Have Your Say – Hindmarsh Domestic Animal De-Sexing Policy
Published on 07 May 2026
At the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 6 May 2026, Council endorsed the draft Hindmarsh Domestic Animal De-Sexing Policy for a period of public consultation.
The purpose of the new draft Hindmarsh Domestic Animal De-sexing Policy is to establish Councils approach to mandatory desexing for cats registered within Hindmarsh Shire to support responsible pet ownership, reduce overpopulation, and improve animal welfare outcomes, consistent with Councils Domestic Animal Management planning obligations.
This Policy gives effect to Councils 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 Councils 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.
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.
Before Council adopts the new Policy, we'd like to hear from you! Please read the draft Policy and provide your feedback. To view the draft policy and to provide your feedback, please visit www.haveyoursay.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/draft-hindmarsh-domestic-animal-de-sexing-policy.
Please provide your feedback by 11:59pm on Thursday 28 May 2026.
For more information, please contact Cherylee Shandley, Manager Planning and Environment, on 03 5391 4444, or email info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer