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Project updates

About the draft DAMP

At its meeting on Wednesday 10 September, Council endorsed the draft DAMP for public exhibition, with some minor amendments about the management of domestic and stray cats.

You can download the Draft Plan and let us know your thoughts below. We are also interested in the current views of our community about a cat curfew. We have provided some more information about cat curfews and a question in the online form for your feedback.

That Council:

  1. Endorses the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025-2029 for public exhibition for the period 15 September to 12 October 2025 with changes noted at point 2, noting that it includes:
    • An increase in Council’s cat desexing program, focused on areas with the highest levels of nuisance cat complaints
    • Introduction of a night time 12-hour cat curfew (7pm to 7am) from 1 July 2026 with an 8-month grace period
  2. The above is subject to the following changes being made to the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025-2029 before exhibition:
    • Replacing references to introducing a 24-hour cat curfew with a night time cat curfew
    • Authorising the Chief Executive Officer to have text and actions in the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025-2029 amended to reflect this position
    • Adding a further action under Objective 4A: To decrease the number of stray, abandoned and unwanted cats that states: “Undertake design of a possible grant program for low-income residents to help them transition their cats to containment and put it forward for consideration in the 2026/27 Budget” – to be completed in Year 1, and the measure of achievement to be that information is provided to Councillors before end December 2025.

  • About the cat curfew

    More information about the previous engagement, research and the Council Resolution to consult on a cat curfew in Merri-bek.

    Learn more 

  • Stage 1 engagement

    Take a look at what we've heard during this engagement so far.

    Learn more 

Share your feedback

Review the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan and provide your feedback via the form below.

  1. Find the rust-coloured "LOG IN/JOIN" button at the top of the page and click it to start registering.
  2. Select "LOG IN" if you already have a profile on Conversations Merri-bek OR select "SIGN UP" to create a new profile.
  3. To create your profile you will need to add: Screen name, email address, password, full name and postcode. Check the boxes that apply and click "CREATE ACCOUNT".
  4. You can now continue with your submission

We require you to register to complete the form to protect the integrity and fairness of the consultation.

The information you provide also helps us to meet our legislative obligations and improve our processes.

Your personal details will not be used for any other purpose. Find out more about our privacy policy here: https://conversations.merri-bek.vic.gov.au/privacy...

Project Context

We're reviewing and updating our Domestic Animal Management Plan. This plan sets out the procedures for managing dogs and cats in the municipality and helps guide how we invest our time and resources to keep our community safe. It’s an important opportunity for pet owners and residents to voice their opinions on key issues like responsible pet ownership, safety, and the wellbeing of animals in the area. Your feedback will help shape a plan that reflects the needs and priorities of our community.

Our Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) helps:

What can be influenced?

  • Objectives and activities listed in the draft DAMP

What can't be changed?