Frankston City champions responsible pet ownership
Published on 25 September 2025
Frankston City Council is celebrating a pet-friendly community, with nearly 1,000 residents helping shape the city’s new Domestic Animal Management Plan, a recent court case highlighting the need for registration and permits, and a pawsome new event for animal lovers.
Community shapes future animal management
Almost 1,000 residents shared their ideas during consultation on Council’s new Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) – a four-year roadmap for the care and management of cats and dogs.
The draft plan’s key proposals include a new Dogs in Public Places Policy and a staged rollout of a 24-hour cat curfew, reflecting community calls for safer spaces, clearer rules and stronger protection for wildlife.
Community views, feedback and input will be used to prepare a final Domestic Animal Management Plan which will be presented to Council for consideration and adoption later this year.
Court case reinforces registration rules
Two Frankston North residents were fined more than $15,000 after Council officers, supported by Victoria Police, found 13 dogs and a litter of puppies being kept in poor conditions without the required registrations and permits.
Cr Brad Hill said the case showed Council would act decisively when laws are ignored: “Irresponsible pet ownership affects not just the welfare of animals, but also the amenity and safety of our community. Council will not hesitate to prosecute when people disregard the law.”
Great Pet-Together comes to Ballam Park
Costumed canines, dachshund races, pup-eating contests and even goat yoga will headline Frankston’s Great Pet-Together at Ballam Park on Sunday 12 October.
Dedicated to our furry besties, the Great Pet-Together is packed with entertainment, activities, market stalls, food trucks, and of course – loads of cuddles with cute pups and friendly goats.
Mayor Kris Bolam said the free, family-friendly event was a joyful celebration of pets and community: “Where else can you race a dachshund, cuddle a goat and shop for gourmet dog biscuits all in one place?”
Highlights include a community dog walk, pet costume parade, butterfly enclosure, market stalls and food trucks.
For more information on the Great Pet-Together, visit The Great Pet-Together - Frankston City Council