dogs, encourage the registration and identification of cats and dogs and minimise the potential for cats and dogs to create a nuisance in the broader community.
Residents can have their say on the plan with community consultation now open to October 16.
The council said the 2026-2030 draft plan has been shaped by feedback from community members and stakeholders during engagement activities held in June.
It also draws on animal management data, emerging trends, state policy directions and partnerships with neighbouring municipalities.
Councillor David Lenberg reminded community members of their roles as pet owners.
“It’s your responsibility to take care of them,” he said. “There are guidelines that council provides but at the end of the day if you have a dog as part of your family, you are responsible for it.”
Details: engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/damp26.
