DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLAN - 2017-2021 Reviewed October 2020 - Corangamite Shire
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CORANGAMITE SHIRE
DOMESTIC ANIMAL
MANAGEMENT PLAN
2017-2021
Reviewed October 2020
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 1
CONTENTS OVERVIEW 3 DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLANS 4 SUMMARY 5 INTRODUCTION 5 TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS 7 REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION 9 NUISANCE 12 DOG ATTACKS 16 DANGEROUS, MENACING AND RESTRICTED BREED DOGS 18 OVERPOPULATION AND HIGH EUTHANASIA 22 DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES 26 OTHER MATTERS 28 ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLAN AND ANNUAL REPORTING 30 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION 31 APPENDIX 1 GENERAL LOCAL LAWS NO. 1 (2015) POLICY - ANIMALS 2017 32 POLICY - USE OF COUNCIL LAND 2017 POLICY - USE OF PRIVATE LAND 2014 2 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021
CORANGAMITE SHIRE OVERVIEW
Corangamite Shire is located 190 The Corangamite Shire is a neighbour to
kilometres south-west of Melbourne on Colac-Otway, Golden Plains, Pyrenees,
CORANGAMITE SHIRE
the Great South Coast. The municipality Ararat and Moyne Shires and currently
stretches from the Great Ocean Road in has an estimated population of 16,133
Skipton
the south to the pastoral area of Skipton people.
in the north.
In 2016-17 there were 3,104 dogs
Corangamite takes its name from the and 1,058 cats registered within the
Derrinallum
huge inland lake on the Shire’s eastern community (refer to Table 1 below for
Lismore
boundary. It is a renowned farming further animal management statistics).
Darlington region, producing milk, wool, beef and Animal registrations in the Shire have
prime lamb. For residents and visitors fluctuated slightly over the last few years
Noorat
Camperdown alike, Corangamite offers beautiful and continue to decline.
Terang beaches, rugged coastline, volcanic
Council currently has no operating
lakes and craters and pastoral country.
Cobden domestic animal businesses or breeding/
Corangamite’s communities include
boarding establishments or pet shops.
Camperdown, Terang, Port Campbell,
Timboon Simpson There are a small number of greyhound
Cobden, Lismore, Derrinallum, Skipton,
Port Campbell trainers however these are regulated and
Princetown, Simpson, Noorat, Darlington
inspected by Greyhound Racing Victoria.
and Timboon.
Princetown
POPULATION REGISTERED DOGS
16,133 3,104
ABS 2017 2016
AREA REGISTERED CATS
4,400 1,058
SQUARE KILOMETRES 2016
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 3
DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLANS
Under Section 68A of the Domestic vi. to minimise the potential
Animals Act 1994, every municipality for dogs and cats to create a
must prepare a domestic animal nuisance; and
management plan, as follows: vii. to effectively identify all
68A Councils to prepare domestic dangerous dogs, menacing
animal management plans dogs and restricted breed
(1) Every Council must, in dogs in that district and to
consultation with the ensure that those dogs are
Secretary (of the Department kept in compliance with this
of Primary Industries), prepare Act and the regulations; and
at 4 year intervals a domestic
d. provide for the review of
animal management plan.
existing orders made
(2) A domestic animal
under this Act and
management plan prepared
local laws that relate
by a Council must—
to the Council’s municipal
a. set out a method for district with a view to
evaluating whether determining whether further
the animal control services orders or local laws dealing
provided by the Council in with the management of dogs
its municipal district are and cats in the municipal
adequate to give effect to district are desirable; and
the requirements of this Act e. provide for the review of
and the regulations; and any other matters related
b. outline programs for the to the management of
training of authorised dogs and cats in the
officers to ensure that Council’s municipal district
they can properly administer that it thinks necessary; and
and enforce the requirements f. provide for
of this Act in the Council’s the periodic evaluation of
municipal district; and any program, service,
c. outline programs, services strategy or review outlined
and strategies which the under the plan.
Council intends to pursue in
its municipal district— (3) Every Council must—
i. to promote and encourage a. review its domestic animal
the reponsible ownership of management plan annually
dogs and cats; and and, if appropriate, amend
ii. to ensure that people the plan; and
comply with this Act, b. provide the Secretary with
the regulations and any a copy of the plan and any
related legislation; amendments to the plan; and
iii. to minimise the risk of c. publish an evaluation of its
attacks by dogs on people implementation of the plan in
animals; and its annual report.
iv. to address any over-
population and high
euthanasia rates for dogs
and cats; and
v. to encourage the
registration and
identification of dogs and
cats; and
4 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021
SUMMARY
The Corangamite Shire Domestic public areas, highlight the benefits of development, community education
Animal Management Plan (DAMP) microchipping and encourage all dog to improve responsible pet ownership,
has been developed to adhere to the owners to clean up after their dog/s. identification and registration of
State Government requirement that animals, compliance and enforcement
The DAMP presents information on
all municipalities must have a current of Local Laws associated with
registered domestic animal statistics,
DAMP in place. pet ownership, domestic animal
the Local Laws team, operational
businesses and declared dogs.
The Corangamite Shire’s DAMP aims structures and procedures, and current
to provide a safe environment for programs and services.
all whilst promoting responsible pet
In detail, the DAMP outlines the
ownership across the entire Shire. Our
planned programs and initiatives of the
emphasis is to promote registrations of
Local Laws team including training and
all pets, effective control of dogs within
INTRODUCTION
The aim of the Corangamite Shire • promote microchipping and benefits
DAMP is to provide Council with clear of desexing; and
direction as to how it will encourage
• encouraging owners to clean up after
more residents within Corangamite
dogs
Shire to be responsible pet owners and
encourage pet owners to abide by the Outcomes that will contribute to
Laws that have been put in place for achieving the above aims include:
the benefit of the wider community. 1. Increasing the skills of and
The aim will be achieved by: resources available to Council
officers
• providing the community with
a clear understanding of Council’s 2. Increasing dog and cat registration
expectations of pet owners; levels
• reinforcing to the community 3. Decreasing the incidence of dogs at
Council’s commitment to large and nuisance behaviour
improving standards associated 4. Actively managing dangerous,
with pet ownership; and restricted breed and menacing dogs
• clearly describing to the community 5. Decreasing the incidence of dog
the role and actions Council attacks
will take to improve the level of
responsible pet ownership 6. Decreasing impacts associated
throughout Corangamite Shire. with overpopulation and feral
cats, and promoting responsible cat
The Corangamite Shire’s responsible ownership
pet ownership program for the life of
this plan will focus on: 7. Ensuring the operation of new
Domestic Animal Businesses are in
• education accordance with the applicable laws
• registration of domestic animals and Codes of Practice
• dogs being under suitable control
• controlling nuisance animals
including feral animals
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 5
DOMESTIC ANIMAL RELATED STATISTICS
TABLE ONE - CORANGAMITE SHIRE DOMESTIC ANIMAL DATA
YEAR 2014 2015 2016
REGISTERED DOGS 3167 3466 3104
Desexed dogs 1947
Dogs impounded 112 111 58
Dogs returned to owner 77 82 37
Dogs rehoused 7 13 7
Dogs euthanised 25 2 10
Dogs surrendered to Council 3 4 4
Dogs declared menacing 1 1 1
Dogs declared dangerous 0 4 5
Restricted breed dogs 3 3 3
REGISTERED CATS 1087 1205 1058
Desexed cats - - 1034
Cats impounded 62 67 100
Cats returned to owner 8 2 3
Cats rehoused 7 6 4
Cats euthanised (not including surrendered and euthanised) 43 53 66
Cats surrendered to Council and euthanised 4 6 27
TABLE TWO - CORANGAMITE SHIRE TABLE THREE - CORANGAMITE SHIRE
DOG ATTACK STATISTICS DECLARED DOGS
Number of reported dog on dog attacks 3 CLASSIFICATION 2014 2015 2016
Number of dog on person attacks 4 Restricted breed 3 3 3
Number of reported dog on livestock attacks 5 Dangerous dog 0 5 6
Number of reported dog on cat / other attacks 2 Menacing dog 1 1 3
TABLE FOUR - CORANGAMITE SHIRE EUTHANISED ANIMAL DATA 2016
UNABLE TO REHOUSE DUE TO SURRENDERED BY
WILD / FERAL TOTAL
BEHAVIOUR ISSUES OWNER
Dogs 10 0 4 14
Cats 9 57 27 93
6 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021
5. TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS
5.1 CURRENT AND PLANNED TRAINING
Council’s training and development is Council’s annual training is developed
designed to ensure all staff involved individually with each staff member to
in animal management have the ensure they receive the required and if
knowledge and skills necessary to carry possible desired training.
out their daily activities safely and
effectively.
AUTHORISED OFFICER TRAINING - BASIC WHEN PLANNED
Encourage Officers to undertake refresher training in compliance procedures At annual review Annually
Infringement training (refresher) 3-4 year cycle 2019
OH&S training-dealing with aggressive customers Annually June
Customer service training-conflict resolution, telephone protocols Annually June
Bureau of animal welfare-training and information days When offered
AUTHORISED OFFICER TRAINING - ADDITIONAL WHEN PLANNED
Firearm safety Annually January
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 7
5.2 PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENT
OBJECTIVE 1:
DEVELOP A TRAINING PLAN THAT CLEARLY IDENTIFIES MINIMUM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
AND ANY ADDITIONAL TRAINING NEEDS THAT SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY AUTHORISED
OFFICERS
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Identify training requirements during Annually Attend all relevant training
Council’s annual review system
OBJECTIVE 2:
DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A TRAINING REGISTER FOR INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS DETAILING
COMPLETED AND PROPOSED TRAINING BY DECEMBER EACH YEAR
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Create a spreadsheet listing each Annually HR to review and deliver any proposed
officer’s name and their completed training opportunities
training, along with proposed training
OBJECTIVE 3:
ENSURE ALL NEW AUTHORISED OFFICERS HAVE COMPLETED THEIR MINIMUM TRAINING
REQUIREMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF APPOINTMENT
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Identify minimum training for officers Within 12 months of HR to ensure all new Officers have
(eg. OH&S, animal handling), and appointment completed initial training and any
create spreadsheet to record when refresher training requirements
officers complete training
8 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021
6. REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION
All dogs and cats over the age of are sent out every year, allowing pet Domestic Animals Act (1994). Council
3 months must be registered with owners to renew their pet’s registration has recently moved to a lifetime tag
the Corangamite Shire as per State via the internet or in person. Council system where each registered animal is
legislation; newly registered animals audits the registration renewal process issued a registration number when first
must also be micro-chipped before every year to ensure animal registration registered which is retained for the life
registration can be accepted. is renewed. of the animal. This has assisted with the
identification of animals as the previous
New animal registrations for cats and Animals found unsecured or at large
annual tag system created issues if the
dogs can be made in person at the Shire from their property that are identifiable
incorrect tag was on the animal.
Offices at 181 Manifold St, Camperdown, by means of an allocated Corangamite
Monday – Friday between 8:30 am – Shire identification marker have a higher The registration of animals provides
5 pm, or by mail with the appropriate chance of being reunited with their Corangamite Shire with an understanding
payment and copies of relevant proof owners and therefore not impounded. of the level of pet ownership in the
required. community and in turn helps the
When dogs and cats are outside of
Shire plan for services, information
Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, the owner‘s premises, Corangamite
and programs associated with pets in
animal registration periods expire on 10 Shire identification tags must be
particular areas of the community.
April each year. Animal renewal notices worn as outlined in section 20 of the
6.1 CURRENT SITUATION 6.2 SUMMARY
Registration numbers of both dogs
CURRENT ORDERS, LOCAL CURRENT COMPLIANCE and cats are falling slightly each
LAWS, COUNCIL POLICIES ACTIVITIES year.
AND PROCEDURES Council’s aim is to work with the This can be attributed to a slight
community to achieve compliance population reduction within
Council has a range of policies and
with legislation. Corangamite Shire, however
Local Laws which support responsible
Current activities include: unregistered animals are still
pet ownership within the community
detected on a regular basis and are
and assist animal owners to • Media promotion
therefore considered an issue for
understand their responsibilities. The • Patrolling
the community.
relevant policies and Local Laws are
• Response to complaints
included in Appendix 1. Registration and identification of
• Early morning and late afternoon
pets are fundamental elements of
spot inspections
CURRENT EDUCATION / responsible pet ownership and are
• Enforce cases of failing to register central to Council’s services and
PROMOTION ACTIVITIES
• Provide registration forms to future planning.
Council undertakes a range of Veterinary Clinics
The ability to accurately identify
activities to promote responsible
• Door knocks and return animals when they are
pet ownership and compliance with
• Information about the need to lost or wandering ensures pets and
registration requirements. These
register domestic pets sent out owners are reunited in the shortest
include:
to rural properties possible time.
• Media articles in local papers
• Counter services at Council offices
• Flyers and newsletter
• Annual microchipping week
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 9
6.3 PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENT
OBJECTIVE 1:
IMPROVE THE ACCURACY OF COUNCIL’S REGISTRATION DATABASE
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Improve the accuracy of Council’s pet July-August each year Ensure that Council’s pet registration database
registration database by contacting can be accurately cross referenced with
Central Animal Records and obtaining Central Animal Records data
details of all pets microchipped in the
Aim for an increase in the accuracy of the
municipality
numbers of pet registration following Central
Check that all animals are listed on Animal Records data analysis
Council’s pet registration database
and follow up non-compliance
Maintain and renew the existing 84Y Annually 100% of existing 84Y agreements are
agreements with Veterinary Clinics maintained each year
within the Shire
Develop online animal registration, June 2018 Ability for customers to register and pay for
payments and renewals capability animal registrations and renewals online
through Councils website
Ensure Council’s fact sheets and Ongoing Council website contains information clarifying
other information material explain the the difference between microchipping and
difference between registration and registration
microchipping
10 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021OBJECTIVE 2:
INCREASE THE ACCURACY OF DOG AND CAT REGISTRATION NUMBERS EACH YEAR
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Ensure all seized and impounded animals Prior to release for Review registration numbers annually
are registered to their owner prior to seized and 7 days for Review the numbers of dogs and cats being
release impounded pets seized and impounded that are not registered
to an owner
Targeted door knocking of 10% of the Annual door knocks for the Review and record annual registration numbers
municipality each year to check for months of May to July each Review the number of dogs and cats being
unregistered and un-identified dogs year for registrations seized and impounded that are not registered
and cats to an owner
Issue ‘Pet registration warning notices’ Ongoing Notices to comply
to residents identified as owning
unregistered pets or identified as not
renewing their annual registration
Ensure unpaid infringements are pursued Ongoing Unpaid fines referred to court
through the Court system as required
under the Domestic Animal Act 1994
Ensure all authorised officers have a Ongoing Annual review of equipment and maintain a
microchip scanner and laptop to enable small items register
identification of animals at all times
Ensure animal registration is checked Ongoing Implemented
as part of any pet related complaint or
compliance process
Continue to use social media and publish December 2017 Advertising of Microchipping Week
regular articles in local papers and
promote the reduced fee microchipping
week in partnership with vets
Include animal registration forms in new January 2018 Website allows online application and new
resident packs and electronic application resident kits include registration form
forms and payment on Council website.
Develop and promote a free ride home January 2018 Promotion included in radio advertising,
approach to registered and microchipped Council website and Facebook
animals found wandering for the first
time, if they have not caused a nuisance
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 117. NUISANCE
DOG DROPPINGS NUISANCE
The failure of some dog owners to pick Council treats the issue of animal This process usually helps the owner
up after their dog/s is an issue that is nuisance seriously; an essential first acknowledge that they have an issue and
regularly being raised with Council. step with any barking dog issue is for the that they need to seek advice on how to
complainant to contact the dog owner. resolve the barking.
Shop owners and public open space users
alike are very vocal at the mess that is In most cases the owner of the dog does Cat trespassing is also a common issue
often left by dogs which may be either not even know that their dog is barking or within the Corangamite Shire. Council has
accompanied or unaccompanied by their is annoying other parties. a cat trap hire service and may also issue
owners. compliance notices to those who allow
Corangamite Shire is a rural environment
their cat to be at large.
Council is currently undertaking follow up and therefore most people are happy to
inspections with regular early morning take the first step of making contact, It is important that owners of cats are
and late evening patrols. however if they are not prepared to do so, educated about their responsibilities
the problem is often not rectified until through responsible pet ownership
Local Laws require owners to carry a
Council is notified. programs and a focus is placed on long
plastic bag to clean up after their dogs
term behaviour change. Properties and
when in public. Officers provide education Council officers have the skills to become
areas that are experiencing difficulties
on responsible pet ownership for those involved and discuss with owners the
with cat trespass are encouraged to
not complying when detected. reasons for the nuisance activity and
talk with Council officers to help identify
develop solutions with the dog owner.
Unfortunately enforcement (fines) may strategies that the landowner or land
In extreme cases Council may need to
be the most effective way to get the manager can implement to rectify the
issue Dog Diaries to dog owners and the
message across to some pet owners that issue.
complainants.
they need to take responsibility for their
pets.
7.1 CURRENT SITUATION
CURRENT ORDERS, LOCAL CURRENT COMPLIANCE
LAWS, COUNCIL POLICIES ACTIVITIES
AND PROCEDURES Council treats the issue of animal
nuisance seriously. Council currently
Council has a range of policies that
undertakes the following compliance
support Domestic Animal Management
activities in support of nuisance
and the application of Council’s Local
offences:
Laws within the community (see
Appendix 1). Councils Local Laws were • vehicle patrols and nuisance
reviewed and updated in 2015 and complaint response
support responsible pet ownership • dog attack (immediate response,
principals. 24 hour on call Ranger service)
• registration and identification of
CURRENT EDUCATION / menacing and dangerous dogs
PROMOTION ACTIVITIES • restricted breed dog, annual
Council currently undertakes property inspection
educational and promotional activities • annual door knocks
in support of nuisance offences. These • cat trap hire service
include:
• notice to comply, verbal
• Annual Microchipping Week and written warnings,
infringement notices
• Use of on hold messages
• Council pound operation for the
• Councils website to inform pet
impounding of animals
owners of any upcoming activities
• Social media
12 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-20217.2 SUMMARY
Council has seen a drop in the number of deemed suitable are then rehomed to
unregistered dogs impounded in the past the RSPCA. There has been an increase
few years. in the number of impounded cats and
euthanizing of these cats, due to no
This can be partly attributed to dog
identification and or being deemed
owners understanding the need to
feral. There are key trouble areas within
microchip their dogs, however the
the shire and a number of cat hoarders
primary reason is believed to be
that do not understand the impact the
the use of social media and online
cats are having on other people and the
communication that results in animals
environment.
being returned without the inclusion of
Council for identification. Council will continue to identify agencies
willing to take suitable cats for rehoming,
Council has established a rehousing
however, still do not have anyone willing
agreement with the Warrnambool RSPCA.
to take on this responsibility.
After initial appraisal of impounded dogs
where the owner cannot be located, any
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 137.3 PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENT
OBJECTIVE 1:
REDUCE CAT NUISANCE COMPLAINTS PER YEAR BY 2%
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Make available education material about cat Ongoing Replenish education material on cat enclosures
enclosures and nuisance issues to cat owners. at reception
Information packs are readily available via reception
Assist residents and community groups to deal with Ongoing Keep records on the number of traps hired out
cat trespass/nuisance problems by advising that
Keep updated records of the number of cats
Council has cat traps for hire
impounded
Provide cat cages to residents experiencing issues Ongoing Maintain a record of cat trap usage and
with cats numbers caught
Provide information to assist residents using cat Ongoing via Information included on Council website
traps to do so humanely and to look after the cat’s website or when
welfare providing traps
OBJECTIVE 2:
REDUCE DOG NUISANCE COMPLAINTS PER YEAR BY 2%
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Inspect dog on leash signage throughout the shire December Review signage and condition of signs and
and update as required each year replace/clean as necessary
Enforce/advise local laws regarding the collection Ongoing Continue to advertise and monitor known
and disposal of dog faeces trouble areas
Use barking dog complaint/ Ongoing Council will continue to provide information to
investigation kit all parties
Investigate the establishment of a dog off leash park 2018 Results of the investigation identify if this
could be established within the shire
Investigate opportunities to support community 2018 Investigation completed into the ability for
groups to install and manage dog poo bag Council to support community lead installation
dispensers
14 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021OBJECTIVE 3:
ENSURE DOMESTIC ANIMALS ARE CONSIDERED DURING EMERGENCIES
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Develop an Emergency Animal Management Plan January 2018 Plan developed
Ensure Council Relief Centres have procedures and 2018 Procedures in place and ERC audit completed
the capacity to cater for domestic animals
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 158. DOG ATTACKS
There are currently low numbers of dog
attacks reported to Council (see table 8.1 CURRENT SITUATION
2 above). The low level of reporting is
suspected to be due to the minor nature
CURRENT EDUCATION / CURRENT COMPLIANCE
of some attacks or because the victim
PROMOTION ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES
is known to the animal owner. It is
important for all attacks to be reported to Council currently undertakes the Council treats the issue of dog attack
Council regardless of the level of injury to following educational and promotional very seriously. Council currently
ensure further, more serious attacks do activities in support of dog attacks: undertakes the following compliance
not occur in the future. activities in support of dog attacks:
• patrolling
• vehicle patrols and complaint
• signed on-leash areas
response asap
• microchip week (annual event)
• dog attack (immediate response, 24
• regular articles in local media hour on call Ranger service)
• registration and identification
of menacing and restricted breed
dogs including renewal and random
door knocks
• infringement notice system
and when required prosecution
• domestic animal pound for the
impounding of animals
8.2 SUMMARY
Serious dog attacks remain a risk with
spring and summer the identified major
risk period for serious and non-serious
dog attacks. Confinement of dogs is a
priority with the instances of wandering
dogs increasing the risk to other pets,
humans and livestock.
16 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-20218.3 PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENT
OBJECTIVE 1:
IMPROVE REPORTING OF DOG ATTACKS
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Improve information on the Council website relating Annually Website continually updated, reviewed and
to dog attack investigations and reporting improved. Last updated May 2017
Improve public awareness of what a dog attack is Annually Evaluate this activity (and overall objective) by
and how to report using media articles, and discuss comparing the number of dog attacks reported
with local vets about the need to report all attacks to Council each year
and website updates
OBJECTIVE 2:
IMPROVE AWARENESS OF SAFETY AROUND DOGS
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Publicise key dog attack prevention messages (eg: Peak times Compare the number of reported dog attack
confinement of dogs to property, leash laws, etc.) November-April incidents pre and post campaign
through media articles, mail outs, website info,
Council will emphasize the importance of
A-frame signage or billboards, targeted patrols
reporting all dog attacks
during peak dog attack times etc
Record the type and number of educational
materials distributed
Improve public awareness of what a dog attack is Annually Evaluate this activity (and overall objective) by
and how to report using media articles, and discuss comparing the number of dog attacks reported
with local vets about the need to report all attacks to Council each year
and website updates
OBJECTIVE 3:
DECREASE DOG ATTACKS ON LIVESTOCK
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Talk to farmers while undertaking property visits July-September Media campaign in local newspapers
regarding the responsibilities of owning dogs: each year
Council to emphasize the importance of
Distribute BAW booklet Responsible ownership of reporting all dog attacks
working dogs with registrations or upon farm visits
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 179. DANGEROUS, MENACING & RESTRICTED BREED DOGS
Council has a number of declared animals
which have been determined to be either 9.1 CURRENT SITUATION
Dangerous, menacing or restricted
breed animals (see table 3 above). • educational and information
CURRENT ORDERS, LOCAL
These animals are required to be housed services provided (as resources and
LAWS, COUNCIL POLICIES
in a way that reduces the risk to the opportunity allows)
community and assists in ensuring the
AND PROCEDURES
• Social media
local laws team know the whereabouts of Dangerous, menacing and restricted
the animals at all times. Council officers breed dogs are controlled by the
CURRENT COMPLIANCE
work with the owners to ensure the Domestic Animal Act 1994. Council
requirements are met and the dogs are ACTIVITIES
also monitors the conditions and
able to be identified, if being walked in control measures applied by owners Council treats all dangerous,
public areas. of restricted breed, dangerous and menacing and restricted breed dogs
menacing dogs. All of these types of very seriously. Council currently
dogs are reported on the Dangerous undertakes the following compliance
Dog Register. activities in support of any such
offences:
CURRENT EDUCATION / • vehicle patrols and complaint
PROMOTION ACTIVITIES response
Council currently undertakes the • dog attack (immediate-including 24
following educational and promotional hour Local Laws response)
activities, including providing
information about dangerous, • registration and identification of
menacing and restricted breed dogs: dangerous, menacing and restricted
breed dogs, including renewal home
• annual microchipping week (April visit and annual door knocks
each year)
• infringement notice system
• use of on-hold messages and and where required, prosecutions
Council’s website to inform pet
owners
18 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-20219.2 SUMMARY
Council currently has six dangerous,
three menacing and three restricted
breed dogs registered. The owners
of these animals are aware of their
obligations for the keeping of these
declared dogs. Council Officers also
inspect these properties to ensure
compliance with the Act.
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 199.3 PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENT
To ensure that all dangerous, menacing Council notes changes arising from
and restricted breed dogs are identified the Domestic Animals Amendment Act
and kept in accordance with the 2015. This amendment establishes a
Domestic Animal Act 1994. moratorium period for the destruction on
unregistered restricted breed dogs.
OBJECTIVE 1:
IDENTIFY AND REGISTER ALL DECLARED DOGS IN THE MUNICIPALITY
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Utilise the declared dog flow chart to determine Ongoing Monitor the use of the declared dog flow chart
when to declare a dog as a guide and seek advice from Manager on
agreed outcomes
Identify certain breeds on Councils registration data Always Activate a breed alert on Tech One that will
base for assessment under the approved standard not allow certain breeds to be registered until
under the Act approved by an officer
Cross-reference the microchip database information July-August Annually contact Central Animal Records to
with the current Council registration database for each year review all registrations
potential restricted breed dogs
Inspect all industrial properties in the municipality Ongoing Talk to local business owners about the
for dogs housed or kept for guarding purposes requirements of keeping guard dogs
Educate the community about declared dogs Ongoing Website updated regarding dog attacks and
the need to report
OBJECTIVE 2:
EFFECTIVELY INSPECT AND AUDIT ALL DECLARED DOG PREMISES ANNUALLY TO ENSURE
THEY ARE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Inspect and audit declared dog premises annually to Ongoing Annually (February)
ensure compliance with legislation
20 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 21
10. OVERPOPULATION AND HIGH EUTHANASIA
2016 data indicates there are problems
related to overpopulation of cats in 10.1 CURRENT SITUATION
Corangamite shire with 93% of cats
impounded being euthanised. By • Posting pictures of impounded dogs
CURRENT ORDERS, LOCAL
contrast, euthanasia rates amongst dogs on Council’s Facebook page
delivered to the pound is 8.2%. While
LAWS, COUNCIL POLICIES
there is still room for improvement in dog AND PROCEDURES • Officers return registered
euthanasia rates, the most significant impounded dogs and cats with a
Council’s pound and euthanasia
issue remains unacceptably high cat warning only, for a first occasion, if
practices are guided by the Domestic
euthanasia rates. no issues have been caused by the
Animal Act 1994. Council policy is to
animal
In 2016 only 3 of the 100 or 3.0% of cats whenever possible, return any lost
impounded by Corangamite Shire were or impounded animal at-large to
reclaimed by their owner. its rightful owner. Prior to release CURRENT COMPLIANCE
all animals must be microchipped ACTIVITIES
This data indicates that:
and owners given seven (7) days to
Council regards its euthanasia rates
1. Cats that are registered are rarely register their pets.
as moderately high. Council currently
impounded
undertakes the following compliance
2. There is a significant number of cats CURRENT EDUCATION /
activities in support of increasing
that are either: PROMOTION ACTIVITIES registration and thereby reducing
a. feral or Council’s promotion of registration euthanasia rates:
b. semi-domesticated and not being and the highly publicised
• renewal follow-ups for registrations
collected by those who feed local microchipping week, are strong
and the identification of domestic
stray cats reminders to the public that their pet
dogs and cats
will be returned to them if by chance
it does get lost. Council currently • vehicle patrols and nuisance
undertakes the following educational complaint response
and promotional activities in support • a domestic animal pound for
of nuisance offences: impounded animals
• annual microchipping week • infringement notice system
• use of on-hold messages and and where required, prosecution
Council’s website to inform owners services
• educational and information
services provided, as resources and
opportunities allow
In December 2017, parliament passed the Domestic Animals Amendment Act 2017 (Puppy Farms and pet shops). This amendment
specifically amends the Act to:
• Limit the number of fertile female dogs breeders can keep
• Restrict pet shops to selling dogs and cats sourced from shelters, pounds or enrolled foster carers
• Clarify the role of foster carers
• Define ‘recreational breeders’ and microbreeders’
• Confirm the definition of ‘farm working dogs’
• Introduce the animal sale permit system
• Improve the traceability of cats and dogs through the establishment of the Pet Exchange Register
• Strengthen pet advertisement offences
Council officers will work with the community to understand these changes and what actions they need to take to achieve the
requirements of the legislation.
22 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-202110.2 SUMMARY
Tables 1 and 4 show a moderate to (4) were surrendered to Council due to
high levels of euthanasia of impounded various behavioural problems.
animals in the Corangamite Shire. The
One of the main issues Council faces is
low level of cat registration is the major
the ever present issue of feral cats at
cause of high euthanasia rates; an
farms, abandoned houses etc. Council will
increase in cat registrations may see
assist property owners with cat trapping
a reduction in euthanasia of cats that
to remove unwanted and unowned feral
are not considered part of the feral
cats. Council will continue to educate
population.
people on responsible pet ownership
Council is currently trialling a rehousing and educate them on micro chipping,
program with the RSPCA to rehouse registration, desexing and containing
any suitable dogs and cats to them, their cat securely within their premises.
after the holding period. This will lower
the euthanasia rate of dogs but of the
fourteen (14) euthanised last year four
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 2310.3 PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENT
OBJECTIVE 1:
TO REDUCE EUTHANASIA RATES OF SEIZED ANIMALS BY 5%
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Rehouse suitable dogs and cats to the RSPCA or When dogs and Continue to lower the number of
other suitable organisations cats are suitable euthanised animals
Increase the use of social media to assist with Ongoing Impounded animals which are unregistered and
returning animals to owners not microchipped are posted on social media
to locate the owners
OBJECTIVE 2:
RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE UNREGISTERED CAT POPULATION
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Reinforce the need to register all cats, emphasising March to May Increase the numbers of registered cats
the discounted registration for desexed cats each year
Compare data from CAR and actual cat
registrations
Feral cat trapping program All year Cat trap hire service is maintained for the
community
OBJECTIVE 3:
IDENTIFY AND CLOSE DOWN ALL ILLEGALLY OPERATING DOMESTIC ANIMAL BREEDING
ESTABLISHMENTS (DAB) IN THE MUNICIPALITY
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Work with people advertising pets for sale (in local All year Continue to monitor the number of council
papers or on local noticeboards and Facebook), to registered breeding establishments and offer
determine if they are a DAB and are registered with advice on regulations
Council
Audit operating DAB’s each year for compliance Annually Number of audits conducted, and summary of
Enforce compliance with minimum requirements outcomes (including any DABs closed due to
non-compliance)
24 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 25
11. DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES
Council currently has no registered
Domestic Animal Businesses (DABs) 11.1 CURRENT SITUATION
operating in the Shire. There are,
however, a number of recreational CURRENT ORDERS, LOCAL • Posting pictures of impounded dogs
breeders who have developed their LAWS, COUNCIL POLICIES on Council’s Facebook page
establishments in accordance with codes AND PROCEDURES • Officers return registered
of practice and relevant legislation.
impounded dogs and cats with
These properties may need to become Domestic animal business registration
a warning only, for a first occasion,
registered into the future, at which is controlled by the Domestic Animal
if no issues have been caused by the
time they will be considered against the Act 1994.
animal
relevant legislation. Council has a zero tolerance approach
to non-compliance in domestic CURRENT COMPLIANCE
11.2 CURRENT SITUATION animal businesses and will continue
ACTIVITIES
to investigate all reports of domestic
There are approved Codes of Practice animal breeding businesses operating Council has a zero tolerance approach
for the operation of breeding and without the required registration. to non-compliance in domestic
rearing establishments, boarding Council will continue to undertake door animal businesses, and will continue
establishments, and shelters and pounds. knocks and property inspections when to investigate all reports of domestic
Pet shops are also included under the alerted to suspected offenders. animal breeding businesses operating
Domestic Animal Act 1994. Council is without the required registrations.
obliged to ensure each establishment CURRENT EDUCATION /
complies with the relevant Code of
PROMOTION ACTIVITIES
Practice with annual audits.
Council provides information and
All operating domestic animal businesses guidance to every domestic animal
are audited annually and any non- business on the need to register, and
compliance issues will be addressed the requirements to be fulfilled under
immediately. the Act.
11.3 PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENT
OBJECTIVE 1:
ENSURE THAT ALL ANIMAL MANAGEMENT OFFICERS ARE UPDATED ON THE LEGISLATION IN
RELATION TO DABs
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
All team members are to review fact sheets, Annually prior to Attend training for new legislation changes
documents and changes to the Domestic Animal Act inspections
1994
OBJECTIVE 2:
ANNUALLY INSPECT AND AUDIT ALL REGISTERED DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Audit all operating DABs at least annually Annually prior to All DABs to be audited for compliance and
re-registration detailed records maintained
26 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 27
12. OTHER MATTERS
Corangamite Shire is experiencing an
increase in the number of cats being 12.1 CURRENT SITUATION
surrendered to the Council Pound
as a result of the feral cat trapping
CURRENT ORDERS, LOCAL CURRENT COMPLIANCE
program including cats that are partially
domesticated.
LAWS, COUNCIL POLICIES ACTIVITIES
AND PROCEDURES • on hold messages
The dogs and cats surrendered are
usually animals with behavioural issues Council must accept dogs and cats • routine patrol
or are from owners who can no longer kept in the district which are given to • door knocks
look after their pet/s any longer. Once the Council by the owner of the animal,
• out of normal hours patrolling
an animal is signed over to Council and because the owner is no longer willing
the reason for the owners surrendering or able to care for that animal.
the animal is established, Council then
decides if the animal is suitable for
CURRENT EDUCATION /
rehousing or not.
PROMOTION ACTIVITIES
Encourage responsible pet ownership
at all times, with a strong emphasis on
the following:
• encourage rehoming
• microchipping week
• registration
• training
12.3 PLANS FOR IMPROVEMENT
OBJECTIVE 1:
DECREASE THE NUMBER OF ANIMALS SURRENDERED
ACTIVITY WHEN EVALUATION
Continue rehoming of animals to RSPCA and other Ongoing Decreased numbers of surrendered animals
suitable organisations
28 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-202112.2 SUMMARY
Under the Domestic Animal Act 1994,
Part 3 s33A, a Council of a municipal
district must accept any dog or cat kept
in the municipal district which is given to
the Council by the owner of the animal,
because the owner is no longer willing or
able to care for that animal.
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 2913. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLAN & ANNUAL REPORTING
13.1 SUMMARY
Performance in domestic animal The annual review will focus on measures
management should be a regular that relate to activities and targets listed
focus for management. Appropriate in this plan and will include educational
performance statistics will be completed programs, registrations of domestic
and reported annually to the Executive animals, numbers of animals at large,
Management Team. A review of dog attacks, compliance activities and
performance under the DAMP is required levels of community satisfaction.
to be included in Council’s Annual Report
(section 68A (3) (c) of the Domestic
Animal Act 1994).
OBJECTIVE CURRENT TARGETS
Develop Training Plan and maintain a Training Plan Developed on Training Plan developed annually
register of Authorised officer Training three year cycle
Training Register maintained
No Training Register
Improve the accuracy of Council’s Animals collected and identified match
Registration database the owner’s details in the registration
and microchipping database
Reduce cat and dog nuisance No register currently maintained for Register maintained and numbers of
complaints per year by 2% Cat Nuisance complaints complaints decreasing by 2% annually
Dog nuisance is recorded by currently
not quantified
Domestic animals considered in Domestic Animals are considered in Specific Domestic Animal plans
Emergencies the MEMP planning process developed for emergency management
Improve reporting of dog attacks Number of formal reported dog 100%
attacks do not match reported
attacks
Identify and register all Declared Dogs 80% 100%
in the municipality
Inspect and audit all declared dog 100% 100%
premises annually
To reduce euthanasia rates of seized From 2016 levels Reduction in numbers annually
animals by 5%
Decrease the amount of domesticated From 2016 levels Reduction in numbers annually
animals surrendered to Council
30 Corangamite Shire Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-202114. COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
During the development of the Draft Members of the community were
Domestic Animal Management Plan, encouraged to provide feedback on the
council officers have discussed domestic plan and proposed actions, both through
animal issues with community members written submission or via feedback on
to gauge the community’s knowledge Council’s website.
and aspirations for domestic animal
Advertisements were placed in local
management.
newspapers and on Council’s website
In addition to this, social media has been promoting the draft plan and encouraging
used to raise key issues and test options community feedback.
with the community for improving the
Hard copies of the draft Plan were also
management of these issues.
placed at the Council offices, veterinary
Community consultation for the draft clinics and in public libraries during the
Domestic Animal Management Plan consultation period.
was undertaken over a four week period
between 25 October and 22 November.
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au 31Corangamite Shire Council
Civic Centre, 181 Manifold Street, Camperdown VIC 3260
Telephone 03 5593 7100 Facsimile 03 5593 2695 Email shire@corangamite.vic.gov.au
www.corangamite.vic.gov.au
This plan can also be downloaded from our website.You can also read
