Proposal to abolish the requirement for mandatory desexing of dogs registered in Kingston
*This consultation closed on Friday 1 March 2024
Council is proposing to remove the requirement for dogs registered in Kingston to be desexed.
Currently, dogs registered in Kingston must be desexed at 3 months of age. This Local Law was implemented under veterinary guidance and has been aimed at reducing aggression, urges to roam, unwanted pregnancies and the risk of developing numerous health concerns, including certain cancers.
Since implementing this Local Law, veterinary guidance has changed, and it has become clear there is no standard ‘best age to desex’ dogs, as breeds differ physiologically. In line with this advice, Council is proposing to remove the requirement for mandatory desexing of dogs. Dog owners may still choose to desex their dogs if they wish.
Council is seeking input from community members on whether they would support removing the requirement for mandatory desexing of dogs.
Compulsory desexing will not be changing for cats, with mandatory desexing remaining at 3 months of age, in line with RSPCA and Australian Veterinary Association advice (we are not seeking input on changing the rules around compulsory desexing of cats).
Please take a moment to complete our short survey below, to indicate whether you would support removing the requirement for mandatory desexing of dogs.
Alternative options for sharing feedback
If you'd prefer to share your thoughts via email, mail or phone you can do so via:
email: info@kingston.vic.gov.au
mail: PO Box 1000, Mentone VIC 3194
phone: 1300 653 356.
We're also 'popping up' all over Kingston, to give our community the opportunity to submit feedback in person. You can speak to a Ranger or member of our Local Laws team:
- Saturday 3 February (8am – 12.30pm): Kingston Farmers Market, Cheltenham
- Wednesday 7 February (7.30am – 9am) – Edithvale Beach (at the Correa Street Entrance)
- Sunday 11 February (8.30am -12.30pm): Bonbeach Farmers Market, Bonbeach
- Saturday 17 February (9am – 12pm): Mentone foreshore 24hr dog beach, Mentone
- Friday 23 February (10am – 1pm): Heatherton Park off-leash dog area, Clayton South
To reduce your carbon footprint please consider getting to our events by using public transport if available, car sharing, or walking or cycling instead of driving.
Submissions close Friday 1 March 2024.
Thank you for taking the time to contribute.