Hume City Council has provided updates on changes to its Domestic Animal Management Plan and ongoing advocacy for stronger animal control laws in Victoria following high-profile dog attacks in Sunbury.
In response to public questions, Kristen Cherry, director of city Services & living, said the draft plan introduces key initiatives aimed at improving safety for both residents and animals.
She said measures include:
- Enhanced monitoring and response in high dog-incident areas
- Increased officer presence
- Improved reporting and promotion of the 24/7 dangerous dog hotline
- Partnerships with health providers and police to report attacks
- Community education campaigns on recognising and safely handling aggressive dog behaviour
Council officers have offered to meet with residents to discuss these changes in detail.
On legislative reform, Cherry confirmed that following a June 2025 Council resolution, the mayor wrote to the Minister for Agriculture seeking greater powers for authorised officers, including entry to properties where a dog involved in a serious attack is believed to be kept, and authority to use reasonable force when executing warrants or seizing animals.
The proposals were considered during the Domestic Animals Amendment (Rehoming Cats and Dogs and Other Matters) Bill 2025, which passed in September 2025.
While the Bill improved powers for outdoor areas such as backyards, it did not allow entry into occupied homes or explicit use of force.
Council said it remains committed to pursuing further changes and will continue engaging with sector partners – including the Municipal Association of Victoria, the Department of Agriculture, and other local councils – to support statewide improvements, including expanded training and guidance for animal management officers.
Council operates a 24/7 emergency service which can be reached on 9205 2200.
See our dog-attack archive here.