Regulatory Impact Statement for Domestic Animals Regulations 2025

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 (the Act) is Victoria’s primary legislation to promote animal welfare, the responsible ownership of dogs and cats, and to protect the environment and community through requirements including:

• A registration and identification scheme for cats and dogs which encourages responsible pet ownership and assists in reuniting lost pets with their owners
• Requirements for matters relating to breeding and selling cats and dogs to ensure appropriate animal welfare outcomes
• A registration scheme for domestic animal businesses which ensures acceptable standards are upheld in those businesses
• A scheme to protect the community from risks posed by dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and restricted breed dogs.

The Regulations sunset on 24 November 2025. This Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) evaluates options for remaking the sunsetting Regulations in accordance with Better Regulation Victoria’s (BRV’s) Victorian Guide to Regulation and the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994.

The RIS was written by Sally Carrick and Michelle Jacques.

For more information please go to the Engage Victoria website.