Hindmarsh Shire Council Adopts Desexing Policy

Published on 30 July 2026

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At the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 29 July 2026, Hindmarsh Shire Council adopted a new Desexing Policy for Domestic Animals (Cats) to help reduce unwanted litters, improve animal welfare outcomes, and support responsible pet ownership across the municipality. The policy follows community consultation undertaken as part of the development of the Domestic Animal Management Plan in 2025 where Council sought feedback on overpopulation of stray cats. Community responses indicated that they believed there was an overpopulation of stray cats in their area, with 95.9% of the 49 respondents supporting Councils initiative to require domestic cats to be desexed. Prior to the adoption of the policy, Council sought further feedback from the community through Council's Have Your Say Hindmarsh platform in May 2026. 

The policy has been developed under Section 10A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and will require cats to be desexed as a condition of registration or registration renewal unless exempt under the Act. The new requirements will commence from 1 January 2028, providing pet owners with more than 12 months to prepare.

Council received seven written submissions during the policy consultation period. Feedback demonstrated broad support for reducing unwanted litters and improving animal welfare, while also highlighting concerns about affordability, access to veterinary services, and compliance. Council considered all submissions before deciding to adopt the policy.

Council has acknowledged community concerns regarding access to affordable desexing services and will continue to support residents through low-cost desexing initiatives prior to the policy being enforced. Council currently partners with the Vet Project to deliver subsidised desexing clinics across the Shire and is exploring options to improve access to regular veterinary services in the future.

Mayor Cr Ron Ismay said the policy is a proactive step towards addressing the long-term challenges associated with cat overpopulation and stray animals.

"This policy is about reducing unwanted litters, improving animal welfare and encouraging responsible pet ownership. It provides a long-term solution that addresses the causes of cat overpopulation while balancing the needs of pet owners and the broader community."

The policy supports actions identified in Council's Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029 and aims to:

  • Promote responsible pet ownership.
  • Reduce unwanted litters and cat overpopulation.
  • Improve animal welfare outcomes.
  • Reduce impacts on neighbourhood amenity.
  • Protect native wildlife and biodiversity.

Current registration data shows that the majority of registered cats in Hindmarsh Shire are already desexed, indicating strong levels of responsible pet ownership within the community.

For more information, please contact Cherylee Shandley, Manager of Planning and Environment, on (03) 5391 4444, or email cshandley@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au. 

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer

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