Dog and Cat Management Plan 2012 2017

Dog and Cat Management Plan

2012 – 2017

Our Vision

“A vibrant growing area supported by quality infrastructure and services that

meet community needs and maintains a unique lifestyle.”

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Dog and Cat Management Plan Key Objective Statement

“To facilitate responsible animal ownership where people and animals integrate safely and harmoniously with one another in the Community”

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Contents

(1) Executive Summary ......................................................................................... 3

(2) Legislative Requirements .......................................................................... 5

(3) Light Regional Council Demographic Information ..................................... 6

(4) Dog & Cat Related Statistics…………………………………………… ........ 7

(5) Aims ....................................................................................................... 8

(6) Objectives ................................................................................................. 9

Animal Strategy Number – 1 Provide effective management and

a suitable environment for dogs and cats within the community ............. 10

Animal Strategy Number – 2 Encourage responsible dog and

cat ownership .......................................................................................... 15

Animal Strategy Number – 3 Increase public safety through the

reduction of public and environmental nuisance caused by

dogs and cats.......................................................................................... 17

Animal Strategy Number – 4 Provide for the welfare and safety

of dogs and cats ...................................................................................... 19

Animal Strategy Number – 5 Acknowledge the importance of

dogs and cats in society .......................................................................... 20

Animal Strategy Number – 6 Ensure public safety and amenity

in relation to dogs and cats is upheld ..................................................... 21

Animal Strategy Number – 7 Protect native fauna, flora and wild

animals from the impact of dogs and cats .............................................. 22

Animal Strategy Number – 8 Ensure the expenditure of registration

fees addresses the needs of pet owners as well as domestic animal

management issues ............................................................................... 23

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1.0 Executive Summary The Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 requires that each Council prepare an Animal Management Plan relating to the management of dogs and cats within its area. Light Regional Council’s Dog and Cat Management Plan has been prepared by Council staff recognising its responsibilities pursuant to the provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 which seek to guide animal management throughout South Australia. Council’s Dog and Cat Management Plan focuses on dogs and domestic cats as these animals account for the majority of domestic animals within the region. Council’s Dog and Cat Management Plan also recognises the impact that stray and feral cats have on the region’s community and natural environment. Council’s Dog and Cat Management Plan identifies strategies and actions to assist in implementing its mission statement, where relevant aims and objectives for domestic animal management are nominated. The Plan has been prepared drawing information from a broad range of stakeholders, however its core function will be to ensure the delivery of Council’s animal management services are in line and consistent with strategies adopted by the Dog and Cat Management Board. This Plan nominates a series of key recommended strategies and outcome over a wide cross section of animal management-related items. These action plans will enable Council to maintain an equitable balance between competing interest groups and shall reposition domestic animal management in line with legislative amendments entailed within relevant legislation. The Dog and Cat Management Plan’s mission seeks to promote and facilitate responsible ownership of dogs and cats across the region and will provide the necessary framework to facilitate the following outcomes in respect to animal management:-

Promote responsible dog and cat ownership;

Provide for the welfare and safety of dogs and cats;

Ensure public safety is met, thus enhancing the region’s amenity and environment;

Harness the benefits of dog and cat ownership; and

Ensure that the expenditure of registration fees addresses domestic animal issues.

The development of Council’s Dog and Cat Management Plan is closely aligned with Council’s Draft Strategic Plan for the period of 2012-2016 which seeks to balance and meet the needs of our community in a sustainable and responsive manner by progressive leadership and partnering.

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Reference is made within Council’s Draft Strategic Plan to promote and encourage, through effective management, responsible dog and cat ownership to thus reduce occurrences of public and environmental nuisance matters arising. Council’s Strategic Plan, under the dog and cat control stream, nominates the development of an Dog and Cat Management Plan as fundamental to Council actively promoting and strengthening community support for dog and cat management. The Dog and Cat Management Plan for the period January 2012 to January 2017 will provide Council with a sound basis and direction from which it can plan, co-ordinate and determine future decisions relating to animal management which will not only meet the community’s expectations but will also assist in meeting the requirements of the Dog and Cat Management Board. It is envisaged that through the authorisation of this Dog and Cat Management Plan, the ability to deliver sustainable outcomes related to animal management in collaboration with the community will be heightened.

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2.0 Legislative Requirements The responsibilities for dog and cat management in South Australia are prescribed within the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995. Under the Act, Councils are required to administer and enforce the provisions relating to dogs and cats within its area. The Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 provides for the appointment of a Dog and Cat Management Board, which is charged with the responsibility of planning, promoting and advising on effective management of dogs and cats within the state of South Australia. Further, the Board’s role is one of monitoring Councils management of their dog and cat responsibilities, ensuring that Council discharges its responsibilities in accordance with statutory guidelines entailed within legislation. Whilst the above legislative requirements relate to the roles and duties as prescribed within the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, the following legislation is also considered when Council addresses animal management issues across it’s region:-

Dog and Cat Management Act 1995

Dog and Cat Management Regulations 1995

Local Government Act 1999

Development Act 1993

Development Regulations 1993

Impounding Act 1920

Light Regional Council By-Law 5 entitled “Dogs”

Light Regional Council By-Law 6 entitled “Cats” Following extensive community consultation and subsequent authorisation of the Dog and Cat Management Plan, the abovementioned government Acts may be read in unison with Council’s own Animal Management Plan which together will result in beneficial Community outcomes across a broad range of animal management-related issues.

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3.0 Light Regional Council Demographic Information Light Regional Council is nestled between the Barossa and Clare Valleys north of Adelaide, covering an area of 1,275 square kilometres, incorporating the townships of Kapunda, Freeling, Greenock, Roseworthy, Wasleys and Hewett. The Council has offices at Kapunda and Freeling, situated 69kms and 50kms respectively from the Adelaide GPO. Light Regional Council was formed on 1 March 1996 by the amalgamation of the former District Council of Kapunda and the former District Council of Light. The Council is classified under the Australian Classification of Local Governments as a Rural Agricultural Large Council (RAL). However for all intents and purposes it is now part of the urban corridor of Adelaide, and thus experiencing significant growth of traffic and congestion, and loss of amenity of local residents. The Light Regional Council region is adjacent to eight (8) urban and rural local government authorities. These are:

The City of Playford and the Town of Gawler to the south Barossa Council and Mid Murray Council to the east Goyder Regional Council to the north Wakefield Regional Council, Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council and the

District Council of Mallala to the west. The Council has a district population of approximately 15,000 and the Council area is 1,275 square kilometres.

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4.0 Dog & Cat Related Statistics During the year 2010/2011 financial year Light Regional Council registered 3,618 dogs resulting in a total operating income received from dog registrations of $100,054.09 Within the same financial year Council incurred costs of $157,120.15 on total expenditure within the dog and cat control stream. Council’s General Inspectorial staff, in carrying out their duties, recorded the following incidents in relation to domestic animal control:-

Barking Complaints 29

Dogs wandering at large 95

Dogs collected and returned to owners before impounded 28

Impounded dogs 67

Impounded dogs returned to owners 32

Dog harrassments to humans 4

Dog attacks on humans 5

Dog attacks on animals 8

Cat complaints 19

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5.0 Aims Light Regional Council’s Dog and Cat Management Plan seeks to fulfil the following aims:-

Provide effective management and a suitable environment for dogs and cats within the community;

Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership;

Increase public safety through the reduction of public and environmental nuisance caused by dogs and cats;


Acknowledge the importance of dogs and cats in society;

Ensure public safety and amenity in relation to dogs and cats;

Protect native fauna and flora from the impact of dogs and cats; and

Ensure the expenditure of registration fees addresses the needs of pet owners as well as domestic animal management issues.

Develop a strategy for the establishment of a pound suitable for the impounding of both dogs and cats.

Develop a strategy for the establishment of a dog park in a suitable location.

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6.0 Objectives Light Regional Council’s Dog and Cat Management Plan seeks to achieve the following objectives:-

Provide effective management and a suitable environment for dogs and cats within the community;

Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership;

Increase public safety through the reduction of public and environmental nuisance caused by dogs and cats;


Acknowledge the importance of dogs and cats in society;

Ensure public safety and amenity in relation to dogs and cats is upheld;

Protect native fauna and flora from the impact of dogs and cats; and


Develop a strategy for the establishment of a pound suitable for the impounding of both dogs and cats.

Develop a strategy for the establishment of a dog park in a suitable location.

The abovementioned objectives are provided in unison with a series of associated goals and action plans within the Animal Strategy component of the Management Plan.

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Animal Strategy Number 1

Strategy

Goal Commentary Key Performance Indicators/Outcomes

Provide effective management and a suitable environment for dogs and cats within the community.

1.1 Ensure that Officers of Council operate within the provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.

The strategies to ensure that Officers of Council operate within the provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act are to create a set of guidelines for use by staff and to ensure that regular training and development of skills are provided on an ongoing basis. Consistency of advice is critical and must be a high priority.

That Council review staff training and development opportunities to ensure that animal management staff are provided with a clear understanding of animal management issues.

That Council introduce performance reviews for all staff involved in animal management.

1.2 Ensure that Officers operate in accordance with the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.

Council staff cannot operate consistently without clear direction and guidelines as individuals will often interpret legislation in differing ways. The Dog and Cat Management Act is considered the primary legislation, By-Laws introduced by Council are considered subordinate legislation and procedures are the mechanism within which the Act and By-Laws are implemented.

That Council introduce procedural guidelines for all staff to follow.

1.3 Encourage education of dog and cat owners.

Generally speaking, most dog and cat owners strive to do the right thing. Registration of dogs and general compliance with the Act is relatively sound throughout the community. Council therefore must do everything in its power to ensure that residents and visitors alike understand their obligations to act responsibly with their pets.

That Council introduce a “fact sheet” for all residents and visitors to Light Regional Council. The brochure may be distributed through as many mediums as possible including Council offices, libraries and the Council internet web site.

Promote and encourage dog obedience programs and associated benefits to owners who take the time to train their dogs.

Provide educational leaflets to prospective and current dog owners by insertion with renewal notices and handed to new dog owners at time of registration.

Actively promote the importance of effective dog management within the regions primary schools by continuing the use of the Delta Dog program

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Strategy


Actively promote the importance of de-sexing cats -by making information brochures available at council libraries and council offices

1.4 Maximise dog registration.

Legislation in SA requires all dogs over three (3) months of age must be registered. Councils cannot expect to obtain an acceptable level of dog management without obtaining maximum registration. This can therefore be seen to be the most important issue at hand and is the key factor controlling all other effective and successful dog management strategies. Dog registration ensures that:-

Maximum funding is available for Councils to carry out responsibilities under the Act; and

Responsible dog owners, together with the rest of the community do not have to financially support irresponsible dog owners.

That Council - promote the need to register dogs to the community through a series of mediums including newspaper advertisements and roadside signage annually. -

That Council undertake follow up phone calls and random doorknocks to locate unregistered dogs.

That Council introduce a series of alternative approaches in respect to registration of dogs. Council will implement a new registration renewal system by using external services to send dog tags out with renewal notices.

Achieve 2% decrease in the number of dog renewal registrations that require follow up for the life of the plan.

1.5 Minimise dogs wandering at large.

A dog wandering at large can be a threat to livestock and members of the public, particularly children and older people, and Council is aware that serious attacks can arise in these circumstances. Council will therefore implement strategies to minimise its occurrence in the community. Under the provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act a dog will be taken to be wandering at large while:

(a) The dog is in public place (other than a park) or a private place without the consent of the occupier, and no person is exercising effective control of the dog by means of physical restraint; or

(b) The dog is in a park and no person is exercising effective control of the dog either- (i) By means of physical restraint; or (ii) By command, the dog being in close

proximity to the person and the person

That owners be made aware of their responsibilities to:- - Register their dog; - Adequately fence their property to control their

dog; - Train their dog so as to not leave their

premises; and - To keep their dog under effective control when

off-leash - When a dog is located on a road carriageway

the dog must be kept on-leash.

By making available ‘Your Dog and The Law’ leaflet at Council offices and Libraries.

That a dog management officer conduct random patrols of all public areas and detain dogs wandering at large.

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Strategy


being able to see the dog at all times The strategies are in two parts; the first to encourage owners to have adequate fencing and control over their dog and the second is the actions of the Council to the dogs ‘wandering at-large’.

That Council respond to calls from the general public of a dog wandering a large.

The priority of the Council will be to return the dog to the owner.

Unidentified dogs will be impounded in accordance with the Act.

All unclaimed dogs will be transferred to the care and control of the Animal Welfare League located at Wingfield.

Actively publicise statutory ramifications applicable to the public when a dog found wandering at large is taken into the possession of Council, by recorded information on Councils switchboard on-hold message.

Achieve 2% decrease in the number of dogs wandering at large for the life of the plan.

1.6 Enforce identification of dogs.

Identification of dogs is imperative in providing sound animal management practices. Residents and visitors to the area must identify their dogs at all times. Generally speaking pet owners do not allow their pets to wander at large. Accidental escape accounts for approximately 90% of dogs wandering at large. Often these dogs are not identified and therefore cannot be returned to the owner. The costs associated with impounding unidentified dogs and cats and the stresses placed on the animal and their owners can be avoided through appropriate identification measures.

That Council staff enforce identification of dogs by undertaking random patrols throughout the Council area.

That Council educate the public regarding the correct identification of dogs and cats and the importance of ensuring their dog is at all times wearing its registration tag on its collar, by providing brochures in Council offices, Libraries and information on the renewal notice.

Achieve 2% decrease per annum in the number of dogs unidentified.

Achieve 2% increase per annum in the number of dogs returned to owner before impounding.

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1.7 Encourage the community to report all dog attacks and harassments to Council.

Knowledge is the Councils best tool in reducing the number of dog attacks that occur in the community. The collection of data will enable Council to understand the situations that lead to such attacks and therefore the community must be encouraged to provide information regarding all attacks regardless of their severity.

That Council provides dog attack forms for Medical Centres to encourage the reporting of dog attacks. and provide advice on how to report a dog attack via recorded information on Council’s switchboard on-hold message.

1.8 Provide suitable on and off leash activity areas. Investigate the feasibility of the development of a designated dog park, including cost and location.

Providing suitable on and off leash activity areas is vital to the success of animal management in the area. Dog owners must have suitable areas to exercise dogs safely. Equally, other members of the community must have the ability to use the amenities without fear of harassment by uncontrolled dogs. In areas such as roads and places where the public congregate such as shopping areas, dogs must be restrained effectively. In parks assessed by Council as suitable, dog owners should be able to exercise their dogs without restrain providing the owner exercises effective control. History shows that Council has received very few complaints in relation to dog attacks in parks. However Council is very mindful of situations where dogs off leash may pose a threat to children sharing the same facilities, such as in the vicinity of children’s play equipment in a park.

That Council, identify the needs of both dog owners and members of the public who do not own a dog in respect to their competing desires for access to open space areas throughout the region.

Locate an area suitable to establish a dog park and seek funding.

Council develop a regional plan which designates appropriate areas of activity and appropriate times in which those activities may be undertaken.

Areas identified as appropriate for on lead restraint, given their strategic importance to the region in terms of accommodating both native fauna and flora, are:-

- Freeling Wetlands - Hewett Wetlands - Davidson Reserve

Erect appropriate signage within all Council reserves depicting areas for on-leash activity together with signage which depicts off-leash activity.

That Council restricts off-leash activities in parks and reserves where there is a strong risk of regular dog-child interaction by erecting appropriate signage.

Council to conduct annual audits of parks to check for appropriate signage.

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Strategy


1.9 Maximise the public’s understanding of the Dog Management Officers and the Council’s role in the community.

Many people have little or no understanding of the role performed by Animal Management Officers and Council in the community. This can lead to mistrust and in the worst cases a total lack of respect for the Officers and the Council. Officers must become better at providing information regarding the very important role they perform in the Community on behalf of Council in discharging their statutory duties of care.

That Council promote the role of Council’s General Inspector via the information brochures produced by Council and also via recorded information on Councils switchboard on-hold message.

1.10 Limit the number of dogs and cats per dwelling – By-Law 5 for Dogs and By-Law 6 for Cats.

These By-Laws were introduced for the management and control of dogs and cats within the Council’s area and to limit the number of dogs and cats kept on premises. Council has for some time now placed limits on the number of dogs per dwelling. Under the provisions of the Council’s By-Law 5, the limit on the number of dogs for any dwelling in a defined township is two without further approvals., Under the provisions of the Councils By-Law 6, the limit on the number of cats per dwelling is four without further approvals. Outside a township, working dogs used for the purpose of tending to stock as well as established kennel operations will not be considered in the By-Law provisions. . Council staff currently provide assistance for cat nuisance complaints and in some cases remove stray unowned cats. This is done under the provisions of the Act.

That Council uses the provision of By-Law 5 “Dogs” to assist in controlling the number of dogs per dwelling..

That Council uses the provision of By-Law 6 “Cats” to assist in controlling the number of cats per dwelling.

That Council publicly promote through a series of mediums including Council’s web-site, and brochures, ramifications associated with non-compliance with Council’s Dogs By-Law.

Council supply cat traps and assists in the removal of stray and feral cats.

1.11 Introduce data collection to better understand dog and cat management issues.

Council must have accurate information in order to fully understand animal management issues. Currently there is a reliance on the officers knowledge of issues and complaints received. General enquiry matters are generated for complaints with the outcomes recorded, this information is used for reference should further complaints be received. This information should now be analysed to better understand animal management issues.

That Council analyse all general enquiry matters received over the past twelve months to better understand any trends regarding animal management issues.

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Strategy


Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership.

2.1 Provide educational material to residents and visitors to the Council area.

There are three factors that contribute to successful pet ownership. They are: 1. Awareness of responsibilities related to pet

ownership, ensuring that the dog is registered, immunized and desexed.

2. Responsible in ensuring that the dog is

adequately trained and to be aware of the dogs behaviour at all times, including when absent from the home.

3. Responsible in ensuring that the dog has

adequate food, water and shelter and that the dog is regularly exercised.

The Breed determines the size and often the temperament of the dog and its susceptibility to genetic defects. When selecting a pet it is important to seek appropriate advice on the soundness of animals being considered and their suitability to the home/yard that the dog will be kept in and the family that the dog will be joining, particularly if small children are involved. The Home environment is made up of the part of the home that the dog will have access to. In most cases this will include an enclosed yard and possibly part of the house. Important factors to consider are the adequacy of the fencing, whether the dog can see out of the yard through a gate, adequacy of shelter, food and water whether there are children in the domain, closeness of neighbouring dogs and access to on-leash and off-leash exercise areas are all important factors.

That people contemplating obtaining a dog or a cat be encouraged to consider the factors affecting the suitability of successful pet ownership in their particular circumstances and point them to the following sources of information:- - Advice being available from the Council Dog

Management Officer. - Advice that Online information regarding breeds

and assistance in pet selection is available on:- - Petcare Information and Advisory Service

www.petnet.com.au - The Dog and Cat Management Board of

SA www.dogsncats.asn.au

That people contemplating obtaining a dog or a cat be encouraged to become familiar with the responsibilities of dog or cat ownership prior to obtaining a dog or a cat and that Council develop an information brochure outlining core responsibilities associated with the caring of dogs and cats.

http://www.petnet.com.au/

http://www.dogsncats.asn.au/

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Strategy


Successful pet ownership has both financial and time commitments and it is therefore important that people contemplating pet ownership endeavour to match their choice of pet for their particular home and family circumstances.

2.2 Enforce the provision of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.

Consistent enforcement of the provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 is an important factor in educating the public to act responsibly with their pets. Responsible pet owners expect irresponsible pet owners to be dealt with through the provisions of the Act. Effectively, there cannot be an incentive for one to act responsibly with one’s pets unless there is a disincentive for those who are not responsible.

That Council staff adhere strictly to the provisions entailed within legislation, upholding the integrity of the Dog and Cat Management Act.

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Strategy


Increase public safety through the reduction of public and environmental nuisance caused by dogs and cats.

Reduce the following detrimental impacts of dogs and cats:- 3.1 Barking dogs

Barking dog complaints are one of the most difficult and time consuming tasks for staff to administer. Barking dog complaints are subjective depending on an individual’s tolerance for dog noise. Having said that, Council must investigate and resolve this type of complaint. In order for Council to resolve the complaint they require full cooperation from the complainant to collect meaningful evidence suitable to a Court of law. The complainant must follow these standard operating procedures, as failure to do so will result in the matter being set aside by Council. On receipt of a complaint Council will provide information to the dog owner and diaries to the complainant. If and when the diaries are returned, an investigation will follow. Upon substantiation the Council will take the appropriate course of action.

That Council implements a standard operating procedure for the investigation of noise nuisance complaints and review the procedure annually and adopt proven successful strategies.

That Council implements an education brochure for dog owners to be sent out in the event of a complaint regarding dog noise nuisances and to review the information in the brochure annually.

That Council develop a “help kit” for aggrieved residents to assist them in approaching the matter, to be reviewed annually and adopt proven successful strategies.

Achieve 2% decrease in the number of barking dog complaints over the life of the plan.

3.2 Dog attacks/harassment

All dog attacks or harassment matters must be recorded and investigated. In order to reduce the incidence of dog attacks Council must educate the public to act responsibly. The issue of dog attacks and harassment is of great concern to the general community, particularly in relation to children and the elderly. Also of great concern is the number of unreported attacks and the fact that the majority of attacks (85%) occur on private property. While a minority of dogs are involved in attacks or harassment allegations, all dogs have the potential to bite, regardless of size, age, breed or temperament, particularly in situations where they are frightened, dominant, protective or possessive. How to avoid being bitten or how to read a dog’s body language are important issues on which to educate the public.

That Council informs the public of the importance of reporting all dog attacks by a series of mediums.

That Council undertake an annual review of its procedures relating to the handling of dog attacks and harassment matters.

That Council promote the level of risk relating to litigation and public safety and inform the dog owner through information brochures inserted into the registration renewal notice and also handed to new owners at time of registration

That Council promote the need for appropriate management of dogs in rural areas in order to limit dogs coming into contact with livestock via information brochures

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Strategy


3.3 Dog faeces in public places

The management of dog faeces is an important environmental and health issue. Anecdotally, large amounts of dog faeces pollute our waterways and public places each year and it is an issue on which the community has strong feelings. In addition, Light Regional Council relies heavily on tourism and faeces littering our public places can have a detrimental effect on visitors returning to the region. Although the responsibility lies with dog owners, an increasing number of Councils are providing leadership in this area by providing dog tidy bags to promote the picking up of dog faeces. It is widely acknowledged that Councils who provide faeces removal dispensers dramatically reduce the incidence of discarded faeces in the community. Problems associated with vandalism have been overcome by placing the dispensers in areas of high visibility.

That Council implement strategically placed signs to encourage responsible dog ownership in the area of faeces removal. Review reported incidences annually and erect signs as required.

That Council initiates a program in providing dispensers and dog tidy bags at appropriate locations throughout the Council region, to be reviewed annually and as required.

3.4 Nuisance caused by cats

Under the provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 a stray cat can be trapped when found wandering on private property. Cat traps are available for hire from the Council and residents are offered advice and assistance in the removal of stray or feral cats to lessen their impact on the environment and society. If an occupier traps a cat and it is identifiable the cat must be released unless the cat is more than one kilometre from a genuine place of residence. Under the provisions of the Act a cat must be identified by way of a collar with ownership details or by way of microchip identification.

That Council endorses the use of cat traps by residents experiencing problems with stray and feral cats. Council to develop a procedure for the use of cat traps and to be reviewed annually.

That Council actively promote through a series of mediums the importance of confinement of cats at night given the adverse impact they cause on the regions wildlife, to be reviewed annually.

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Strategy


Provide for the welfare and safety of dogs and cats.

4.1 Ensure that impounded dogs are returned to owners as soon as practical.

4.2 Investigate the feasibility of the construction of a pound, including cost and location.

Dogs found wandering at large are transferred to the Gawler Corporation pound in Paxton Street Gawler, if not claimed within 72 hours dogs are transferred to the Animal Welfare League at Wingfield

• That Council advise the community through a series of mediums to contact Council should they encounter a dog wandering at large.

Locate an area suitable to establish a pound for both dogs and cats and seek funding.

That Council ensures that appropriate notification is given to the community advising of impounded dogs by placing lost and found details on Councils website and promote this through Councils information brochures.

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Strategy


Acknowledge the importance of dogs and cats in society.

5.1 Provide residents and visitors with up to date information regarding the benefits of responsible dog and cat ownership.

There is a wealth of scientific evidence to support the benefits of owning pets and their use in therapy. However, until recently, this evidence has not been considered by local government, which has focused instead on the negative aspects alone. Evidence of a link between pet ownership and better health has been demonstrated by a range of different studies. More work needs to be done to determine whether this link is founded (i.e. do pet owners share some other factor which yields health benefits?). Not all studies demonstrate a link between pet ownership and better health outcomes however, as the evidence mounts; the public health profession is starting to take note. For example, the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Strategic Plan for the Prevention of Overweight and Obesity is considering dog walking as one key to getting overweight and obese people exercising. Dogs encourage people to enjoy the outdoors. They have been shown to stimulate conversation between strangers in public places and they improve people’s sense of security, both in the home and with their owner in public places. Pets are also wonderful companions, in some cases helping combat loneliness and social alienation. These benefits are as important for the elderly and single person households as they are for households with children. Part of the challenge involves removing barriers to owning pets. Local government has a role to play in harnessing the benefits of pet ownership and portraying these to the community.

That Council promote the benefits to the community of responsible animal ownership with the Dog and Cat Management Board’s publication “You and Your Dog” and “You and Your Cat”. Publications are available at Council offices and Libraries.

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Strategy


Ensure public safety and amenity in relation to dogs and cats is upheld.

7.1 Conduct regular patrols to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.

Council’s General Inspector is responsible for the implementation of dog and cat management in the Council area. The General Inspector is supported by. administration support staff who are the public face of animal management in the area. The General Inspector educates, mediates and enforces the provisions of the Act and has a good understanding of the issues affecting public safety and lifestyle amenity in relation to dogs and cats.

That Councils General Inspector regularly patrols the Council area to ensure compliance with the Dog and Cat Management Act is upheld. Council to implement a system of recording patrols.

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Protect native fauna, flora and wild animals from the impact of dogs and cats.

8.1 Clearly define areas unsuitable for dog and cat recreation and exercise.

Recreation areas including picnic and BBQ areas that have wildlife in the vicinity are not suitable for dogs off leash.

An audit of all Council parks, reserves and picnic areas will be carried out for their suitability as on-leash or off-leash areas and clear appropriate signage erected. To be reviewed annually.

That Council raises awareness within the community highlighting the benefits of desexing domestic cats.

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Strategy



9.1 Conduct regular reviews of income and expenditure to ensure that Council is using best practice with available funds.

Under the provisions of the Act Council must utilise money generated from dog management in the area of dog management. The implementation of this plan is a clear demonstration of Council’s desire to fulfil this obligation. In addition Council’s Director of Corporate and Financial Services is responsible to ensure that an independent ledger of funds is kept and is available for scrutiny by the Dog and Cat Management Board.

Review the annual dog registration fees and Council’s expenditure in relation to the dog and cat control stream to ensure that income is adequate to cover costs associated with Council fulfilling its service obligations pursuant to the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.

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Documents

Dog and Cat Management Plan 2012 2017