We’ve got a new plan to protect the welfare and safety of all animals in our community.
Bayside’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022-26 (DAMP) was adopted by Council this week following extensive community consultation and sets out our activities, services and programs to support and encourage responsible dog and cat ownership over the next four years.
“The new DAMP will strengthen restrictions for cats to protect both their safety and native wildlife, and better support pet owners through education, promoting training, reviewing beach restrictions, and encouraging the early registration of puppies and kittens with discounts,” said Bayside Mayor Cr Alex del Porto.
Cats that are kept safely at home are at less risk of injury from cars, disease and other animals, and prevented from killing native wildlife.
Restrictions for cats will increase in stages from 1 January 2023, beginning with extending the existing night cat curfew to start earlier at 6pm – 6am outside of daylight-saving times, before moving to 24-hour cat containment in 2025/26.
Day and night cat containment will require owners to always keep their cats on their property and not allow them to roam. These increased restrictions are in line with the current requirements for dogs. There is no requirement for outdoor cat enclosures or escape proof fencing.
Council will support cat owners through this four-year transition period through education and partnerships, including a new pet-focussed community working group and the RSPCA.
Actions we'll deliver over the next four years
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Timeline item 1 - complete
Review registration fees, including the desexing rebate program to encourage early puppy and kitten registrations.
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Timeline item 2 - complete
Increase patrols of reserves and foreshore during key times, such as summer and sport seasons
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Timeline item 3 - complete
Encourage training of dogs through awareness, education and incentives
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Timeline item 4 - complete
Improve safe, shared use of off-leash sportsgrounds by working with local sports clubs and dog owners
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Timeline item 5 - complete
Strengthen cat restrictions by extending the night curfew during non-daylight saving times from 1 January 2023, and transitioning to cat containment (day and night) in 2025/26
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Timeline item 6 - complete
Build better relationships through a pet-focussed community working group
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Timeline item 7 - complete
Continue to promote the many benefits of pet ownership
Community consultation
The proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan has been informed by two phases of community engagement.

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Have your say on the draft Plan
Tell us what you think about new proposed actions and initiatives, including cat containment and a future review of beach restrictions.
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Need more information?
Read answers to frequently asked questions or ask your own question.
Learn more about pets and animals in Bayside, including places for walkies and registration.
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Pets Day Out
Sunday 10 April: Cheltenham Park, Cheltenham 12-4pm
Pets Day Out will feature a pet parade, food stalls, exhibitors, music and activities for owners and pets alike. Pop in to the Have Your Say marquee to talk about the draft Plan and pick up some special gifts for your furry family member.
There is also discounted pet registration at just $4.10 for all new pets under 6 months!
Timeline
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Timeline item 1 - complete
Research and new ideas
18 October - 28 November 2021
First phase of community consultation to measure community experience, expectations and satisfaction, and test new ideas.
Read our community engagement plan.
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Timeline item 2 - complete
Set actions for draft DAMP 2022-26
December 21 - February 22
Analyse community feedback and set objectives and actions for a draft DAMP 2022-26
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Timeline item 3 - complete
Draft DAMP open for feedback
17 March - 18 April 2022
Council considered the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022-26 at its March 2022 meeting.
The second phase of community engagement will measure community support for key actions within the Plan. Then we’ll revise the draft Plan in response to feedback received.
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Timeline item 4 - active
A new DAMP for Bayside
May 2022
Council adopted a Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022-26 in May 2022. Read the meeting minutes.
News updates
Community engagement plan
Contact us
If you’d like a printed survey or to learn more about this project, contact us via the details below. Printed surveys will also be available from Council's Corporate Centre and Bayside libraries during consultation periods. Anonymous submissions will also be accepted via any of the below methods.
Name | Local Laws |
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Phone | 9599 4626 |
damp@bayside.vic.gov.au | |
Website | www.bayside.vic.gov.au/services/pets-and-animals |
In writing | 76 Royal Avenue, or PO Box 27 Sandringham 3091 |