Thank you for sharing your feedback on our draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029.
We invited input over four weeks, from 3 September to 1 October, and received 279 pieces of feedback. Below is a summary of what we heard and how your feedback shaped the final Plan.
The Plan was adopted by Council at its meeting on 25 November 2025 — and will guide how we manage dogs and cats in Glen Eira over the next four years.
We invited feedback on our draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029 over four weeks, from 3 September to 1 October.
During this time, we received 279 pieces of feedback, made up of:
Below is a snapshot of what we heard. You can also read the full engagement summary report for more detail.
The Plan prioritises education through improved signage, updated resources, and awareness campaigns to help owners understand leash rules, dog behaviour, legal responsibilities, and to support owners transition to a cat curfew.
The Plan sets out best-practice training for officers, including empathetic and trauma-informed approaches, and a fair enforcement model that prioritises education and warnings before fines, while complying with state legislation.
The Plan maintains reduced registration fees for desexed and microchipped pets, and for concession card holders, consistent with other Victorian councils.
The Plan supports subsidised desexing and prioritises rehoming to reduce unowned cats and dogs.
The Plan commits to stronger protocols and encourages detailed reporting from residents when issues arise.
The Plan includes regular audits and stronger collaboration with local businesses to improve animal management.
The Plan confirms Council will continue to follow state legislation and advocate for stronger regulations to improve animal management.
The Plan introduces new activities but notes there is limited scope to expand off-leash areas.
We’re developing a new Domestic Animal Management Plan (the Plan) to guide how we manage dogs and cats in Glen Eira from 2026 to 2029.
Pets are an important part of life for many Glen Eira residents, and they bring joy, companionship and connection.
In 2024–25, we’ve registered over 12,000 dogs and 4,000 cats — so we know how much our residents care about their furry family members.
But when not well managed, animals can also cause nuisance or safety concerns. That’s why it’s important to have a clear and balanced approach that reflects our community’s needs and expectations.
Whether you own a pet or not, we want to hear your ideas, experiences and concerns — to make sure the new Plan reflects our whole community.
Have your say by Wednesday 1 October 📅
The Plan is a legal requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and must be renewed every four years.
It helps us set out how we promote responsible pet ownership, support animal welfare and keep our public spaces safe for everyone.
How council staff are trained to handle animal-related issues, like investigating complaints or enforcing local laws.
Making sure pets are registered and microchipped so they can be easily returned if lost and tracked if needed.
Managing problems like barking dogs, roaming pets, or animals causing damage to property.
Preventing and responding to incidents where dogs bite or injure people or other animals.
Rules and actions around dogs that are considered high-risk due to behaviour or breed.
Addressing unowned cats and dogs and working to ensure all shelter animals are rehomed, where appropriate.
Oversight of pet shops, breeding facilities, boarding kennels, and other businesses that work with animals.
Your feedback will help us improve how we:
Community engagement is open until Wednesday 1 October. Have your say by:
In June, we asked for your feedback on whether a cat curfew would be right for Glen Eira — and more than 3,000 community members had their say. We know this is something many of you care deeply about.
We’re now reviewing all the feedback, and no decision has been made yet. Whatever the outcome, it will be reflected in our new Domestic Animal Management Plan.
That’s why this Plan is so important — and why we want to hear from local voices to shape our approach to managing animals in Glen Eira.
Glen Eira City Council is committed to protecting the personal information provided by you in accordance with the principles of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic). The privacy collection notice explains the purpose for which information is collected, and how we will use and handle the information. You can view the privacy collection notice for this project here: Privacy Collection Notice.
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Phone | 03 9524 3333 |
|---|---|
| mail@gleneira.vic.gov.au |
