To ensure animals are well cared for, and the community continues to enjoy safe and responsible pet ownership, a draft Benalla Rural City Council Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 is now available for community feedback.
The document sets out how council will manage cats and dogs across the municipality over the next four years.
It includes strategies to promote responsible pet ownership, balance the needs of pet owners with those of the wider community, reduce the incidence of dog attacks, and address issues such as nuisance animals and cat containment.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn said the draft plan was an important step in ensuring the community continued to benefit from the many positive aspects of pet ownership, while also addressing the challenges that could arise.
“Pets are an important part of family life, but we also know they come with responsibilities,” Cr Hearn said.
“The draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 recognises the need to support both pet owners and the wider community by ensuring clear guidelines and fair management practices are in place.”
Cr Hearn encouraged the community to take part in the consultation process.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible, whether you are a pet owner, or someone with ideas about how we can improve the way animals are managed in Benalla Rural City,” she said.
A copy of the draft plan can be downloaded from haveyoursay.benalla.vic.gov.au
It can also be viewed at, or obtained from, BRCC’s customer service centre, 1 Bridge St, Benalla, between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
Any person who wishes to make a submission on the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 can do so by completing the online submission form, sending a written submission to Benalla Rural City Council, PO Box 227, Benalla, Vic, 3672, or emailing it to council@benalla.vic.gov.au
Submissions close at 5pm on Wednesday, October 1.
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