Why we're consulting
Wodonga Council is seeking feedback from our community on the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026 – 2030.
It is a requirement of the Victorian Domestic Animals Act 1994 that all Victorian councils must prepare and implement a Domestic Animal Management Plan. Wodonga Council’s current plan concluded in December 2025 with an extension of time to June 2026 granted by the Victorian Government.
This plan promotes responsible pet ownership, prioritises the welfare of dogs and cats in the community and adherence to relevant Local Laws.
The plan has been informed by a review of the previous plan and consultation undertaken in early 2025. For more information on the first stage of consultation, click here.
More information
Early last year Wodonga Council sought the community's views, concerns and priorities on key topics raised in the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021 - 2025, with this feedback used to inform the development of a new document.
Accordingly, a draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026 – 2030 has been developed and is now on public exhibition.
In Wodonga, there are 7452 registered dogs and 1900 registered cats. It’s estimated that by 2036 there will be at least 10,818 registered dogs in the city.
The initial round of consultation revealed several common themes.
These included strong support for fully enclosed off-leash areas, improved amenities such as shade, water and waste bins, and stronger enforcement of responsible pet ownership.
Key concerns raised included dog attacks, limited ranger presence around dog parks and inadequate emergency response. There was also some interest in initiatives such as 24-hour cat curfews and lifetime pet registration - though the latter is not currently permitted under Victorian legislation.
The draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026 – 2030 has been streamlined to be more concise, making it easier to understand and engage with. It features clearer language and an improved layout for better accessibility. Additionally, the plan places a stronger emphasis on community education, ensuring that key actions focus on raising awareness and promoting responsible pet ownership.
FAQ
Council resolution
At the Council meeting on December 15, 2025 Council endorsed the following motion:
That:1. The draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2030, as attached, be endorsed for public exhibition for a period of at least 28 days;
2. That staff specifically consult with those who have lodged emails with Councillors following publication of the Draft DAMP in the December 2025 agenda and consider this and other feedback in a Councillor Briefing prior to the development of the final proposed DAMP;
3. If submissions are received proposing amendments to the draft Plan, a report be presented to Council following the conclusion of the exhibition period detailing the community’s feedback, any proposed changes to the document and recommending adoption of the Domestic Animal Management Plan;
4. If no objections or recommendations for improvement relevant to the Plan as attached are received, the Domestic Animal Management Plan, as attached, be adopted without further resolution of Council; and
5. All submitters be advised of the outcome.
View the documents from the December 15 Council meeting:
