Dog and Cat Management Plan - City of Salisbury · 2015. 7. 20. · dog friendly parks for exercise, a local pound for returning lost dogs to their owners, ... Link between Dog and

Dog and Cat Management Plan

2012/13 - 2017/18

Ensuring Responsible

Pet Ownership

Mayor’s Foreword

I am a firm believer that dogs and cats play such a valuable role within our community and add so much value to our lives. Not only can these animals guide and assist those in need, but they become part of our families, our companions and friends – unconditionally.

Here at the City of Salisbury, we provide a wide range of services and programs in dog and cat management for the benefit of our residents as well as the animals. These include the provision of dog friendly parks for exercise, a local pound for returning lost dogs to their owners, and dog and cat regulatory services to enforce the laws and protect the health and safety of the community.

The Dog and Cat Management Plan provides a strategic approach to managing pets, which will provide Council with a sound basis and direction from which it can plan, coordinate and make future decisions to meet the needs of the community over the next five years.

We can all play a part in ensuring that the interactions we all have with dogs and cats are good ones, whilst ensuring the health and safety of both the community and our pets are maintained.

The Dog and Cat Management Plan’s mission is to ‘ensure responsible pet ownership’ and I would highly encourage everyone to play their part in achieving this goal.

City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan

Gillian AldridgeMayor of Salisbury

Preparation Details

Division Inspectorial ServicesResponsible Officer John Darzanos

Manager Environmental Health and SafetyPreparation Date March 2012Responsible General Manager Greg Waller

General Manager City DevelopmentCouncil Endorsement Date 27 August 2012Dog and Cat Management Board Endorsement Date

July 2012

Electronic File Name Reference Dog and Cat Management Plan 2012 - 2017.docx

City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan Page l 2

Contents

Executive Summary

Mission Statement

Objectives

Link between Dog and Cat Management Plan Objectives and Corporate Plan Strategies and Goals


Objective: Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership Objective: Increase public safety, and enhance the amenity and environment Objective: Reduce public and environmental nuisances from dogs and cats Objective: Promote the benefits of dog and cat ownership Objective: Ensure Council delivers effective, efficient and innovative dog and cat management services

Dogs on and off leash areas

The Law Applicable to Dogs and Cats

Corporate Goals and Strategies

Appendices

Appendix 1 – Dog and Cat Management Plan Survey

4

6

6

8

27

28

30

31

Page l 3City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan

Executive Summary

This Dog and Cat Management Plan has been prepared by the City of Salisbury in response to legislative requirements and the need to adopt a planned approach to the responsibilities under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 which will guide dog and cat management over the next 5 years.

The requirement to prepare a Dog and Cat Management Plan is prescribed under the provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995. The requirements under Section 26A of the Act provide that the Plan must cover the following areas:

Each council must prepare a plan relating to 1. the management of dogs and cats within its area.A plan of management must include provisions 2. for parks where dogs may be exercised on and off-leash A plan of management must be prepared and 3. presented to the BoardA plan of management must be approved by 4. the Board before it takes effect.A council may with the approval of the Board, 5. amend a plan of management.

The Plan developed by the City of Salisbury identifies strategies and actions to implement the mission and objectives for dog and cat management, and it contains recommendations for a wide range of actions to be undertaken by the City of Salisbury.

The actions were identified from the feedback received from our community consultation which was undertaken as part of a survey of the Salisbury community. Additional issues were also identified from the operational activities undertaken in the area of Dog and Cat Management by the Inspectorial Services Division.

The Plan’s Mission is “to promote and facilitate responsible ownership of dogs and cats, animal welfare and the benefits of animal companionship, focusing on the legitimate needs of pets and their owners while respecting the rights of other members of the community and protecting the environment.”

The plan provides key objectives that will aim to:

encourage responsible dog and cat ownership,•increase public safety, and enhance the •amenity and environmentreduce public and environmental nuisances •from dogs and catsharness the benefits of dog and cat ownership; •andensure Council delivers effective, efficient and •innovative dog and cat management services


The Plan has also given consideration to the City’s corporate direction as it aims to fulfil the following corporate goals and strategies:

The objectives of the Dog and Cat Management Act are to:

Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership•Reduce public and environmental nuisance •caused by dogs and cats, andTo promote the effective management of dogs •and cats (including through the encouragement of de-sexing of dogs and cats)

Animal control has widened into a greater array of contexts and knowledge of both animal and human behaviour is now a requirement of working in the field. There is growing recognition that enforcement of laws will not, on its own, result in lasting, voluntary changes in behaviour. It needs to be supplemented by a range of non-regulatory approaches such as public education programs which include pamphlets, signage, press releases, school education programs and a growing presence online through web pages and social media outlets.


There is now considerable evidence to support our understanding of the benefits of owning pets. This implies a potentially new role for Council in harnessing the benefits of pet ownership or at least maintaining the ability of the community to continue to own dogs and cats.

In this environment, it is essential that Council take a strategic approach to managing domestic pets. This strategy will provide Council with a sound basis and direction from which it can plan, co-ordinate and make future decisions to meet the needs of the community over the next five years.

Goal StrategiesA safe, accessible and attractive City Maximize the appeal and use of streetscapes and open

spacesSupport the health and safety of the communityEnsure community resources are accessible

A vibrant, engaged and proud community Actively support and promote the recreation and leisure needs of the communityPromote community information and learning

A high performing organisation Achieve a financially sustainable organisationDevelop and maintain a great workforceProvide excellent customer serviceEnsure effective governance

Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership,•Increase public safety, and enhance the amenity and environment•Reduce public and environmental nuisances from dogs and cats•Promote the benefits of dog and cat ownership; and•Ensure Council delivers effective, efficient and innovative dog and cat management services•

Mission Statement

To promote and facilitate responsible ownership of dogs and cats, animal welfare and the benefits of animal companionship focusing on the legitimate needs of pets and their owners while respecting the rights of other members of the community and protecting the environment.

Objectives


Link between Dog and Cat Management Plan Objectives and Corporate Plan Strategies and Goals

Dog and Cat Management Plan Objective City of Salisbury Corporate Plan Strategies City of Salisbury Corporate Plan Goal

Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership Support the health and safety of the community A safe, accessible and attractive City

Promote community information and learning A vibrant, engaged and proud community

Achieve a financially sustainable organisation A high performing organisation

Ensure effective governance

Increase public safety, and enhance the amenity and environment

Maximize the appeal and use of streetscapes and open spaces

A safe, accessible and attractive City

Support the health and safety of the community

Ensure community resources are accessible

Actively support and promote the recreation and leisure needs of the community

A vibrant, engaged and proud community

Promote community information and learning

Reduce public and environmental nuisances from dogs and cats

Support the health and safety of the community A safe, accessible and attractive City


Promote the benefits of dog and cat ownership Support the health and safety of the community A safe, accessible and attractive City


Ensure Council delivers effective, efficient and innovative dog and cat management services

Support the health and safety of the community A safe, accessible and attractive City


Achieve a financially sustainable organisation A high performing organisation

Develop and maintain a great workforce

Provide excellent customer service

Ensure effective governance


Objective: Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership

There are three factors that contribute to responsible dog and cat ownership. They are the owner, the breed and the home environment.

The OwnerA pet owner has a vast range of legal, morale and humane responsibilities that they need to be aware of. They include the need to ensure that the dog or cat is registered (if required), identified, micro chipped, immunized, and desexed. Dog owners should also consider their responsibility to ensure that their dog is trained, and need to be aware of the dog’s behaviour at all times, including when the owner is away from the home. The owner is responsible for supplying food, water and shelter and that their pet is regularly exercised.

The BreedThe breed, in particular for dogs, but also for cats determines the size, temperament and demands. When selecting a pet it is important to seek appropriate advice on the breed as their suitability is affected by the home / yard it will be kept in and the family that the pet will be joining, particularly if small children are involved, and if the pet fits in with your lifestyle.

The Home EnvironmentThe Home environment is made up of the part of the home that the dog or cat will have access to. In most cases this will include an enclosed yard and possibly part of the house. Important factors for dogs are the size of the yard in relation to the breed of the dog, the adequacy of the fencing, closeness of neighbours and other dogs and access to on-leash and off-leash exercise areas. Considerations for cats and the home environment also include the ability to confine cats to yards so as not to wander onto neighbours yard and the wider environment.

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 to their particular home and family circumstances.


RegistrationThe City of Salisbury has approximately 25000 to 26000 registered dogs with an estimated 3000 to 5000 unregistered dogs in the community. Council undertakes an annual dog registration assessment in an effort to identify unregistered dogs and encourage registration rates. The survey is accountable for directly and indirectly identifying approximately 2000 to 3000 unregistered dogs, or persons who have failed to register. Increasing the number of registered dogs enables Council to fund and deliver better services for dog owners in the community.

Council offer a variety of rebates for dog registration including micro-chipped, desexed and obedience trained dogs in an effort to encourage owners to undertake these activities. Approximately 39% of registered dogs are microchipped, and approxiatemly 2% are microchipped and trained. However training is very low at less than 1% of registered dogs. Training of dogs can help reduce many of the nuisances and improve socialisation which in turn can reduce and prevent many of the attacks on other animals and people. The cost and time commitment to training is a big deterrent, which is not offset by the registration rebates. Increasing the rebates for training or subsidising training courses is an opportunity to improve training rates.

The desexing rebate provides for a 40% discount on the registration fee and currently 60% of registered dogs are desexed and have one or more of the rebates included. Desexing helps reduce dog overpopulation and can also reduce the aggressiveness of dogs. Desexing rebates are aimed at encouraging desexing however the rebate is minimal compared to the upfront costs. However the longer term benefits and savings over the lifetime of the dog is a financial benefit. The other not as obvious benefits of desexing need to be communicated to encourage more desexing and improving public safety. This could be achieved through education and or compulsory desexing through changes to State legislation.

Enabling easier methods and customer friendly opportunities to re-register dogs is also important in improving registration rates.

Pet SelectionMany concerns with dogs and cats occur as a result of people selecting the wrong breed for their lifestyle and or the home environment that they can offer the pet. Choosing the wrong pet can result in noise and nuisance complaints which can lead to fines or costs or the loss of pets. As a result starting with the right pet will assist in preventing many concerns and nuisances in the future.

Pet NumbersA control on pet numbers is a strategy implemented by Council in an effort to minimise nuisances and concerns. Council currently has a by law limiting dog numbers to 2, however no controls are currently in place for cats. The survey responses indicated that the majority of pet owners had 2 or fewer dogs and a significant amount of cat owners had more than 2 cats.

Support existed for maintaining the bylaw to restrict dog numbers to 2, with consideration to other factors such as property size and breed of dog. There was support for restricting cat numbers to 2 or less, however other factors can be considered when assessing cats such as property size, location and type of enclosures, ability for cat to roam freely and whether it is desexed. The differences associated with multiple cat ownership allow for variations to limits and greater flexibility in assessing the limits should they be introduced.

IdentificationThe issue of cat identification was considered in the survey, and 78% supported compulsory microchipping of cats. 42% of respondents had their cat identified with a microchip. Identification promotes ownership and accountability for the actions of someone’s cat, so improving identification is essential to improve responsible pet ownership. Many of the cats handed into shelters were not identified which indicates that a large cat population is unidentified. Strategies to address cat identification would need to be considered.


Communication and EducationEnsuring people are aware of their responsibilities is also essential in preventing nuisances. Developing the right information and communicating this through the right channels is also important. Being aware of changing methods of receiving information and the right source of information will assist Council in delivering the right message at the right time, through the right media. The growing use of social media cannot be overlooked when trying to improve communication and embracing it will enable new opportunities.

Many respondents to the survey indicated that they receive information for their pets from their Vet, so partnering with other providers of animal services such as Vets and local shelters will also improve communications.


Objective: Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership

CORPORATE STRATEGY

ACTION TASK 12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

TARGET DATE

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

OTHER DEPTS

Key Performance Indicators

or

Key Success Factors

22 Ensure effective governance

19 Achieve a financially sustainable organisation

12 Support the health and safety of the community

17 Promote community information and learning

Encourage and promote and the registration of dogs

Offer rebates for dog registrations for concession cards, desexing, microchipping and training

Annually MEHS

TLGI

Council Increase in registration rates (unregistered dogs less than 10%)

Undertake annual Dog Registration assessment to identify unregistered dogs and encourage registrations

Annually (Sept to June)

DRAT Annual Registration Assessment undertaken

Unregistered dogs less than 10%

Identify and implement easier and innovative ways to facilitate registration renewals

Review Annually

MEHS

TLGI

CC Improved registration rates

Reduced costs and time to renew registrations

Encourage and promote responsible dog ownership

Promote the benefits of desexing of dogs Annually MEHS

TLGI

Inspectorial Services

D&CM Board

Vets

Mktg

Information is developed and made available to the community on desexing

Increase in the percentage of registered dogs that are desexed.

Review registration rebates as an opportunity to increase percentage of dogs desexed

June 2014 MEHS

TLGI

Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are desexed dogs

Investigate opportunities to subsidize and improve desexing rates with Local Vets and other agencies

June 2014 MEHS

TLGI

Board

Vets

As above

Subsidized desexing programs available in the community

Promote the benefits of micro chipping. Annually As above

D&CM Board

Vets

Mktg

Information is developed and made available to the community on microchipping

Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are micro

CORPORATE STRATEGY

ACTION TASK 12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

TARGET DATE

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

OTHER DEPTS


or

Key Success Factors

chipped

Review registration rebates as an opportunity to increase percentage of dogs microchipped

June 2014 MEHS

TLGI

Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are microchipped

Promote and provide micro chipping days for residents dogs to offer subsidized microchipping.

Annually As above

D&CM Board

Vets

Mktg

Micro chipping days conducts at least once per annum

Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are micro chipped

Promote the benefits of having an obedience trained dog

Annually As above Local Obedience clubs

Information is developed and made available to the community on training

Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are trained

Review registration rebates as an opportunity to increase percentage of dogs trained.

June 2014 MEHS

TLGI

Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are desexed dogs

Promote local training providers that meet the DCMB required training standards.

Annually MEHS

TLGI

Local Obedience clubs

Mktg

List of providers available to community via Council web site and other means

Investigate opportunities for subsidized training.

June 2014 MEHS

TLGI

Subsidized training courses identified

Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are trained

Encourage and promote suitable pet selection

Promote the Dog and Cat management web site for educational materials on dogs and cats

Annually TLGI


D&CM Board

Web site promoted and links established from CoS web site

Links to

CORPORATE STRATEGY

ACTION TASK 12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

TARGET DATE

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

OTHER DEPTS


or

Key Success Factors

http://gooddogsa.com/

http://www.goodcatsa.com/

Promote Select an owner and select a cat for identifying suitable pets to suit lifestyle, home life and environment

Ongoing TLGI


D&CM Board

Web site promoted and links established from CoS web site

Links to

http://selectanowner.goodownersa.com/

http://www.petnet.com.au/selectapet/choose-a-pet

Web pages and links made available at all library terminals

Promoted on Councils on hold message.

Encourage and promote appropriate pet numbers

Promote and educate dog owners on the Council by law limiting dog numbers, and the relevance of breed, property size and open space

Ongoing Inspectorial Services

% of properties with 2 or fewer dogs

Number of exemptions issued

Relevant information developed and promoted

Promote and educate cat owners on the requirements to maintain reasonable numbers of cats on the property so as to prevent nuisances.

Develop by June 13 and Ongoing

MEHS


Relevant information developed and promoted

Review the by law restricting numbers of dogs and the requirements for assessing exemptions giving consideration to numbers, type of pet and style of housing developments

January 13 MEHS


Development Services

Planning Issues considered and implemented into by law for dogs and cats

http://gooddogsa.com/

http://www.goodcatsa.com/





CORPORATE STRATEGY

ACTION TASK 12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

TARGET DATE

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

OTHER DEPTS


or

Key Success Factors

Promote pet friendly designs for new home and for renovations

July 15 and ongoing

MEHS


Development Services

Mktg

Pet friendly design concepts provided to builders and developers

Information available online through Council web pages

Encourage and promote responsible cat ownership

Promote the desexing of cats Ongoing MEHS


D&CMB

C.A.T.S

Vets

Increase in desexing rates (information from Vets and other agencies)

Reduction in number of Cats being taken to Shelters

Investigate additional opportunities to increase desexing rates with local vets and other agencies

June 2014 MEHS

TLGI

D&CMB

Vets

CATS Inc.

Increase in desexing rates (information from Vets and other agencies)

Subsidized desexing programs available in the community

Desexing clinics

Promote the identification and micro chipping of cats

Ongoing MEHS


D&CM Board

Vets

Increase in return to owner rates from cats taken to shelters or vets

Increase in Microchipping rates (information from Vets and other agencies)

Promote and provide micro chipping days to offer subsidized microchipping for cats.

Annually MEHS


D&CM Board

Vets

Mktg

Micro chipping days conducts at least once per annum

Increase in percentage of cats that are micro chipped

Educate and Inform the Community on responsible pet ownership and their rights and their responsibilities

Investigate and implement the use of social media to improve information and communication for dog and cat management and regulation.

Eg Facebook, YouTube, web pages, blogs, RSS feeds

June 14 MEHS


Mktg Social media campaigns implemented where appropriate

Web traffic data supports active use.

CORPORATE STRATEGY

ACTION TASK 12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

TARGET DATE

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

OTHER DEPTS


or

Key Success Factors

Investigate, identify and implement interactive community information campaigns that engage the community and have active involvement in the campaigns.

June 14 then ongoing

MEHS


Mktg Interactive campaigns implemented

Salisbury Poster Dog campaign implemented

Develop partnerships with Local Vets to improve communication with local pet owners through the distribution of information.

June 14 MEHS


Mktg

Vets

Council information available at all Vets in the area.

Develop education and information program for responsible pet ownership, targeted at both primary and secondary school children

June 14 then ongioing

MEHS


Mktg

D&CMB

Education campaign developed and

Review and amend Council web pages to provide easily accessible and relevant information

June 14 MEHS


Mktg

Council web pages reviewed annually.

Provide links to other relevant agencies and web pages to promote dog and cat information

June 14 MEHS


Mktg


Links provided and up to date

Promote council services to ensure residents and the community are aware of Councils responsibilities and services provided


MEHS


Mktg


Information developed on Council services and available online and hard copy

MEHS – Manager Environmental Health and Safety, TLGI – Team Leader General Inspectorate, DRAT – Dog Registration Assessment Team, D&CMB – Dog and Cat Management Board, C.A.T.S. – Cats Assistance to Sterilize Incorporated, CC – Customer Center. Mktg –Corporate Communications and Marketing

Objective: Increase public safety, and enhance the amenity and environment

Wandering at LargeDogs and cats are an important part of the community and can have a direct impact on public safety and the amenity and the environment. The public safety risks associated with dogs include wandering at large and harassing or attacking. Council investigates over 1500 wandering at large incidents and impounds approximately 1200 dogs annually, which is great demand on resources and is a significant contributor to harassments and attacks. Over 120 dog attack/harassment incidents are reported with around 80 resulting in investigations every year.

The survey of residents identified that these two issues, dogs wandering and fear from attacks or harassments, made up 47% of all concerns associated with dogs, and as a result strategies to address these issues would need to be considered.

Off leash ExerciseThe dog leashing laws imposed by the City of Salisbury has deemed all parks and reserves as on lead areas between 8.00am and 6.30pm, so as to ensure that members of the community can enjoy these areas without fear of attack or harassment from unrestrained dogs. The reduction in dog attack incidents since the introduction of these laws has been evidence of their success, and the awareness of these laws was high. The provision of off lead areas is part of the strategy to ensure that owners have a suitable location to exercise their dogs off lead, however continual review of these laws and requirements must be undertaken to ensure Council effectively balances legislative controls with the needs of the community.

Usage of the dog friendly parks indicated that some areas have higher usage than others, so further investigation needs to be undertaken to establish if additional parks are required or existing parks expanded. Lighting for parks was the highest response for improvements and subsequently this will need further investigation.

Many respondents to the survey also indicated they utilise the network of local streets and reserves for dog walking and exercise when required. This provides opportunities to maximise the network of local reserves and make pet friendly improvements to facilitate on lead activities.

Cats WanderingThe major environmental impact associated with cats was identified as their opportunity to wander at large unrestrained and the impact that they have on property, noise and spraying. The survey of residents identified that these issues were the major concerns associated with cats. A major source of cats that undertake these activities are the partially owned cats which are fed by many people however know one accepts responsibility for these cats. As a result strategies would need to address these concerns in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of cats.


Objective: Increase public safety, and enhance the amenity and environment

CORPORATE STRATEGY

ACTION TASK 12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

TARGET DATE

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

OTHER DEPTS


or

Key Success Factors


11 Maximize the appeal and use of streetscapes and open spaces

14 Ensure community resources are accessible

15 Actively support and promote the recreation and leisure needs of the community


Reduce the incidents of dogs wandering at large (WAL)

Enforce the WAL provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act, and implement measures to reduce and prevent recurrent incidents.

Annually MEHS

TLGI

Decrease in Wandering at large incidents.

Number of repeat offenders less that 1% of total incidents.

Develop and promote and review educational material to the community on preventing dogs wandering at large

Annually MEHS

TLGI

Mktg Information developed and available through multiple channels.

Decrease in Wandering at large incidents.

Number of repeat offenders less that 1% of total incidents

Develop information and education campaign to address fireworks and storm risks for dogs WAL

June 14 MEHS

TLGI

Mktg

D&CMB

Information developed and available through multiple channels.

Provide on and off leash exercise areas for dogs

Maintain and promote the City’s dog friendly parks

Annually MEHS

TLGI

Asset Services

Increase in resident satisfaction of Dog Friendly Parks

Review usage rates of DFP, to identify opportunities to increase capacity if required.

June 15 MEHS

TLGI

City Projects

Asset Services

Usage rates identified and recommendations presented to Council

Investigate the provision of additional dog friendly parks in un-serviced areas

June 15 MEHS

TLGI

City Projects

Asset Services

Review undertaken and recommendations presented to Council

Investigate the provision of additional dog friendly ―puppy‖ park in association with existing park.

June 15 MEHS

TLGI

City Projects

Asset Services


CORPORATE STRATEGY

ACTION TASK 12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

TARGET DATE

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

OTHER DEPTS


or

Key Success Factors

Investigate the provision of lighting in the dog friendly parks

June 15 MEHS

TLGI

City Projects

Asset Services


Promote the existing Salisbury Park lands network for pet friendly on leash activity.


MEHS

TLGI

Mktg

City Projects

Asset Services

Information developed and made available

Investigate and develop on lead exercise trail to support pet walking activities through Council parklands network.

June 15 MEHS

TLGI

Mktg

City Projects

Asset Services

Community Services

On lead walking trails investigated and recommendation presented to Council

Review current by law 6 requiring dogs on leads in all public places in relation to times.

June 14 MEHS

TLGI

Review undertaken and recommendations implemented.

Reduce the incidents of dog attacks

Investigate all attacks and gather relevant information and analyze data to implement strategies to prevent further attacks.

Eg: Breed, sex, desexed, source of dog, trained

Annually MEHS

TLGI

D&CMB Data gathered and analyzed

Correlating factors determined and utilized for policy development.

Develop and promote educational material to the community on preventing dog attacks in and adjacent to the home

Develop by June 14 and then Annually

MEHS

TLGI

Mktg Information developed and distributed.

Dog attack rates decreased for previous years

Develop Dog Attack education campaign highlighting the impact of Dog attacks on community, including costs, fines, impacts and injuries

Develop by June 14 and then Annually

MEHS

TLGI

Mktg Information developed and distributed.

CORPORATE STRATEGY

ACTION TASK 12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

TARGET DATE

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

OTHER DEPTS


or

Key Success Factors

Encourage responsible dog faeces disposals

Develop and or promote educational material to the community on responsible dog faeces disposal

Ongoing MEHS

TLGI

Mktg Information developed and distributed

Reduce the environmental impacts of cats

Encourage the use of cat runs and enclosures and pet friendly enclosures

June14 then Ongoing

MEHS

TLGI

Increase in properties with cats runs (consider register to capture information)

Reduction in shelter admissions from Salisbury

Cat Trap Hire rates

Develop and or promote educational material on the consequences of feeding partially owned cats and the effects of this practice, and or support the D&CMB campaign

Ongoing MEHS

TLGI

D&CMB

Mktg

Information developed and distributed


Promote council services to ensure residents and the community are aware of Councils responsibilities and services provided in relation to Cats


MEHS


Mktg




Objective: Reduce public and environmental nuisances from dogs and cats

Dog Noise and Nuisance ComplaintsOne of the major concerns with dogs is the noise and nuisance incidents. Council investigates over 250 noise and nuisance complaints per annum and the survey of residents identified that noise from dogs made up 42% of all concerns associated with dogs. Dog noise can be attributed to many factors including, environment, surroundings, temperament of the dog, boredom or anxiety, and the owner’s commitment to the dog. As a result strategies to address these issues would need to be considered. Adequate and effective investigations and the application of education, encouragement and enforcement will also help reduce the impact of nuisances and also prevent their recurrence.

Training of dogs can help reduce many of the nuisances and improve socialisation which in turn can reduce and prevent many of the attacks on other animals and people. The cost and time commitment to training is a big deterrent, which is not offset by the registration rebates. Increasing the rebates for training or subsidising training courses is an opportunity to improve training rates.

Cat Nuisances70% of respondents have been affected by cats that weren’t their own with the highest concerns being wandering onto yard, spraying or urinating on property, faeces in yard and noise, with the lowest concern being too many cats on the property. This provided support to the need to address nuisances created by cats that wander onto others properties, with supporting education programs to encourage cat owners to contain their cats and prevent them from wandering. The lesser concern with the number of cats seems to indicate that restrictions in numbers are less important if wandering cats are addressed. Providing traps and other resources to enable adequate responses to wandering cats is also important to the overall strategy.

DesexingDesexing is also known to reduce many nuisance behaviours in both dogs and cats and subsequently desexing can result in improvements throughout the community and also a reduction in unwanted pets, and in particular stray and semi owned cats.

Semi owned or Stray CatsSemi owned cats are classified as cats that are fed and partially looked after, however no one claims ownership. They tend to roam freely and enter yards where one or more property owners will feed and or care for the cat.

34% of respondents indicated they have fed or cared for a cat that wasn’t their own. With 52% indicating that they believed the cat was a stray, however 33% believed the cat was owned by someone else, but continued to provide food or care.

57% of the respondents would not claim ownership of the cat that entered the yard even though a large percentage thought the cat was a stray.

This behaviour contributes to the growing number of stray cats that wander from yard to yard and the over population of cats that are responsible for many of the nuisances.

Semi owned cat behaviours are contributory to the over population of cats as many people engage in this behaviour which provides for a food source for cats and the lack of ownership and responsibility also provides for a non desexed population that can continue to breed and provide a growing population of cats. Shelter data also supports the theory that nuisances are caused by un-owned cats as only 1% of all cats admitted are actually claimed by someone as the owner.

Addressing these behaviours is important to address cat numbers and nuisances from wandering cats. The Dog and Cat Management Board is preparing a campaign to address semi owned cats and associated behaviours and concerns. Adopting and promoting this campaign will assist Council in addressing this matter.


Objective: Reduce public and environmental nuisances from dogs and cats

CORPORATE STRATEGY

ACTION TASK 12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

TARGET DATE

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

OTHER DEPTS


or

Key Success Factors



Reduce dog noise and nuisance incidents

Investigate reports of dog noise and nuisance and implement measures to prevent recurrence

Ongoing MEHS

TLGI


Decrease in dog noise and nuisance incidents

Develop and or promote educational material to the community on identifying the causes and ways to reduce dog noise and nuisance issues

Ongoing MEHS

TLGI

Mktg

D&CM Board

Decrease in dog noise incidents

Develop and promote educational material and check list on identifying the impacts on dogs and neighbours when moving to new homes to prevent noise and nuisance and WAL


MEHS

TLGI

Mktg


Promote the benefits of desexing and training in preventing dog noise and nuisance behaviors

June 13 MEHS

TLGI

D&CMB

Vets

Training Providers

Refer to previous table ―Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership‖

Promote long term noise nuisance abatement through dog behaviour training such as ―Bark Busters‖

Annually MEHS

TLGI

Bark Busters

Increase in % of complaints utilizing Bark Busters or similar programs


Reduce public and environmental health nuisances from dogs and cats

Encourage the use of cat runs and enclosures to prevent cats from wandering and causing nuisances such as:

noise,

defecating on others property and

spraying


MEHS

TLGI

Increase in properties with cats runs (consider register to capture information)

CORPORATE STRATEGY

ACTION TASK 12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

TARGET DATE

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

OTHER DEPTS


or

Key Success Factors

Promote the use of cat traps to enable residents to capture wandering cats


MEHS

TLGI

Number of traps loaned

Number of traps talen to shelters

Investigate and implement partnerships with shelters and Local Vets to enable residents to drop off trapped cats


MEHS

TLGI

Partnerships developed

Inform the community of their responsibilities and obligations under current legislative requirements to prevent nuisances from cats


MEHS

TLGI

Mktg Educational material developed and distributed

Promote the benefits of desexing in preventing cat nuisance behaviors


MEHS

TLGI

D&CMB

Vets

Training Providers

Educational material developed and distributed

Develop and or promote educational material on the consequences of feeding partially owned cats and the effects of this practice, and or support the D&CMB campaign

Ongoing MEHS

TLGI

D&CMB

Mktg




Objective: Promote the benefits of dog and cat ownership

There is a wealth of scientific evidence to support the benefits of owning pets and their use in therapy. Evidence of a link between pet ownership and better health has been demonstrated by a range of different studies.

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, helping combat loneliness and social alienation in some cases. 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 these benefits - not to encourage people to buy a pet but to even up the balance in the consideration of domestic animals issues and by removing unnecessary barriers to pet ownership.


Objective: Promote the benefits of dog and cat ownership

CORPORATE STRATEGY

ACTION TASK 12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

TARGET DATE

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

OTHER DEPTS


or

Key Success Factors



Promote the benefits of dog and cat ownership

Develop and or promote educational material to the community on the benefits of pet ownership

Ongoing MEHS

TLGI

Mktg

D&CMB


Encourage and support pet friendly community events

Ongoing MEHS

TLGI

Mktg

D&CMB

Number of community events and participation


Objective: Ensure Council delivers effective, efficient and innovative dog and cat management services

The Dog and Cat Management Act requires the Council to enforce the provisions of the Act. The approach by the City of Salisbury in the first instance will be to educate and then encourage people to accept their responsibilities of pet ownership before the need to enforce the provisions of the Act.

Public places are monitored to ensure that the provisions of the Act are complied with, and dog management officers are available to respond to concerns of the community and breaches of the Act. It is council’s responsibility to make arrangements for the provision of these services that are efficient and effective and that employ Best Practice.


To ensure that the service delivery is efficient and effective Council develops annual business plans to guide and achieve operational activities and strategic directions

Maintaining best practice requires that staff and council are informed of all latest developments and up coming changes in legislation and practices. Maintaining representation at the relevant professional associations and undertaking continuous professional development ensures that Council and its staff are kept up to date with all latest developments.

Objective: Ensure Council delivers effective, efficient and innovative dog and cat management services

CORPORATE STRATEGY

ACTION TASK 12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

TARGET DATE

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS

OTHER DEPTS


or

Key Success Factors



19 Achieve a financially sustainable organisation

Encourage and support the continuous professional development of staff

Attend relevant training and education packages suited to Animal Management Officers

Annually MEHS

TLGI

Council staff actively participating in training, meetings and seminars

Promote and encourage staff membership of relevant professional associations.

Annually MEHS

TLGI

Membership rates of staff at 80%

20 Develop and maintain a great workforce

21 Provide excellent customer service

22 Ensure effective governance

Provide efficient and effective dog and cat management services

Develop annual business plan to guide and achieve operational activities and strategic directions

Annually MEHS

TLGI

Business Plan Developed and implemented

Utilize effective IT solutions to improve processes and customer service

Annually MEHS

TLGI

IT solutions and improvements identified and implemented

Promote animal management services offered by Council

Promote council services to ensure residents and the community are aware of Councils responsibilities and services provided


MEHS


Mktg




Dogs on and off leash areas

Leashing LawsAs part of its drive to reduce the incidence of dog attacks in the Salisbury area, Council maintains and enforces a By Law requiring all dogs to be leashed in public places (including roads and footpaths) except for parks and open spaces marked with signs permitting unleashed exercise from 6.30 pm to 8 am daily.

Dog Friendly ParksCouncil provides “dog friendly parks” where owners can exercise their dogs unleashed at any time. There are nine dog friendly parks within the City of Salisbury. These fenced parks have been designed to provide interesting recreational environments including obstacle courses, lawned areas and seating for owners. Doggy litter bags along with taps and bowls are provided on site.


The Dog Park locations within Salisbury Region:

Baltimore Reserve, Oleander Drive, Parafield •GardensBolivar Road Reserve, Bolivar Road, Bolivar•Canterbury Reserve, Canterbury Drive Salisbury •HeightsDry Creek Linear Park, Park Way, Mawson •LakesGolding Oval, Corner Redhill Road and Kalina •Avenue, Para VistaHappy Home Reserve, Waterloo Corner Road •Salisbury NorthJenkins Reserve, Salisbury Park•The Paddocks, Maxwell Road, Para Hills West•Unity Park, South Terrace Pooraka•

A copy of the flyer advertising the Dog Friendly Parks is attached.

The Law Applicable to Dogs and CatsThe City of Salisbury as with other authorities administers several laws and by laws applicable to dogs and cats. The applicable legislation includes the following:

Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 and Regulations

The objects of the Dog and Cat Management Act are:

(a) to encourage responsible dog and cat ownership;(b) to reduce public and environmental nuisance caused by dogs and cats;(c) to promote the effective management of dogs and cats (including through encouragement of the desexing of dogs and cats).

The Act has prescriptive requirements for dog and cat owners, with Councils having the responsibility to enforce these requirements. Some of the areas of responsibility include:

to register dogs•to have dogs under effective control•to prevent dogs from attacking/harassing•to prevent noise nuisances form dogs•to clean up after dogs in public places•the ability to issue dog control orders •

If breaches are detected owners could face penalties and or orders. A copy of the Act is available on line at: http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au

By laws

The City of Salisbury has one by law under the Dog and Cat Management Act to address dog management issues.

This is By law 5 – Dogs, which covers the following provisions:

Limit on dog numbers•Exemptions from Limits for Kennel •EstablishmentsDog Free area•Dog on leash areas•Dog exercise areas•

Copies of the by laws are available on line at www.salisbury.sa.gov.au

Local Government Act 1999

Under the provisions of the Local Government Council has the ability to issue orders to require a person to do or refrain from doing a thing specified in the order in an effort to prevent animals, including dogs and cats, from being a nuisance or injurious to health.

A nuisance can be created form any of the following:

the numbers of animals or birds;1. the noise, dust or odour generated by the 2. presence of the animal or bird;the attraction of flies, rats, mice or other 3. vermin;the aggressive nature of the animal or bird;4. the nature and location of housing facilities for 5. the animal or bird;the animal or bird not being adequately 6. contained on the land; orthe animal or bird being allowed to wander 7. or fly from or to the land either alone or in numbers;droppings emanating from animal or bird; or8. for any other reason9.

Council has developed a policy for the implementation of the order making provisions and is available on line at www.salisbury.sa.gov.au


Public and Environmental Health Act 1987

Under the requirements of the Public and Environmental Health Act it is the duty of a local Council:

(a) to promote proper standards of public and environmental health in its area; and (b) to take adequate measures to ensure that the provisions of Part 3 are observed in its area; and (c) to take reasonable steps- (i) to prevent the occurrence and spread of notifiable diseases within its area; and (ii) to prevent any infestation or spread of vermin, rodents or other pests within its area.

The implications for dog and cat owners are the requirements to prevent the occurrence of insanitary conditions associated with the keeping of dogs and cats, which can result from excessive numbers, un-kept yards used to house pets, and improper faeces disposal. If breaches are detected owners could face penalties and or notices requiring them to amend the area of concern.

A copy of the Act is available on line at http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au

Development Act

Schedule 3 of the Development Regulations - (Acts and activities which are not development) states amongst other things that the keeping of animals (includes dogs and cats), birds, or other livestock (other than horses, sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, donkeys and wild animals) solely for domestic needs and enjoyment of the occupants of a dwelling and land appurtenant to that dwelling is not development and as such does not require a Planning Approval.

This definition does not include the operation of a cattery or dog kennels from a residential property which is viewed as a change in the use of the land and as such would require a planning consent.


Corporate Goals and Strategies

City of Salisbury

GOAL: A prosperous and progressive CityStrategies1 Promote the benefits of living and working in Salisbury 2 Encourage quality, appropriate development3 Attract and enhance business development4 Facilitate partnerships between education, research and industry5 Ensure infrastructure supports development6 Facilitate the long term supply of future industrial and commercial land7 Facilitate the delivery of an integrated transport networkGOAL: An environmentally sustainable CityStrategies8 Conserve and promote biodiversity, natural habitats and open spaces9 Minimise waste generation and effectively manage the collection, recycling and disposal of public waste10 Develop opportunities and strategies that support the sustainable use of resourcesGOAL: A safe, accessible and attractive CityStrategies11 Maximise the appeal and use of streetscapes and open spaces12 Support the health and safety of the community13 Facilitate the provision of information and communication opportunities14 Ensure community resources are accessibleGOAL: A vibrant, engaged and proud communityStrategies15 Actively support and promote the recreation and leisure needs of the community16 Celebrate community achievements17 Promote community information and learning18 Facilitate social and community programs and services

GOAL: A high performing organisationStrategies19 Achieve a financially sustainable organisation20 Develop and maintain a great workforce21 Provide excellent customer service22 Ensure effective governance



2012/13 - 2017/18

Ensuring Responsible

Pet Ownership

Documents

Dog and Cat Management Plan - City of Salisbury · 2015. 7. 20. · dog friendly parks for exercise, a local pound for returning lost dogs to their owners, ... Link between Dog and