A plan that manages everything from barking dogs to stray cats has been adopted by the Rural City of Wangaratta.

The Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025-29 details a range of interesting information, including the number of barking dog complaints received by council in 2024/25 was 63, while the number of cat traps hired was 120.

Electronic devices are used to monitor barking dogs in an effort to reach an amicable resolution between neighbours.

And council is also attempting to address the high volume of stray cats, particularly on rural properties, by setting cat traps.

The latter problem has brought a large increase in the number of feral cats impounded by council officers and subsequently being euthanased.

There's a section in the plan about managing animals during an emergency, for example when there's a bushfire, flood, disease outbreaks, and evacuations.

Dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs doesn't appear to be an a issue in the rural city, with only two registered, owners are required to abide by specific regulations including secure enclosures and display of warning signs.

The number of registered pets in Wangaratta last financial year included 4074 dogs and 1253 cats.

All dogs and cats over the age of three months are required to be registered.

The plan also highlights clear responsibilities for pet owners, including animal registration, microchipping, and ensuring pets are properly contained.

As part of these responsibilities, council is reminding residents of the rules regarding dogs in public spaces.

The plan details where off-leash parks exist, allowing dogs to freely exercise under the supervision of their gleeful owners.

However, those who are found not to comply with on-leash requirements could face a fine of more than $400.

Dogs are only allowed off leash in the seven designated areas in Wangaratta:

• Collyn-Dale Drive Parkland

• Creek View End Reserve

• Mitchell Avenue Park

• Northern Beaches

• South Wangaratta Reserve (excluding the sports fields)

• Targoora Park Oval

• Willow Park Reserve

Feedback to the draft plan was received but none of it was added to the final plan, with several topics falling outside the scope of the document.

To view the plan visit https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au and search the plan.