HAVE YOUR SAY on the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029

Published on 30 October 2025

Hindmarsh Shire Council has prepared a draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) for 2026-2029. Before it is formally adopted for implementation, Council is seeking feedback from the community. The DAMP will provide the framework for dog and cat management within Hindmarsh Shire. The framework aims to create an environment that encourages responsible pet ownership where people and pets integrate safely and harmoniously within the community.

The draft plan outlines strategies for managing domestic animals in the community, aiming to promote responsible pet ownership, reduce nuisance and risk, and improve animal welfare. It sets goals for education, enforcement and collaboration with rescue groups, while addressing local challenges like stray animals and livestock disturbance. The plan uses data to guide actions and will be reviewed annually to ensure effectiveness and compliance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

The key themes of the plan are:

• Responsible Pet Ownership – promoting cat and dog registration, microchipping, desexing and education.
• Community Safety and Nuisance Reduction – managing issues like barking dogs, strays and animal attacks.
• Animal Welfare and Population Control – supporting rehoming and reducing euthanasia through desexing and rescue partnerships.
• Enforcement and Compliance – training officers and enforcing laws related to domestic animals.
• Local Context and Environmental Protection – addressing rural specific challenges like livestock disturbance and wildlife impact.

Cr Ron Ismay, Mayor said “Thank you to the community members who have already provided their input to help Council prepare this draft plan. I strongly encourage anyone who lives in Hindmarsh Shire and has animals, to provide their feedback on Council’s Have Your Say page. This will be the last opportunity to provide feedback before the plan is presented to Council for adoption, later this year.”

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer