Cr Rochelle Halstead with her dog Invee and new puppy Sanny. A community engagement session about the Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) will be held in Cowes at Berninneit on Tuesday May 20 from 12pm until 2pm.
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) for 2026-2029 and wants to hear from you - whether you're a pet owner or not.
The DAMP is a four-year Plan that council says provides a "a strategic, balanced approach to ensuring responsible pet ownership".
The DAMP sets out how Council manages domestic animals, trains authorised officers, and supports a healthy balance between pets, their owners and the broader community, and covers aspects like microchipping and registration, to leash laws and dog parks.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, knows the importance and joys of responsible pet ownership firsthand.
"Our family has two dogs, Invee and our newest addition, Sanny," Cr Halstead said.
"I was proud to register Sanny using Council's new online system. It's quick, easy, and part of what responsible ownership looks like - alongside microchipping, vaccinations, and good training."
The previous Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-25 included the phased rollout of 24/7 cat containment. Other achievements include a notable increase in pet registrations, upgraded pound facilities, improvements in signage, more beach patrols, a subsidised cat de-sexing program, and community education campaigns that boosted awareness around registration and responsible pet ownership.
Consultation
As part of this consultation, Council is seeking feedback on responsible pet ownership and managing dogs in public spaces.
Off-leash facilities and regulations at three key locations have been identified for potential upgrades:
- Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes (119-133 Settlement Road)
- Headland Way Reserve, Inverloch (31-41 Ullathornes Road)
- Rhyll Recreation Reserve, Rhyll (42-52 Lock Road)
You can attend one of the upcoming community engagement sessions.
- Berninneit, Cowes: Tuesday May 20, 12pm - 2pm
- Inverloch Community Hub: Thursday May 29, 3pm - 5pm
- Wonthaggi Plaza: Monday June 2, 4pm - 6pm
- Corinella & District Community Centre: Thursday June 5, 10am - 12pm
Stage one of community consultation is open until June 9.
Council said community input will help shape the Draft DAMP, which will be released later this year for further community feedback.
It is a requirement under the Domestic Animal Management Act 1994 to develop and implement a DAMP every four years.
To learn more go to: engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/DAMP
