Paws and reflect: tell us what matters for pets in the Shire

Published on 09 July 2025

photograph of pug in a pram, the pug is wearing a crocheted headband with flowers on it

The draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029 (DAMP) is now open for feedback – and whether you own a pet or not, this is your chance to influence how we manage cats, dogs and animal related services over the next four years.

What’s the DAMP all about?

The DAMP is a legal requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and helps Council:

Support responsible pet ownership
Keep the community and wildlife safe
Reduce nuisance reports (like barking or roaming animals)
Encourage registration, microchipping and desexing
Respond to dog attacks and manage high-risk breeds
Partner with rescue groups and reduce euthanasia rates

What’s in it for you?

This is your chance to share:

What responsible pet ownership means to you and your community.
What laws, services or issues you think need more attention.
Your priorities for education, enforcement and public spaces.
Your ideas to improve how we manage pets, people and places across the Peninsula.
What future programs or support you'd like to see — from leash-free areas to desexing help and more.

How to get involved

Community consultation is currently open and closes 8 August 2025.

Online
Go to mornpen.vic.gov.au/damp and take the survey online.

In person

Bittern Market
13 July 2025, 8am – 1pm
Yawa Aquatic Centre
15 July 2025, 8.30 – 11.30am
38 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento
24 July 2025, 10am – 2pm
Mount Eliza Farmers’ Market
27 July 2025, 9am – 1pm

In writing
Hard copy feedback forms are available on request at any of our Customer Service Centres at Hastings, Mornington and Rosebud.

You can submit them via email at DAMP@mornpen.vic.gov.au or via post:

Domestic Animal Management Plan
Mornington Peninsula Shire
Private Bag 1000, Rosebud, Victoria, 3939

Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh:

“Pets bring so much joy to our lives, and we want to make sure the rules and services that support them reflect what matters most to our community. This is your chance to help shape the future of animal management on the Peninsula.”