Draft Hindmarsh Domestic Animal De-Sexing Policy

Share Draft Hindmarsh Domestic Animal De-Sexing Policy on Facebook Share Draft Hindmarsh Domestic Animal De-Sexing Policy on Twitter Share Draft Hindmarsh Domestic Animal De-Sexing Policy on Linkedin Email Draft Hindmarsh Domestic Animal De-Sexing Policy link

Purpose of Policy

The purpose of the new draft Hindmarsh Domestic Animal De-sexing Policy is to establish Council's approach to mandatory desexing for cats registered within Hindmarsh Shire, to support responsible pet ownership, reduce overpopulation, and improve animal welfare outcomes, consistent with Council’s Domestic Animal Management planning obligations.

This Policy gives effect to Council’s powers under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Vic) to refuse registration or renewal of registration of cats unless they are desexed or exempt.

Mandatory cat-desexing was an action identified in the Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2026–2029, supporting Council’s obligations under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce animal nuisance.

The policy intends to strengthen Council’s ability to meet key priorities in the Council Plan 2025–2029, including healthy and safe communities, improved township amenity, biodiversity protection, and equitable access to services. The policy also helps mitigate strategic risks such as environmental impacts, reputational issues, legislative compliance gaps, and financial pressures arising from unmanaged cat populations.

Please note: the draft Policy states that Council will support and promote responsible pet ownership and will progressively implement mandatory desexing to be completed by 31 December 2027, consistent with Council’s DAMP 2026–2029.

Feedback from You

Before Council adopts the new Policy, we'd like to hear from you! Please read the draft Policy (attached to this page) and complete the survey below and provide your feedback.

Please provide your feedback by 11:59pm on Thursday 28 May 2026.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact Cherylee Shandley, Manager Planning and Environment, on (03) 5391 4444, or email info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Purpose of Policy

The purpose of the new draft Hindmarsh Domestic Animal De-sexing Policy is to establish Council's approach to mandatory desexing for cats registered within Hindmarsh Shire, to support responsible pet ownership, reduce overpopulation, and improve animal welfare outcomes, consistent with Council’s Domestic Animal Management planning obligations.

This Policy gives effect to Council’s powers under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Vic) to refuse registration or renewal of registration of cats unless they are desexed or exempt.

Mandatory cat-desexing was an action identified in the Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2026–2029, supporting Council’s obligations under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce animal nuisance.

The policy intends to strengthen Council’s ability to meet key priorities in the Council Plan 2025–2029, including healthy and safe communities, improved township amenity, biodiversity protection, and equitable access to services. The policy also helps mitigate strategic risks such as environmental impacts, reputational issues, legislative compliance gaps, and financial pressures arising from unmanaged cat populations.

Please note: the draft Policy states that Council will support and promote responsible pet ownership and will progressively implement mandatory desexing to be completed by 31 December 2027, consistent with Council’s DAMP 2026–2029.

Feedback from You

Before Council adopts the new Policy, we'd like to hear from you! Please read the draft Policy (attached to this page) and complete the survey below and provide your feedback.

Please provide your feedback by 11:59pm on Thursday 28 May 2026.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact Cherylee Shandley, Manager Planning and Environment, on (03) 5391 4444, or email info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Page last updated: 11 May 2026, 06:34 PM