ORDER 2025 Domestic Animals Act 1994

This Order is made under Section 10A(2), 25(2) and 26(2) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994

The Yarra Ranges Council has resolved to make an Order to do the following:

a) Prohibit the presence of dogs and cats in designated public places under certain conditions within the municipal district; and

b) Impose conditions on the presence of dogs in any public place of the municipal district; and

c) Impose conditions on the presence of cats at large or not securely confined to the owner's premises.

d) Require all cats to be desexed prior to registration unless an exemption applies

Meaning of words in this Order

Effective Control: the owner of any dog has the dog on a leash or has the dog under voice command, can see what the dog is doing and can demonstrate that the dog will return promptly on command.

Leash: a long narrow piece of leather, strap, chain or cord, not exceeding 1.5m in length, that is fastened to a collar on a dog's neck or is attached by harness or halter in order to control the dog.

Owner: has the same meaning as in the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

Public Place: has the same meaning as in Section 3 of the Summary Offences Act 1966.

1. Revocation

1.1 On 31 July 2026, all previous orders made by Council in accordance with section 26 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 are revoked. 

2. Commencement

2.1 The order in accordance with section 10A(2) commences on 31 July 2026.

2.2 The order in accordance with section 25(2) commences on 31 July 2026.

2.3 The order in accordance with section 26(2) commences on 31 July 2026.

3. Dogs exercised 'On Leash'

3.1 The owner of any dog must keep the dog held or secured on a leash when the dog is in any public place or Council reserve not designated as an off-leash area.

3.2 The owner of any dog must keep the dog held or secured on a leash when the dog is in any public place or Council reserve not designated as an off-leash area and must not allow the dog to worry, threaten, rush or attack another person or animal.

4. Dogs exercised ‘Off-Leash’

A dog may be exercised off a leash in a designated 'off-leash' area, as prescribed in Schedule A under the following conditions:

4.1 the owner carries a leash to be able to promptly place the dog on a leash if that becomes necessary;

4.2 the owner remains in effective control of the dog;

4.3 the owner does not allow the dog to worry, threaten, rush or attack another person or animal; and

4.4 The owner obeys all rules displayed on signs to do with an off-leash area.

5. Areas where Dogs and Cats are Prohibited

5.1 Dogs and cats are prohibited at all times in areas prescribed in Schedule A; and

5.2 Dogs and cats are prohibited at all times:

a) on all ovals/sports fields except with the agreement of a Committee of Management for the purposes of dog obedience training;

b) within 20 metres of all fixed playground equipment;

c) within 20 meters of all fixed fitness equipment;

d) within 20 metres of permanent BBQ or picnic area; and

e) on designated beach areas.

6. Cat Confinement

6.1 All owners of cats must keep their cat/s securely confined to the owner's property and not allow their cat/s to wander at large outside the owner's premises anywhere within the municipal district at any time.

7. Mandatory Desexing

7.1 Council will not register or renew the registration of a cat over three months old unless:

a) The cat is desexed; or

b) The cat is exempt from being desexed under section 10B of the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

8. Exemptions:

This order is not applicable to public lands not owned or managed by Council.

This Order is sealed by Council in accordance with its resolution on 28 October 2025 adopting ORDER No. 2025.

Chief Executive Officer

Yarra Ranges Council

Previous Orders:

14 G1 7 January 1999 Victoria Government Gazette

G1 1 15 March 2001 Victoria Government Gazette

G 13 Thursday 27 March 2014 Victoria Government Gazette

G 5 Thursday 5 February 2015 Victoria Government Gazette

Schedule A: Prescribed Off-Leash and Prohibited Areas