Glenelg Shire Council Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021
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Glenelg Shire Council
Proposed
Domestic Animal
Management Plan
2017-2021
Adopted by Glenelg Shire Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on
24 October 2017
[Type text]
INDEX Section 68A 4 Executive Summary 5 Introduction 5 Training of Authorised Officers 6, 7, 8 Domestic Animal Statistics 9 Registration and Identification 10, 11, 12 Nuisance 13, 14, 15, 16 Dog Attacks 17, 18 Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breed Dogs 19, 20 Overpopulation and High Euthanasia 21, 22, 23 Domestic Animal Business 24, 25 Other Matters 26, 27 Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 2
DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLANS
Under Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, every Council must prepare a
Domestic Animal Management Plan, as follows:
68A Councils to prepare domestic animal management plans
(1) Every Council must, in consultation with the Secretary (of the Department of
Primary Industries), prepare at 4 year intervals a domestic animal management
plan.
(2) A domestic animal management plan prepared by a Council must—
(a) set out a method for evaluating whether the animal control services
provided by the Council in its municipal district are adequate to give effect
to the requirements of this Act and the regulations; and
(b) outline programs for the training of authorised officers to ensure that they
can properly administer and enforce the requirements of this Act in the
Council's municipal district; and
(c) outline programs, services and strategies which the Council intends to
pursue in its municipal district—
(i) to promote and encourage the responsible ownership of dogs and
cats; and
(ii) to ensure that people comply with this Act, the regulations and any
related legislation; and
(iii) to minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals; and
(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
(vi) to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance; and
(vii) to effectively identify all dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and
restricted breed dogs in that district and to ensure that those dogs
are kept in compliance with this Act and the regulations; and
(d) provide for the review of existing orders made under this Act and local
laws that relate to the Council's municipal district with a view to
determining whether further orders or local laws dealing with the
management of dogs and cats in the municipal district are desirable; and
(e) provide for the review of any other matters related to the management of
dogs and cats in the Council's municipal district that it thinks necessary;
and
(f) provide for the periodic evaluation of any program, service, strategy or
review outlined under the plan.
(3) Every Council must—
(a) review its domestic animal management plan annually and, if appropriate,
amend the plan; and
(b) provide the Secretary with a copy of the plan and any amendments to the
plan; and
(c) publish an evaluation of its implementation of the plan in its annual report.
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY It is certainly recognised that the enforcement of laws alone will not result in lasting, voluntary changes in behaviour. A range of approaches such as public education, positive reinforcement plus improved and clearer signage are required for compliance to be achieved. It is our aim to encourage responsible pet ownership by focusing on the desexing, microchipping, registration and effective control of dogs and cats to minimise the social and environmental impact of these animals. INTRODUCTION PURPOSE There is considerable evidence to support the social and health benefits of pet ownership, and it is easy to take for granted the role of pets in our society. The use and need of pets has expanded substantially as they are utilised not only as companions but as workers in an increasing number of ways. It is in appreciation of these various reasons that the Glenelg Shire Council has developed this plan with a clear direction on the education, welfare, promotion and enforcement of responsible pet ownership over a four year period concluding in 2021. THE GLENELG SHIRE – DEMOGRAPHIC AND PEOPLE The Glenelg Shire covers an area of 6,212 kilometres with a population of approximately 19,557 residents and is located in the traditional lands and waters of the Aboriginal Gunditjmara, Bungaditj and Jardwadjali people. The Shire’s economy includes tourism, agricultural, fishing, aluminium, fertiliser and forestry products. Ideally located in the lower south west of Victoria, Glenelg Shire forms part of the Green Triangle renowned for softwood and hardwood products, many of which are transported via Portland’s natural deep sea port. Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 4
TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS
Currently the Local Laws Unit is made up of of eight staff in total consisting of 1
coordinator, 3 permanent full time local laws officers/rangers who provide a 24 hour
on call service on a rotational 2 week basis, 2 permanent part time local laws/parking
officers and 2 permanent part time administration support officers. One of the full
time officers is a local laws prosecutor/ranger. All local laws officers multi-task across
the range and scope of duties required.
Authorised Officer Officer Current Planned
Training (state when)
Officer 1 - JF Not required (RPL)
Officer 2 - JM Completed
Certificate IV Government Not required (RPL)
Officer 3 - RB
(Statutory Compliance)
Officer 4 - HM Not required
Officer 5 - TM Not required
Officer 1 Not required (RPL)
Officer 2 Completed
Certificate IV in Animal
Officer 3 Not required (RPL)
Control and Regulation
Officer 4 Not required (RPL)
Officer 5 Not required (RPL)
Ongoing training to be
OH&S All officers Completed
attended as required.
Ongoing training to be
Customer service All officers Completed
attended as required.
First Aid including use of
Ongoing training to be
Automated External All officers Completed
attended as required.
Defibrillator (AED)
Municipal Fire Prevention
All officers Completed
Officer
All officers Training days to be
Firearms
licenced attended as required.
Performs all local
Training of additional
Prosecution Officer 1 laws
officers is desirable.
prosecutions.
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 5
TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS
(continued)
Authorised Officer Officer Current Planned
Training (state when)
Department of Economic
Development, Jobs, Generally all officers would
Transport and Resources All officers attend – if not information
(DEDJTR) Training & is reported back to unit.
Information Sessions
Bureau of Animal Welfare Generally all officers would
training and information All officers attend – if not information
days is reported back to unit.
South West Authorised Officers attend on a
All officers
Officers Group (SWAOG) rotational basis as offered.
Internal computer systems Ongoing training to be
All officers Completed
training attended as required.
Australian Institute of
Not yet attended Desirable – would depend
Animal Management
by current officers on location of conference.
Conference
Family Violence Ongoing training to be
All officers Completed
Awareness Training attended as required.
Further training will be
Canine Anatomy and
1, 2, 4 & 5 Completed attended by all officers if
Identification Training
offered by DEDJTR
Highly desirable – training
Investigative Services 2, 4 & 5 to be attended as course
becomes available.
Highly desirable – training
Advanced driver training Not yet attended
All officers to be attended as course
off road by current officers
becomes available.
Highly desirable – training
Not yet attended
Traffic Control All officers to be attended as course
by current officers
becomes available.
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 6OUR PLANS
A changed approach in obtaining compliance has shifted from being primarily
infringement based to promoting responsible pet ownership via all avenues available.
A thorough review and update of current processes is required moving forward.
Objective 1: Develop an updated training plan to ensure ongoing competency of
officers.
Activity When Evaluation
Identify minimum training Evaluation of training to be
requirements of officers in By end 2018 assessed during annual staff
consultation with management. review process.
Updated as required and training
Training as advised/available via
Ongoing value assessed through
Organisational Development.
feedback received and content.
Objective 2: Ensure competent animal handling skills and evaluation.
Activity When Evaluation
Review current skills amongst Discuss on a regular basis to
team and identify training Ongoing ensure effective development of
shortfalls. newly acquired skills.
Training content value assessed
Animal management/handling in internally within local laws and
As available
emergencies. organisational development for
future improvement.
Discuss and advise course
Attend any other relevant industry content during team meetings
As available
training and networking sessions. and assess suitability for future
attendance.
Objective 3: Review current work procedures.
Activity When Evaluation
Discuss with industry experts
Update/remove/alter current work
where available and internally
procedures to ensure 2019
within local laws unit and
effectiveness.
stakeholders.
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 7DOMESTIC ANIMAL STATISTICS AND DATA
GLENELG SHIRE – KEY STATISTICS 2015/16
Dogs
No. Registered 4054
No. of dogs brought into RSPCA (officers and public) 342
No. Reclaimed 166
No. Adopted 149
No. Euthanized 42
No. Declared Menacing 19
No. Declared Dangerous 2
No. Registered Restricted Breed 0
Cats
No. Registered 1328
No. of cats brought into RSPCA (officers and public) 496
No. Reclaimed 13
No. Adopted 429
No. Euthanized 86
2015 - Approximate number of registration non-renewals was 1,114 at the end of
April. Door knocks where conducted in June and the number of non-renewals was
reduced to approximately 530
2016 - Approximate number of registration non-renewals was 736 at the end of April.
Door knocks where conducted in June and the number of non-renewals was reduced
to approximately 210
2017 - At the time of writing the current non-renewal figure is 511
The yearly reduction in failed to renew animal registration figures have been
achieved by proactive processes including local laws officers conducting follow up
door knocks throughout the Shire.
Follow up door knocks will be a continued practice.
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 8REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION
Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A (2)(c)(v) Outline programs, services and
strategies to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats
Council is required by the Act, other state laws and local laws to ensure that all
members of the community comply with relevant legislation. We aim to educate, then
encourage, then enforce.
CURRENT SITUATION
As per the Domestic Animals Act 1994 the owner of a dog or cat must apply to
register that dog or cat with the Council of the municipal district in which the dog or
cat is kept, if the animal is over 3 months old.
Applications for new dog and cat registrations can be made at the Glenelg Shire
Council Customer Service Centres at the following locations:
71 Cliff St, Portland
77 Edgar St, Heywood
67 Henty St, Casterton
The RSPCA located at 185 Darts Rd, Portland is contracted for the provision of
domestic animal pound services. All dogs and cats adopted or reclaimed from the
RSPCA must be microchipped and registered prior to being released. The RSPCA
currently acts as an agent for the purpose of registration within the Glenelg Shire.
As per the Domestic Animals Act 1994, animal registrations in Victoria expire
annually on 10 April. Doorknocks are performed throughout the Shire in the
preceding months primarily targeting non renewals to ascertain whether the animal is
still residing at the address or, is deceased/lost/moved so that Council databases can
be updated accordingly.
A portion of every registration fee is used to fund responsible pet ownership
programs and provide other services including information booklets, fact sheets,
animal management staff, pound services, domestic animal business compliance
and emergency animal welfare.
Currently it is not mandatory for cats and dogs to be desexed within the Glenelg
Shire; however this does result in the lowest rate of registration fee payable and is
certainly encouraged. It is clear in the key statistics listed that unowned cats are an
area of concern with the majority of these being entire and unidentifiable.
The Glenelg Shire Council participates in the provision of the Municipal Association
of Victoria (MAV) subsidised desexing scheme for holders of a pension concession
card, health care card, low income health care card or a Commonwealth seniors
health card. Council supports the scheme as an avenue to encourage responsible
pet ownership.
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 9Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures When a customer applies for a MAV voucher they are required to pay for registration of the animal. Council will refund the difference in the registration fee amount upon application once the animal has been desexed. This helps Council capture many animals that may not have otherwise been registered. Currently Glenelg Shire residents are allowed to keep 2 dogs and 2 cats per household within the scheduled area. Residents outside of the scheduled area are allowed a total of 6 cats and 6 dogs. An ‘Excess Animal Permit’ is required in any instance where the domestic animal numbers exceed the allowable amount in any area. The permits are required to be renewed every year. Upon registration a tag is issued with a unique identification number on it, and if it is lost, becomes unreadable, or in many cases chewed, a free replacement tag is issued and the new registration number is updated on Councils database. Our current Education/Promotion Activities The Glenelg Shire promotes animal registration renewals and animal related events where possible. Council newspaper, website pages, social media and radio are all utilised to educate the community on domestic animal registration requirements and timeframes. Information booklets on responsible pet ownership and fact sheets as supplied by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) are utilised where possible and are available from a variety of sources throughout the Shire including Portland RSPCA, Council customer service centres and local pet supplies stores. Other education options are considered and taken up as they present from time-to- time, such as talks to students or community groups with the intent to educate. Our current Compliance Activities Council officers respond to requests/tasks on a daily basis. Pro-active patrolling demonstrates a presence in the community and encourages compliance. Any unregistered animals discovered on premises will result in a Notice to Comply being issued. The compliance date is monitored and followed up if necessary. Door knocks are conducted on an annual basis to follow up on registrations that have not been renewed. Registration reminders and permit renewals are sent to all registered animal owners’ annually. Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 10
OUR PLANS
Objective 1: To increase and maintain dog and cat registrations.
Activity When Evaluation
Comparison of registration renewals
Follow up door knocks on non-
Annually received against previous years
renewals.
registrations.
Issue Notices to Comply to owners Checks on registration database for
of unregistered animals as As required compliance.
detected.
Contact microchip registries to Increase in number of registered
obtain details of cats and dogs April 2019 animals resulting from information
microchipped within the Shire. provided from registries.
Objective 2: Promote registration and microchipping.
Activity When Evaluation
Encourage micro-chipping and Increase in number of animals’
registration at every opportunity Ongoing microchipped and registered after
presented. active promotion.
Increase of animal numbers on
Council to investigate the possibility
Council registration database.
of a discount microchipping and Annually
Decision will be made and service
registration day on an annual basis.
will be provided if in favour.
Microchip compared to a grain of rice
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 11NUISANCE Domestic Animals Act 1994 Section 68A(2)(c)(vi) Outline programs, services and strategies to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance - also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f) CURRENT SITUATION The Glenelg Shire Council encourages people to manage their pets in a way that protects the health and welfare of the animal, maximises the companion benefits of their pet and minimises potential for nuisance or harm to others. Council utilises a database for complaints/customer requests. When an officer responds to a complaint/request they enter all actions taken and all necessary documents are attached to the file. Barking dogs continue to be one of the most time consuming and resource demanding issues to resolve successfully. Unfortunately it is also one of the most passionate issues for the general community as those affected often do not wish to complain initially or take part in the required process. Once Council is informed of a barking dog issue the complainant is often at wits end and wants immediate results. Cats within the Glenelg Shire found on a private property without permission on more than one occasion can be seized whilst present on the property. When the owner is identified a notice of objection is issued. If the cat re-enters or remains on the private property after a notice has been issued the owner is guilty of an offence and liable to a penalty. Council encourages the containment of cats as it reduces other cat related concerns such as spread of disease, fighting and unplanned litters. Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures Local Laws Animals kept within the municipality must not be allowed to be a nuisance by means of excessive noise or odour and are required to be under effective control in public places. Numbers and types of animals are stipulated and all welfare needs must be met in accordance with responsible pet ownership criteria. When excess animal permit applications are received, the premises are inspected to ensure all homing and hygiene requirements of the animals are met prior to a permit being issued. Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 12
Council Policies/Procedures Our Local Laws, current policies and procedures and other delegated authorities enable officers to effectively manage domestic animal nuisance issues. These include the following: • Advice/information booklet to complainant and offender – barking dogs • Permit to keep excess animal numbers • Cat trapping • Collection of contained stray dog Our current Education/Promotion Activities Barking Dog Information Package Community engagement opportunities Dog Poo dispensers Notice to Comply before enforcement Responsible pet ownership fact sheets Council Newspaper, Facebook page and website Informational signage Our current Compliance Activities Nuisance complaints vary greatly and can include issues like cat spraying/marking, barking dogs, dog faeces and wandering animals. Face to face contact with educational and compliance information provided appears to be the most effective method of obtaining results. Activities include: Pro-active patrols Notice to comply Cat trapping programs Infringements Prosecutions (in-house) Trespass notices Summary Dogs found wandering at large, unowned or identifiable animals continue to be an issue within the Shire. Dog attacks on people and other domestic animals along with livestock are all areas of great concern. More tailored educational programs targeted at strategic locations throughout the Shire are required to encourage compliance. It is recognised animal owners are expected to be compliant but it is also Council’s duty to administer actions that protect the community from damage caused by animals. Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 13
OUR PLANS
Objective 1: Review orders for dog control zones.
Activity When Evaluation
If Council chooses to amend the
Review all existing dog control
current controls the Community
zones including on and off leash 2018
will be given the opportunity to
areas and prohibited areas.
provide comment.
Public feedback will be received
Investigate feasibility of an
during information sessions, and
enclosed off leash dog park 2017/2018
discussions with key
facility.
stakeholders.
Replace/remove confusing Signage clear. Positive
Staged up to
signage around dog control feedback/comments on improved
2021
zones. signage locations etc.
Objective 2: Increase public awareness of responsible pet ownership.
Activity When Evaluation
Actively promote and encourage
responsible pet ownership at Ongoing General compliance.
every opportunity.
Review number of ‘hits’ on the
Review and update information on website (Local Laws)
Ongoing
GSC website and Facebook page. Review/respond to enquiries
received.
Relevant media in Council Align with enforcement activities
Quarterly
newspaper. and review on completion.
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 14Objective 3: Promote and encourage responsible cat ownership.
Activity When Evaluation
Promote containment of cat to Decrease in cat numbers taken
Ongoing
owners’ property – at all times. to pound.
Cat trapping programs. Ongoing Numbers captured.
Education programs on Reduction in unowned and feral
Ongoing
responsible cat ownership. cats.
Objective 4: Promote and encourage responsible dog ownership.
Activity When Evaluation
Comments will be received from
Person in charge of dog required public during consultation phase
to clean up any faeces deposited 2018 of draft General Local Law. If in
by dog. favour will be implemented into
Local Law in March 2018.
Investigate viability of providing
new dog owners with a
registration pack containing
Feedback from community and
educational information ie Current
key stakeholders.
obedience, responsible pet
ownership brochures, dog poo
bags/holder etc.
Provide/install more dog poo bag
dispensers at key locations as 2019 Feedback from community.
requested by community.
Comments will be received from
Dogs to be under control of a public during consultation phase
person capable of controlling the 2018 of draft General Local Law. If in
dog in public. favour will be implemented into
Local Law in March 2018.
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 15DOG ATTACKS Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A(2)(c)(iii) Outline programs, services and strategies to minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals - also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f) Unfortunately it is the dog that pays the price for irresponsible owners who have not taken the required action to ensure their dog is well socialised, trained or confined adequately. Dog attacks will only stop if the attitudes of dog owners’ are always in the best interest of the dog. CURRENT SITUATION Council officers attend to reports of dog attacks promptly and are available 24/7 for this purpose. All reports are investigated and actioned accordingly. Evidence is gathered and the offending dog/s are declared either menacing or dangerous in accordance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994 if required. Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures Once a dog has been declared dangerous the dog must be microchipped and desexed within 7 days and evidence of this supplied to Council. Declared dogs are not eligible for reduced rates of registration. Declared dogs are required to pay a higher registration fee. Our current Education/Promotion Activities Responsible pet ownership is encouraged throughout the Glenelg Shire at every opportunity presented. Key stakeholders such as the RSPCA, pet supplies stores and Veterinary Clinics all play their part in portraying the key requirements of providing health care, nutrition, socialisation and training. Our current Compliance Activities Pro-active patrols After-hours policy for response to all dog attacks Prosecutions Enforce menacing/dangerous dog provisions Dog attack investigation and enforcement policy/procedure Immediate seizure of dogs which have caused serious injury Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 16
OUR PLANS
Objective 1: Reduce and minimise the risk of dog attacks in the community.
Activity When Evaluation
Patrol areas of concern i.e. Reduction of dog attacks in
Ongoing
beaches, local parks etc. public areas.
Promote responsible dog Feedback and comments
ownership through all avenues Ongoing received from general
available. community.
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 17DANGEROUS, MENACING AND RESTRICTED BREED DOGS Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A(2)(c)(vii) Outline programs, services and strategies to effectively identify all dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and restricted breed dogs in that district and to ensure that those dogs are kept in compliance with this Act and the regulations - also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f) Regularly officers receive calls about dogs at large which are frequently described as Pit Bulls or a Pitbull type dog. The American Staffordshire Breed Standard makes reference to a variety of terriers and bulldogs as the genetic make-up of the breed. It is understandable that a variety of breeds are mistaken for an American Pitbull. CURRENT SITUATION Glenelg Shire currently has two dangerous, and 19 menacing dogs. There are currently no registered restricted breed dogs. All declared dogs within the Glenelg Shire are listed on the declared dog register and monitored for ongoing compliance by their owners for the keeping of these animals in accordance with the legislation. Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures Strict adherence to the provisions of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 Enforcement Policy Dog attack investigation and enforcement policy/procedure Zero tolerance to any breach of requirements contained in the Act Our current Education/Promotion Activities Once a dog has been declared menacing it is explained to the owner that any behaviour in breach of the requirements will result in infringements being issued and; if they receive 2 or more it may result in the declaration being upgraded to dangerous. All declared dog owners are provided with literature listing their responsibilities and ongoing obligations as a declared dog owner. Our current Compliance Activities Patrolling Prompt response to reports of alleged restricted breed dogs Enforcement policy/procedure Annual inspection of declared dangerous dog enclosures Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 18
OUR PLANS
Objective 1: Identification of Restricted Breed Dogs
Activity When Evaluation
Inspect Council registration
database for possible restricted Regular
Any dogs identified will be
breed dogs – cross reference with checks to be
captured on Council records.
microchip registry - officers to done.
investigate.
Educate community to recognise
a restricted breed dog and
encourage reporting for Ongoing Number of dogs identified.
investigation by authorised
officers.
Objective 2: Classification of menacing and dangerous dogs.
Activity When Evaluation
Full investigation of all reported Discuss all cases with team
attacks to ensure accurate Ongoing members to ensure appropriate
categorisation. classification.
Sample of signage displayed where a declared dangerous dog is present.
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 19OVERPOPULATION AND HIGH EUTHANASIA Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A(2)(c)(iv) Outline programs, services and strategies to address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and cats - also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f) CURRENT SITUATION Animals are easily acquired free of charge in many instances especially with the ease of social network advertising. Without the combined effort, education and support of the community along with various animal organisations the number of unplanned and unwanted litters will continue. With the RSPCA no longer having restricted timeframes for the rehoming of impounded animals euthanasia rates have decreased, however the number of cats, kittens, dogs and puppies admitted continues to rise slightly. Cats are rarely reclaimed or identifiable upon admission in comparison to dogs. Cat breeding issues are significant as the capacity for cats to have multiple litters per year is a reality faced at numerous animal shelters and pounds every breeding season. Numerous cats and kittens are surrendered or admitted as strays every year at various facilities often resulting in overcrowding. Unfortunately many of these cats and kittens become stressed and succumb to a variety of infectious diseases such as cat flu and ringworm. Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures Households located within a scheduled area are allowed to keep two dogs and two cats, whilst households outside of the scheduled area are allowed to keep six dogs and six cats. Any household wishing to keep excess of this number is required to apply for an Excess Animal Permit which has a list of conditions that must be met to the satisfaction of an authorised officer and be evident upon inspection of the premises before a permit will be issued. Permits expire annually. Other local laws regulating the keeping of cats and dogs include: An exemption period of 12 weeks for the progeny of cats and dogs Housing must be kept in a clean and inoffensive condition Noise Council supports the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) cat and dog reduced fee desexing voucher scheme and encourages applicable persons to utilise the service wherever possible. Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 20
Our current Education/Promotion Activities
Responsible pet ownership program
Council newspaper articles (quarterly)
Information sheets on responsible pet ownership at key locations
Council website
MAV desexing vouchers
Our current Compliance Activities
Cat trapping in various areas throughout the Shire has resulted in many feral,
unowned or unidentified cats/kittens being captured. Unfortunately many of these
cats/kittens are suffering from contagious diseases such as influenza (cat flu),
immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) and leukaemia (FeLV).
Other compliance activities include:
Investigation of alleged breeding establishments
Proactive patrolling
OUR PLANS
Objective 1: Reduction of stray, unowned animals.
Activity When Evaluation
Promote availability of cat traps –
Ongoing Reduction in yearly numbers
distribution managed by RSPCA
Investigate the possibility of
Increased number of animals
Council holding reduced fee
Ongoing captured on Council registration
microchipping and registration
database.
days.
Promote cat enclosures and cat
Less requests received for cat
fencing to keep cats contained at Ongoing
traps to capture stray cats.
all times.
Possible introduction of a cat
Reduction in unplanned litters.
curfew between the hours of 7pm
Less requests for cat traps.
to 7am
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 21Objective 2: Increase amount of desexed animals.
Activity When Evaluation
Research further possibilities of Proportion of desexed animals
subsidised desexing. Ongoing captured on Council database.
Public feedback will be received
Investigate option of Council during information sessions, and
offering 1 year free registration to discussions with key
2018
pet owners that have their pet stakeholders. Decision will be
desexed prior to 6 months of age. made and order created if in
favour.
Investigate future option requiring Public feedback will be received
all cats to be desexed prior to during information sessions, and
registration if not a purebred with discussions with key
a Certificate of Registration or Current stakeholders. Decision will be
Pedigree or part of a Registered made and order created if in
Domestic Animal Business. favour.
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 22Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 23
DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A(2)(c)(ii) Outline programs, services and strategies which the Council intends to pursue in its municipal district to ensure that people comply with this Act, the regulations and any related legislation - also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(d),(f) CURRENT SITUATION Four Domestic Animal Businesses (DAB’s) are registered in Glenelg Shire comprising of 1 x dog and cat boarding facility, 1 x pet supplies that also sells rabbits, guinea pigs and birds, 1 x RSPCA and 1 x pet supplies that sells fish and birds. Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures Domestic Animal Businesses have comprehensive requirements detailed in each applicable Code of Practice. Council performs an annual audit on these businesses utilising the specific documentation provided by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR). Our current Education/Promotion Activities When visiting the Domestic Animal Businesses a copy of the most recent Code of Practice is supplied and discussed to ensure any required changes are achievable. Other educational material as supplied by DEDJTR is also provided for use and distribution by the business. Our current Compliance Activities Annual inspections are conducted on Domestic Animal Businesses to ensure compliance with relevant Code of Practice. Other compliance activities include: Proactive patrols Investigation of complaints/reports for keeping of excess numbers of animals Visits to premises of suspected animal breeders Monitor local media and social media for advertising of pets for sale Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 24
OUR PLANS
Objective 1: Identify unregistered dog and cat breeding establishments.
Activity When Evaluation
Audit of registration database to Identification, inspection and
June
identify numerous animals housed registration of business if
annually
at one property. required.
Monitor advertising media for sale Identified and registered as a
Ongoing
of dogs and cats. breeding establishment.
Objective 2: Ensure compliance of registered DAB’s with regards to identification,
appropriate notification and registration requirements of dogs and cats.
Activity When Evaluation
Visit/contact sellers of animals to All dogs and cats advertised for
ensure compliance with Ongoing sale have microchip details
microchipping requirements. included in advertising.
Continued compliance with
Annual audit of registered
June legislation and relevant Code of
Domestic Animal Business.
Practice.
Objective 3: Promote what a Domestic Animal Business is and who needs to register
as one.
Activity When Evaluation
Educate community on what a Enquiries received from
Ongoing
Domestic Animal Business is. concerned parties.
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 25OTHER MATTERS Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A(2)(e) Provide for the review of any other matters related to the management of dogs and cats in the Council's municipal district that it thinks necessary. CURRENT SITUATION Emergency Animal Management Plan An Emergency Animal Management Plan is currently being developed aimed at assisting in the effective management and coordination of animal welfare support during and immediately after an emergency. The purpose of this plan is to assist, provide advice and help the community where able with issues relating to animal welfare matters resulting from an emergency event. Development of formal policies and procedures for domestic animals brought to an evacuation/relief centre in an emergency will be developed in conjunction with the Emergency Management Officer. Issues addressed in the plan are as follows: Temporary holding facilities Disposal of deceased animals Feed/water supplies Provision of cages, leads, tethers Transportation of animals Humane destruction Accurate record keeping of displaced animals Treatment of injured animals Fenced Dog Park It is recognised that dog parks can provide an opportunity for dogs to participate in natural dog activities such as running, chasing, barking, digging, jumping and interacting with other dogs. Dogs given this opportunity may be less prone to exhibit unwanted stress and boredom related behaviours such as nuisance barking. There are numerous social and physical benefits of a fenced dog park for the dog and owner alike, and whilst these facilities are generally seen as a safe place to attend unfortunately not all owners are aware of their dog’s behaviour which may result in attacks. Providing such a facility requires extensive planning, design, management and ongoing resources. Extensive research is needed prior to any formal decision being made. Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 26
On leash areas A thorough review of the current controls throughout the Glenelg Shire is taking place. Public feedback has established that there is confusion regarding the signage, times and locations of the areas. Desexing order At this stage there is no requirement for any cat or dog that is not part of a registered Domestic Animal Business or registered with an applicable organisation to be desexed. However we do believe this would be a positive step toward reducing the number of unowned animals within our community. Desexing reduces the tendency for dogs and cats to roam which in turn will reduce the number of animals found at large. This would create a positive on flow effect with regard to dog attacks on human/other domestic animals/livestock, cat fighting, spread of disease and unwanted litters. Animal numbers Our current General Local Law is due to sunset on 20 March 2018 and a proposed change in order to align with the Planning Scheme is the number of animals allowed outside of the scheduled area be reduced to 6 in total which can be made up in any combination i.e. 2 dogs and 4 cats or 5 dogs and 1 cat etc. Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021 27
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