Hindmarsh Shire Council Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Hindmarsh Shire Council

DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2026-2029 Adopted 17 December 2025

Acknowledgement of our Traditional Custodians Hindmarsh Shire Council acknowledges the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk Nations as Traditional Owners of Country.

We recognise the important ongoing role that Indigenous people have in our community and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au

CONTENTS Introduction

5

Strategic Links

7

Legislation

11

Pet Ownership

13

Dogs in Public Places

15

A Local Perspective

17

Council’s Direction

21

Future Goals

31

Review Measures

31

Legislation and Codes of Practice References

33

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Hindmarsh Shire Council

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Introduction.

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 (the Act) provides the framework for Dog and Cat Management in Victoria. The Act requires all councils to develop a plan for the management of dogs and cats within its municipality.

Mission

To create an environment that encourages responsible pet ownership, where people and pets integrate safely and harmoniously within the Hindmarsh Shire community.

What is a Domestic Animal Management Plan?

In fulfilling Council’s obligations under section 68A of the Act, this Plan will guide Council’s approach to domestic animal management over the next 4 years.

This plan provides the framework for Council’s priorities and services delivered to its community. It identifies objectives and strategies to implement the mission, which relates directly to the objects of the Act.

How was this plan developed?

This plan was developed by Hindmarsh Shire (Council) officers, having many years of experience in animal management within Local Government. Consideration was given to Council’s existing domestic animal management services, local-laws, strategic and corporate plans.

Community Engagement

A key component of the plan is input from the community. Through the development of the plan the community was invited to provide feedback and input into this plan.

Exclusions

Costs and resourcing are not detailed in this plan and will be covered in separate Council processes or documents.

Any legislative changes or changes to service levels that occur during the life of this plan may not be accurately reflected.

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Hindmarsh Shire Council

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Strategic Links.

Strategic alignment with Hindmarsh Shire Council Plan 2025–2029 – Domestic Animal Management Focus

This plan supports the strategic goal that “Our community can access services when and where they need them” by improving the conditions under which domestic animal services are delivered and accessed. It aligns with Hindmarsh Shire Council’s strategic priorities under the “Built and Natural Environment” and “Our Community” themes, particularly in relation to domestic animal management, land use clarity, and community wellbeing.

Council Vision, Mission and Values

Our Vision

Our Values

Our Mission

Our mission is to be leaders in creating: positive change a safe environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated inclusive consultation

Working together to welcome new possibilities and create vibrant towns, connected communities and opportunities for all.

We value: engaging with, listening to and meeting people where they are at doing the best we can with the people and funding that we have showing respect and embracing diversity taking pride in our community and achievements being bold, creative and ambitious

This plan reflects these principles by promoting responsible domestic animal ownership, reducing nuisance risks, and supporting safe, inclusive, and well-managed rural communities.

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Council Values in Action - Domestic Animal Context Transparency and Accountability

This plan ensures clear land use boundaries, directly supporting responsible domestic animal ownership. It enables fair enforcement of local laws related to pet containment, registration, and nuisance control, and assists Council officers in responding to complaints such as barking, straying, or animal attacks with greater consistency and fairness.

Inclusion and Collaboration

By reducing nuisance risks such as dogs straying into public and private land or cats disturbing wildlife this plan fosters more harmonious relationships between landowners, neighbours, and Council. It supports collaborative efforts to manage domestic animals in a way that respects both private property and community expectations, including through education and engagement programs.

Respect and Integrity

This plan reflects a balanced approach to environmental protection and public amenity, while also respecting the responsibilities of domestic animal owners within the municipality. It aims to reduce potential conflicts such as pets disturbing wildlife, creating nuisance in public spaces, or straying into nearby farming operations. This approach promotes responsible pet ownership and supports a safe, respectful coexistence between residents, domestic animals, and the surrounding environment

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

This plan contributes to community safety and wellbeing by mitigating domestic animalrelated risks, including: Dogs straying into bushland and disturbing wildlife.

Uncontrolled breeding or roaming of cats near conservation areas.

Livestock disturbance due to inadequate fencing or animal trespass.

These outcomes align with Council’s commitment to addressing nuisance and environmental risks, including those caused by domestic animals.

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Hindmarsh Shire Council

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Good Governance This plan supports effective decision-making by aligning with Council’s values and policies, particularly those related to: Enforcement of Local Laws Enforcement of The Domestic Animals Act 1994 Meeting community expectations for safe and responsible pet ownership It also reflects Council’s Good Governance Framework by promoting fair, transparent, and consistent decisions that balance environmental and agricultural interests with domestic animal responsibilities.

Alignment with Council Plan 2026-2029 Support for Inclusive and Accessible Public Spaces

This Animal Management Plan supports Council’s broader goal of creating inclusive, healthy, and connected communities. It complements actions such as auditing Council-managed spaces for accessibility, promoting active living through the Wimmera River Discovery Trail, and enhancing shared community spaces. These efforts contribute to safer environments for both people and animals.

Review of Local Laws

This Plan aligns with Council’s commitment to reviewing and updating Local Laws to better reflect community expectations and improve compliance around domestic animal management. This includes clearer regulations on registration, containment, and responsible ownership, ensuring consistency with accessibility and inclusion goals.

Community Education and Engagement

This Plan promotes good governance and community engagement by aligning with the principles of the Domestic Animals Act 1994. It enables Council to implement consistent and enforceable measures that support responsible pet ownership. Through targeted education, transparent communication, and proactive engagement, this Plan helps reduce animal-related complaints, improve compliance, and protect public amenity and environmental values. These actions reflect Council’s commitment to accountability, fairness, and effective service delivery.

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Hindmarsh Shire Council

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Legislation.

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 (the Act) and Domestic Animals Regulations 2015 (Statutory Rules) provides the framework for Animal Management in Victoria.

Purpose of the Act

The Act’s purpose is to promote animal welfare, the responsible ownership of dogs and cats and the protection of the environment.

Councils are conferred legislative responsibilities through regulation for the management of dogs and cats within their communities.

Council’s responsibilities (Section 68A of the Act):

Prepare a Domestic Animal Management Plan to administer and enforce the provisions of the Act relating to dogs and cats within its area, and for that purpose the plan mustset out a method for evaluating whether the animal control services provided by the Council in its municipal district are adequate to give effect to the requirements of this Act and the regulations; and outline programs for the training of authorised officers to ensure that they can properly administer and enforce the requirements of this Act in the Council's municipal district; and outline programs, services and strategies which the Council intends to pursue in its municipal district to promote and encourage the responsible ownership of dogs and cats; and to ensure that people comply with this Act, the regulations and any related legislation; and to minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals; and to address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and cats; and to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats; and to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance; and to effectively identify all dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and restricted breed dogs in that district and to ensure that those dogs are kept in compliance with this Act and the regulations; and provide for the review of existing orders made under this Act and local laws that relate to the Council's municipal district with a view to determining whether further orders or local laws dealing with the management of dogs and cats in the municipal district are desirable; and provide for the review of any other matters related to the management of dogs and cats in the Council's municipal district that it thinks necessary; and provide for the periodic evaluation of any program, service, strategy or review outlined under the plan. review its domestic animal management plan annually and, if appropriate, amend the plan; and provide the Secretary with a copy of the plan and any amendments to the plan; and publish an evaluation of its implementation of the plan in its annual report.

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Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Pet Ownership.

Companion animals (dogs and cats) provide a range of benefits and enrich our lives. Pets facilitate social interactions within the community and provide a range of physical and emotional benefits for owners but come with a range of responsibilities.

Owner responsibilities

The Act includes compulsory microchipping and promotes desexing of dogs and cats. A high percentage of dogs within the Council area are microchipped which provides valuable identification and opportunities to reunite lost animals and owners.

Pets are a big commitment!

Pets are a significant commitment for the life of the animal, considering the important matters of desexing, microchipping, Council registration and the ongoing financial commitment associated with the provision of food, veterinary care and adequate housing.

Minimising nuisance

Minimising public and environmental nuisance caused by dogs and cats is a key component of Hindmarsh Shire approach for the life of this plan. Encouraging responsible ownership and providing the community with an understanding of their responsibilities will contribute to a community which benefits from reduced public and environmental nuisance caused by dogs and cats.

Children and pets

Anecdotally, there are benefits for children growing up with pets*. Ranging from health and exercise, to care, compassion and responsibility. It is critical that children are supervised around dogs. The instances of dog bites are often a result of the family pet. *2014 Roy Morgan Research - Pet ownership in Australia

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14 Hindmarsh Shire Council

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Dogs in Public Places.

Owning a dog encourages physical exercise as well as social connection and interaction, which generates a range of benefits for both dog and owner. However, ensuring the dog remains under effective control when being exercised off-lead in approved areas, or on-leash on streets and roads is crucial. Council encourages off-leash activities in appropriate locations and situations; and will focus on educating owners to keep their dogs on a lead if the dog cannot be kept under effective control when off-lead.

Dog parks

The introduction of an off-leash dog park in Nhill provides a valuable asset to dogs and their owners. Adding value and promoting the appropriate use, including ensuring effective control will be an important focus.

Minimising dog incidents

One of the main causes of dog incidents or unwanted approaches is a result of inadequate fencing to secure the dog to a property; or not having the dog under effective control in public places. Dogs that wander can be a threat to livestock, other animals and the community, particularly children and the elderly. Council places a high priority on ensuring adequate control over dogs and encourages matters to be reported to Council.

Accidental escapes account for most instances of wandering at large. Council will work with owners to ensure adequate confinement. However, in situations of regular or persistent wandering due to a lack of action from the owner, a sterner approach may be applied in accordance with Council’s Enforcement obligations under the Act and forming part of the Council Local Laws.

Dogs and Livestock

The diversity of land uses within the Hindmarsh Shire sees a mix of residential, rural living, hobby farms and large primary production areas. Confining dogs to a property is critical to reducing instances of dogs impacting on livestock. It is important that dog owners are aware of their legal obligations and potential consequences when dogs are involved in chasing, harassing or attacking livestock. A dog chasing livestock or being in a livestock enclosure can cause distress and injury to the other animals.

Yes, your dog can bite too!

Dogs often bite out of fear or anxiety, protection of food, protection of belongings or property, during a chase or simply in reaction to a set of circumstances. An incident can occur either in public or private environments. Council promotes education initiatives to support this message and provides related publications at Customer Service Centers.

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Hindmarsh Shire Council

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

A Local Perspective.

Hindmarsh Shire is located in western Victoria, within the Wimmera Southern Mallee region, covering approximately 7,527 square kilometres. It is bordered by the Big Desert National Park to the north and the Little Desert National Park to the south, with the Barringgi Gadyin (Wimmera River) flowing through several townships, contributing significant environmental and cultural value.

The Shire includes the townships of Nhill, Dimboola, Jeparit, and Rainbow, along with smaller rural settlements. As of the 2021 Census, the population was 5,701, with a median age of 50 years. Hindmarsh is known for its cultural diversity, including a notable Karen community, and is set against a predominantly agricultural backdrop.

The domestic animal management trends in Hindmarsh Shire Council from 2021/22 to 2024/25 reflect significant developments in pet ownership, animal welfare, and community engagement.

Drawing on annual data covering dog and cat registrations, impoundments, euthanasia rates, and complaints, the visual summaries highlight key patterns and shifts in animal-related activity across the Shire. These insights offer a valuable perspective on the effectiveness of Council’s education, enforcement, and welfare initiatives.

Dog registrations have remained relatively stable over the four-year period, ranging from 893 to 1023. After a noticeable dip in 2022/23 (893), registrations rebounded slightly in 2023/24 (921) before easing again to 894 in 2024/25. This pattern suggests a consistent level of dog ownership and general compliance with registration requirements.

Cat registrations have shown more fluctuation, starting at 350 in 2021/22, dropping to 306 in 2022/23, then gradually recovering to 313 in 2023/24 before declining again to 301 in 2024/25.

These variations may reflect changes in community engagement, enforcement practices, or public awareness.

Impoundment rates for both dogs and cats have generally declined, indicating improved containment and more responsible pet ownership. Dog impoundments fell from 20 in 2022/23 to just 7 in 2024/25. Cat impoundments also decreased significantly from a peak of 152 in 2022/23 to 93 in 2023/24, though they rose again to 123 in 2024/25.

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Euthanasia rates for dogs have remained low, with zero cases reported in three of the four years, highlighting effective rehoming and welfare strategies. Cat euthanasia rates, while high, demonstrates Council’s increased efforts in collecting and impounding stray and feral cats, reflecting a proactive approach to managing unowned animal populations and improving community safety.

Community complaints peaked at 453 in 2021/22, dropped significantly to 350 in 2022/23, and rose to 472 in 2024/25. The recent increase aligns with Council’s intensified efforts to respond to community concerns and proactively manage stray and feral cat populations through targeted collection and impoundment activities. These actions demonstrate Council’s commitment to public safety and animal welfare, and give cause to further strengthen education programs, patrol strategies, and community engagement initiatives.

Overall, the data supports continued refinement of domestic animal management policies, with a focus on education, registration enforcement, and collaborative welfare initiatives to sustain positive trends and address emerging challenges.

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2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

Dogs Registered

1023

893

921

894

Cats Registered

350

306

313

301

Dogs Impounded

17

20

13

7

Cats Impounded

123

152

93

123

Dogs Euthanised

0

2

0

0

Cats Euthanised

91

93

91

120

Complaints

453

350

427

472

Hindmarsh Shire Council

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Teams and allocated resources

Council’s Planning and Environment Team is tasked with the management of dogs and cats in the community. The team consists of one full-time Local Laws Officer, an Assistant Local Laws Officer, shared Administrative Services and a Manager. The team reports to the Director Infrastructure Services. Council has 3 Authorised Officers in animal management. In addition, the team is supported by various other teams and directorates throughout Council.

Service levels and after hours

Council places a high priority on dog matters which may pose a risk to the community including dogs wandering at large and dog attack.

Council provides an after-hours service for emergency dog situations, including a 24/7 service via its after-hours mobile phone to attend serious dog attack incidents in conjunction with other local authorities.

Reuniting animals and owners

Council strives to ensure that animals found wandering are returned to their owners as soon as possible. This reduces stress on both dog and owner. A very high percentage of dogs found wandering are reunited with their owners the same day.

Animal holding facility (Pound)

Council operates a purpose-built facility to accommodate animals on a short-term basis locally. This assists in reuniting animals and owners as soon as possible.

Rehoming

Council is committed to ensuring that found animals are rehomed with new owners as quickly and compassionately as possible. In support of this goal, Council works closely with local animal rescue organizations to provide safe and supportive outcomes for unclaimed animals.

Following the mandatory holding period, dogs that remain unclaimed are transferred to Animal Rescues where resources are available, there they receive veterinary and behavioural assessments. These evaluations help determine each animal’s suitability for rehoming and ensure that their individual needs are considered.

Council values the expertise and dedication of rescue partners and continues to collaborate with them to improve welfare outcomes, promote responsible pet ownership, and reduce euthanasia rates.

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Hindmarsh Shire Council

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Council’s Direction.

This Animal Management Plan is based on the following directions for the delivery of Council’s animal management services.

Primarily Councils Local Laws Team is tasked with the management and execution of the directions, in addition to this team all Council Officers and Members are responsible for education and promoting awareness of responsible animal keeping within the community.

The directions: Training of authorised officers Promote and educate people about responsible pet ownership Reduce euthanasia and over population Encourage Registration Minimise nuisance Reduce dog attacks Identify dangerous, menacing and restricted dogs Regulation of Domestic Animal Businesses

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Training of Authorised Officers

Council strives to ensure its Authorised Officers are trained in a manner which allows the proper administration of and enforcement of the Domestic Animals Management Act 1994.

Council’s Authorised Officer’s conducting tasks associated with Animal Management receive on the job training and are encouraged to have or attain the Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation.

Annual performance reviews are conducted by Management which include a review of the officer’s skills and training undertaken in the last year. Through the performance review further education opportunities will be identified and discussed.

Officers are encouraged to undertake further education in animal management and animal welfare where practical.

Direction

Management

Measure

Ensure that staff are trained and have the appropriate skills and knowledge.

Conduct annual performance reviews.

Identify and provide training opportunities and upskilling of staff, ensure best practice approaches are used.

Number of training opportunities attended by officers and successfully completed.

Promote and educate people about responsible pet ownership

Council provides information to the public through social media, newsletters and pamphlets at Information and Customer Service Centres. The information provided encourages responsible pet ownership and compliance with legislation. Information packs are provided to all educational facilities and community groups to encourage the education of responsible pet ownership for children, all information provided focuses on the importance of: Identification through microchipping Desexing Registration Safe handling of animals Safe keeping of animals Obligations of pet owners under the Act

Direction Develop engaging content about pet ownership Actively promote pet ownership material

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Hindmarsh Shire Council

Management Review materials and provide information in modern formats which are appealing in both design and content. To be issued with registration renewals and newsletters.

Hold annual information sessions with community groups and educational facilities.

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Measure Community feedback on materials provided.

Community feedback on sessions held regarding presentation and information provided.

Reduction in complaints about animal activity.

Reduce euthanasia and overpopulation

Council’s euthanasia policy is guided by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and the Victorian Codes of Practice for animal welfare. To reduce the incidents of euthanasia Council strives to make every effort available under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to re-unite found animals with their owner. Also, Council educates the community on the importance of desexing domestic animals to reduce rates of unwanted kittens and puppies resulting in overpopulation. In addition, Council aims to make every effort available to rehome surrendered or found animals of suitable temperament where practical.

Direction Re-unite found animals with their owners Actively promote desexing Re-home animals Provision of cat traps

Management

Measure

Educate the community on the importance of domestic animal registration to properly identify ownership.

Educate the community on the importance of domestic animal desexing, aid and guide owners where appropriate with the process of desexing through the low-cost desexing program.

Communicate with Foster Care Networks and Rescue Groups with the purpose of finding homes for domestic animals held in the pound.

Make available to the community cat traps where overpopulation is reported.

Increase in registration of impounded animals.

Increase in the incidence of desexed animals on the register.

Reduction of puppies and kittens impounded.

Reduction in the rate of euthanasia.

Reduction of overpopulated areas.

Encourage Registration

Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 it is law to register a dog or cat with the Council if the animal is over 3 months old and kept within the municipal boundaries. Under the Act Council may refuse to register dogs and cats unless desexed. Council may also refuse registration of dogs and cats unless permanently identifiable (microchipped). In certain circumstances exemptions under the Act may apply to desexing and identification of dogs and cats.

It is Councils objective is to ensure that dogs and cats over 3 months of age within the municipal district are desexed, identifiable and registered, with registration maintained on an annual basis.

Direction Registration of domestic animals

Management Educate the community on their obligations under the Act relating to domestic animal registration.

Attend to the issue of annual registration renewal notices and follow up where necessary.

Re-unite found unregistered animals impounded only if registered.

Promote desexing with new registrations.

Enforce microchipping.

Enforce desexing through Policy.

Measure Increase in registration of new animals.

Decreased number of follow up actions.

Increased rate of impounded animals re-united with owners.

Increase of desexed animals.

Reduction in unidentifiable animals.

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Minimise Nuisance

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 describes nuisance as a dog or cat that injures or endangers the health of any person. If it creates a noise, by barking or otherwise, which persistently occurs or continues to such a degree or extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises.

Councils aim is to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create nuisance within the community.

Direction Act on nuisance complaints Mitigate the risk of nuisance

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Hindmarsh Shire Council

Management Ensure nuisance complaints are acted upon a timely manner through communication on preventative actions with animal owners.

Educate the community on their obligations under the act relating to nuisance.

Provide cat traps for the use of the community.

Encourage the community to use cat runs and cages to reduce the impact of cats on native fauna.

Provide doggy bags in public places for the collection of animal faeces.

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Measure Reduced number of complaints resulting in enforcement actions.

Reduction in the provision of cat traps.

Notable reduction of dead fauna found in public places.

Regular replacement of doggy bags in public places.

Increased number of doggy bag stations.

Reduce dog attacks

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 describes offences relating to dog attack, these include: A person must not wilfully set on or urge a dog to attack, bite, rush at or chase any person or animal except when hunting in accordance with the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

A person must not train a dog to attack, bite, rush at, chase or in any way menace persons, animals or anything worn by persons, unless the dog is so trained a.in the course of conducting a domestic animal business on premises that is registered, if training of such a nature is authorised under that registration; and b.that person i.is conducting; or ii.is employed by a person who is conducting— a domestic animal business on premises that is registered.

In some instances, imprisonment may result from a dog attack offence, Council has a zerotolerance approach to dog attack and will carry out enforcement in accordance with the law.

Council aims to prevent dog attack offences within the whole of the community.

Direction Proactively act on dog attack Mitigate the risk of dog attack

Management Apply enforcement in accordance with the law.

Educate the community on their obligations under law relating to the training of dogs.

Support the State Government statewide schools visitation program relating to behaviour around dogs.

Include dog attack information by way of pamphlet at Council Community and Information Centre’s which outlines Council procedures including investigative actions, liability and offences.

Routinely promote the importance of obedience training of dogs through social media resources. Actively engage with obedience training organisations to encourage services within communities.

Measure Reduction in the number of dog attack incidents.

Increase in the number of dogs having attended obedience training.

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Identify dangerous, menacing and restricted dog breeds

Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 a Council may declare a dog to be a dangerous dog.

Under certain circumstances a dog is considered a dangerous dog if: the dog is kept, or at any time has been kept, as a guard dog for the purpose of guarding non-residential premises; or the dog, at any time, has been trained to attack or bite any person or any thing when attached to or worn by a person; or the dog has caused the death of or serious injury to a person or animal by biting or attacking that person or animal; or the dog is a menacing dog and its owner has received at least 2 infringement notices in respect of the offence; or the dog has been declared a dangerous dog under a law of another State or a Territory of the Commonwealth.

Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 a Council may declare a dog to be a menacing dog.

Under certain circumstances a dog is considered a menacing dog if: the dog has rushed at or chased a person; or the dog bites any person or animal causing injury to that person or animal that is not in the nature of a serious injury; or the dog has been declared a menacing dog under a law of another State or a Territory of the Commonwealth.

Declaration of a dangerous or menacing dog may occur following an investigation into an incident or report, Council will make every effort to make a well-considered decision when declaring a dog. Councils’ decision will be based upon an investigation which will take into account the provisions of the Law under Division 3, Part 3, Section 34 and Section 41 of the Act. A restricted breed under the Act is described as a dog that is any one of the following breeds: Japanese Tosa (Tosa mastiff type) Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian mastiff type) Dogo Argentino (Argentine mastiff type) Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario (Spanish mastiff type) American Pit Bull Terrier (or Pit Bull Terrier) Council aims to prevent the occurrence of declared dogs and restricted breed dogs within the whole of the community.

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Hindmarsh Shire Council

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Direction Proactively act on declaration measures where it is imposed under the Act. Mitigate the occurrence of declared dogs and restricted breeds in the community.

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Hindmarsh Shire Council

Management Apply sound investigative procedures in the process of declaring dangerous and menacing dogs.

Ensure all dangerous dogs are desexed where applicable.

Ensure warning signs are placed at premises where a dangerous or restricted breed dog is kept.

Ensure declared and restricted breed dogs are contained appropriately and/or kept in a prescribed enclosure.

Ensure declared and restricted breed dogs are muzzled, kept under effective control by means of chain, cord or leash when outside the premises of the owner.

Educate the community on the importance of safe keeping and ownership obligations regarding declared dogs and restricted breed dogs.

Apply enforcement in accordance with the law relating to declarations and registry of restricted breeds.

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025-2029

Measure Reduction in successful appeals against declarations.

Increase in the incidence of desexed animals on the register.

Reduced enforcement and euthanasia actions against declared and restrictive breed dogs.

Reduced number of declared and restricted breed dogs within the community.

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Regulation of Domestic Animal Businesses

Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, Hindmarsh Shire Council is responsible for regulating Domestic Animal Businesses (DABs) within its municipality. These businesses include breeding establishments, boarding kennels, shelters, pet shops, and dog training facilities.

All DABs must be registered annually with Council, with renewals due by 10 April each year.

Council has the authority to refuse registration if a business fails to comply with legislative requirements or the relevant Code of Practice. Council may also impose special conditions on registrations to ensure animal welfare standards are met.

In breeding operations, individual animals must be registered once they are over three months of age. Council is responsible for conducting inspections and ensuring compliance with the applicable codes and standards. A $20 levy from each DAB registration is directed to state government programs that fund domestic animal education campaigns and provide support to pet owners and councils.

Council plays a critical role in ensuring compliance through inspections, enforcement, and collaboration with business operators.

These responsibilities form part of Council’s broader commitment to promoting animal welfare, public safety, and effective regulation of domestic animal activities across the Shire.

Direction Registration of Domestic Animal Businesses

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Hindmarsh Shire Council

Management Educate the community on their responsibilities regarding registration of Domestic Animal Businesses with Council.

Apply enforcement in accordance with the law relating to non-compliance with Domestic Animal Business regulations.

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Measure An increase in the numbers of Domestic Animal Business registrations.

An Increase in the occurrence of enforcement matters associated with Domestic Animal Businesses.

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Hindmarsh Shire Council

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Future Goals.

The Hindmarsh Shire Council’s Animal Management Plan outlines a clear and proactive framework for promoting responsible pet ownership, protecting public safety, and ensuring animal welfare. Through education, enforcement, and community engagement, the Plan addresses key areas such as dog attacks, overpopulation, dangerous breeds, and the regulation of domestic animal businesses.

Looking ahead, Council aims to expand low-cost desexing initiatives, increase registration compliance, strengthen partnerships with rescue organisations, and enhance officer training. Success will be measured through specific metrics, including increased registration and desexing rates, reduced dog attack and euthanasia incidents, improved community feedback, and a decline in the number of unidentifiable or unregistered animals. These goals reflect Council’s commitment to continuous improvement and its vision for a safe, informed, and compassionate community for both people and animals.

Review Measures.

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires that a Council must review its domestic animal management plan annually, and if appropriate, amend the plan. This plan will be reviewed on an annual basis by the Manager Planning and Environment in conjunction with council officers and key stakeholders. A report will be presented to Council and any amendments made to the plan will be forwarded the secretary.

Council Officers will also ensure that the outcomes of this Plan are reported in the Hindmarsh Shire Council Annual Report to the Auditor General.

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Hindmarsh Shire Council

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Legislation and Codes of Practice References.

References Source: Domestic Animals Act 1994 Topic: Animal Management, Registration, Dog Attacks, Dangerous Dogs, Animal Businesses Official Website Link: https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/domestic-animals-act1994/ Source: Domestic Animals Regulations 2015 & 2025 (proposed) Topic: Operational Requirements Official Website Link: https://engage.vic.gov.au/domestic-animals-regulations Source: Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA) Topic: Animal Welfare and Cruelty Prevention Official Website Link: https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/prevention-crueltyanimals-act-1986/ Source: POCTA Regulations 2019 Topic: Regulatory Standards Official Website Link: https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/as-made/statutory-rules/preventioncruelty-animals-regulations-2019 Source: Agriculture Victoria – Animal Welfare Victoria Topic: Codes of Practice under POCTA and DA Acts Official Website Link: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfarevictoria/pocta-act-1986/victorian-codes-of-practice-for-animal-welfare Source: RSPCA Victoria Topic: Recommended Welfare Standards Official Website Link: https://rspcavic.org/codes-of-practice/ Source: Local Government Act 2020 Topic: Council Governance and Powers Official Website Link: https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/as-made/acts/local-governmentact-2020 Source: Local Government Regulations Topic: Governance, Elections, Planning, Integrity Official Website Link: https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/actsand-legislation Source: Hindmarsh Shire Council Animal Management Plan 2021-2025 (Expired) Topic: Data References and completed actions.

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Main Office: 92 Nelson Street NHILL VIC 3418

Phone: 03 5391 4444

Postal Address: PO Box 250 NHILL VIC 3418

Website: www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au

Email: info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hindmarshshirecouncil

© Prepared by Hindmarsh Shire Council