Domestic Animal Management Plan

2014-2016

Responsible Pet Ownership

Contents 1.! Introduction .................................................................................................................. 2!2.! Training of Authorised Officers .................................................................................... 5!3.! Registration and Identification ..................................................................................... 7!4.! Nuisance ...................................................................................................................... 9!5.! Dog Attacks ............................................................................................................... 12!6.! Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breed Dogs ................................................... 14!7.! Overpopulation and High Euthanasia ........................................................................ 15!8.! Domestic Animal Business ........................................................................................ 16!9.! Other Matters Animals ............................................................................................... 17!10.! Annual Review of Plan and Annual Reporting ........................................................... 18!

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1. Introduction Swan Hill Rural City has a population of 20,830 people according to the 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data. It is principally an agricultural and horticultural region of 6116.5 km2 bordered by the Murray River which is the water source for irrigation, domestic, industry, and recreational pursuits. The municipality consists of two large service centres, Swan Hill and Robinvale, and a number of smaller towns including Lake Boga, Manangatang, Nyah, Nyah West, Piangil, Ultima and Woorinen South. In Swan Hill Rural City Council the predominant employment sectors are agriculture, forestry and fishing and retail trade. Under Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, every Council must prepare a domestic animal management plan. The aim of the Swan Hill Rural City Council Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014 - 2016 (the Plan) is to help ensure the effective management of domestic animals within the municipality. The Regulatory Services Department is responsible for domestic animal management. By implementing this plan Council will endeavor to provide a service that meets both community expectations and compliance obligations under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (the Act). This will be achieved through community education around responsible pet ownership and enforcement.

Development of the Plan This plan has been developed based on the outcomes and learning’s from the previous Domestic Animal Management Plan, as well as a review of the existing data in areas such as complaints, dog attacks, registrations and impoundments. Community feedback and consultations with key stakeholders including veterinarians, animal businesses and other service providers have also informed the plan. The predominant issues identified include:

• Increasing compliance with the Act. • Identification of potential off-leash areas. • Reduce the number of stray and wandering cats. • Investigation and introduction of ‘on-leash’ and other local laws relating to dogs and

cats towards responsible pet ownership. • Increased education and enforcement in relation to domestic animal management.

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Domestic Animal Statistics and Data The tables below highlight some data from the 2013/14 financial year and provide a snapshot in time.

Dogs

Number of registered dogs 2777

Number of impounded dogs inclusive of surrendered 338

Number of impounded dogs returned to owners 129

Number of dogs re-housed 183

Number of dogs euthanised 26

Number of dangerous dog declarations for financial year 0

Number of dangerous dogs in municipality 6

Number of menacing dogs in the municipality 2

Number of restricted breed dogs in municipality 1

Cats

Number of registered cats 394

Number of cats impounded inclusive of trapping program 267

Number of cats returned to owners 9

Number of cats re-housed 17

Number of cats euthanised 241

Number of cat traps hired 152 The graph below however indicates that while dog registrations have remained constant and in line with the population growth, cat registrations have gradually declined.

Animal registrations

2759 2632 2777

423 405 394

20,865 20,950 20,867

0 2000 4000 6000 8000

10000 12000 14000 16000 18000 20000 22000

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

Dogs

Cats

Population

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The following chart indicates that the number of dogs impounded has continually decreased while the number of cats impounded has remained steady.

Animals impounded

424 396

338 339 337

267

0

100

200

300

400

500

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

Dogs

Cats

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2. Training of Authorised Officers One of the key initiatives to facilitate the successful delivery of the Domestic Animal Management Plan is to ensure all staff involved in domestic animal management have the knowledge and skill set necessary to undertake their statutory roles in a safe and professional manner. Currently, all of Council’s Authorised Officers are trained to the required standards in order to perform the requirements under the legislation. Employees involved in animal management are provided with a mix of “on-the-job” training, structured courses and industry training in order to ensure that they are competent in their roles. Training for individual Authorised Officers is assessed annually as part of Council’s performance review process to ensure ongoing development in their competencies.

Our Plans for training of Authorised Officers Objective 2.1: To develop and maintain the animal management competency of Council’s Authorised Officers. Activity When Evaluation Continually identify training requirements by consultation with industry leaders, management and staff. Include in annual training plan for individual staff members.

Current and Ongoing

Training needs are identified and included in the training plan. All planned training is completed and officer competency increased.

Objective 2.2: To conduct a review of internal processes with relevant staff, to ensure processes for investigation, compliance and enforcement are applied consistently. Activity When Evaluation Review internal policies and procedures relating to investigation, compliance and enforcement processes to accommodate legal and other changes and ensure consistent application by Authorised Officers. Train officers in new or changed approaches.

Annually Procedures and other related documents are updated and approved, officers are trained and competent. Officers are applying a range of education and enforcement techniques in order to achieve compliance.

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Current and Planned Training Authorised officer training – basic

Current Planned

Microchip implantation training All Officers Proposed Industry training: Animal handling Completed by all 5 permanent Refresher courses as Breed identification staff required Animal assessment Statement taking and brief preparation

Evidence presentation and prosecution skills

Loading and unloading animals Emergency first aid for domestic animals

Court etiquette training Court warrants, issue and filing Conflict resolution Aggressive dog handling Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training Animal control equipment use and care

Completed by all 5 permanent staff

Refresher courses

Animal handling induction Animal handing practical skills and practice

Manual handling Emergency evacuation procedures

Dealing with aggressive customers

Conflict resolution Council policies and procedures Bureau of Animal Welfare – training and information seminars, for example dangerous, restricted breed and menacing dogs All officers: Officers to attend on a

rotational basis As offered

Induction Program for new staff All officers: As required As required Municipal Association of Victoria and local government professionals – training and information days All officers: Officers to attend on a

rotational basis As offered

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3. Registration and Identification The most effective way to improve animal management is to maximise the number of domestic animals that are registered and identifiable. Current identification and registration activities implemented by Council include:

• Annual registration renewal follow up including: o Reminder notices sent out after 10 April o Telephone audit o Door knock

• All animals released from the pound facilities must be microchipped and registered. • Council’s website is used to help reunite lost pets with their owners. • Staff regularly maintain and update the animal registration database. • New animal registrations applications received from 1 January until 10 April each year are

discounted. • At least one animal microchipping day is run each year.

Council also undertakes the following education and promotion activities in relation to registration and identification of animals:

• Media releases on animal registration requirements leading into the annual registration renewal period.

• Information is available on Council’s website regarding the registration process requirements and responsible pet ownership.

• Authorised Officers are available to provide opportunistic education programs regarding responsible pet ownership.

• Information on registration and responsible pet ownership provided in Council’s newsletters as required.

• An animal micro-chipping day is run at least once annually. • Free initial registration for any animals adopted from Council’s pound facilities. • Animal registration renewal notices sent out in February each year.

Enforcement activities are also undertaken to ensure appropriate registration and identification of animals throughout the municipality. These activities include:

• The issuing of annual registration renewal notices. • Conducting follow up of owners who have not renewed their animal registration. • Conducting patrols of the municipality. • The investigation of unregistered animal complaints. • Monitoring of advertisements in local papers and newsletters relating to animals for sale to

ensure microchip numbers are provided as per the Act. • Ensuring all animals impounded are identified, registered and microchipped before release. • Conducting follow up on registration for animals notified as sold by domestic animal

businesses. • Regularly updating and auditing Council’s registration database to ensure data is correct (for

example ensure notification of deceased animal, change of owner or change of address).

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In addition to the current activities listed previously Council will also undertake the following actions. Objective 3.1: To improve the accuracy of Council’s registration database by cross-referencing with microchip registry data. Activity When Evaluation Complete a review of newly microchipped animals in the municipality by contacting microchip registries. Check all animals are also listed on Council’s pet registration database, and follow up those that are not.

Annually Demonstrate Council’s pet registration database can be accurately cross referenced with microchip registries. Demonstrate increase in numbers of pets registered with Council following microchip registry cross referencing exercise.

Objective 3.2: To increase dog and cat registration numbers that is reflective of the population growth of the municipality each year. Activity When Evaluation Ensure all seized and impounded animals are registered to their owner prior to release.

Prior to every release

Review annual increase in registration numbers. Review number of dogs and cats being seized and impounded that are not registered to their owner.

Continue to provide at least one annual free micro-chipping day.

Annually for life of plan

Undertake a cost benefit analysis to ascertain if the income generated is reflective of the cost output.

Targeted door knocking in areas believed to have high numbers of unregistered animals in the municipality each year to check for unregistered and un-identified dogs and cats.

Annually for life of plan

Review annual increase in registration numbers. Review number of dogs and cats being seized and impounded who are not registered to their owner. Records of number of unregistered and un-identified animals picked up during door knocks.

Investigate the introduction of free animal registrations for animals under 6 months of age.

2015 Report provided to Councillor Assembly.

Objective 3.3: To promote community understanding of Responsible Pet Ownership. Activity When Evaluation Improve the use of existing community networks to distribute and share information.

Annually List of networks identified, contacted and engaged.

Increase the distribution of information on Responsible Pet Ownership through media releases, social media and availability of pamphlets at key locations throughout the municipality.

Ongoing Community feedback. Number of media releases. Information distribution locations listed.

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4. Nuisance The most common nuisance complaint received by Council’s Regulatory Services Department is barking dog complaints. Generally the contributing factors for a barking dog include, but are not limited to:

1. Separation anxiety 2. Boredom 3. External stimuli (other dogs barking, possums ,cats and passersby) 4. Territorialism (person visiting the premises) 5. Attention seeking or communication.

In a majority of cases, the owner is not home to hear or stop the excessive barking or may not be aware of the problem. Council has policies and procedures for dealing with barking dog complaints which includes the barking dog dairy, educational resources and officer advice and guidance to owners. Dogs wandering or not adequately confined to their premises are also a nuisance to the general public and a hazard to motorists. Council’s Authorised Officers utilise the Act and Local Laws to resolve these matters. Council’s statistics show that stray and unidentifiable cats are also an ongoing problem. Council Officers are collecting almost as many stray cats as the number of registered cats each year. Un-owned domestic or feral cats are a nuisance in the community and create a risk for owned cats through the spread of disease, unwanted litters and injury from cat fights. Dealing with nuisance complaints The Act provides the legislative framework for dealing with nuisance issues caused by dogs and cats in relation to noise and trespassing of wandering animals. Council is required to ensure that all members of the community are complying with the relevant legislation. In the first instance, Council Officers aim to inform and educate the community on their responsibilities with regards to responsible pet ownership. Where these attempts are not successful Officers will use letters, notices, infringements, referrals to the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria or Court proceedings to gain compliance with the legislation. Council’s Community Local Law number two provides additional requirements to assist with animal management in the municipality. These include:

• restrictions and controls on the number of animals allowed to be kept • nuisances relating to the keeping of animals • fencing requirements • grazing permit requirements • prohibited roads for grazing, droving, moving of livestock • responsibilities of owners or occupiers of farm land.

Council may make orders under the Act to deal with animal management issues (such as a cat curfew or dog on/off leash areas). Council does not currently have any orders in place however, this is something that will be investigated and considered as part of the implementation of this Plan. Council will only make an order under this part of the legislation after appropriate community and stakeholder consultation.

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Swan Hill Rural City Council already provides the following education/promotion activities to reduce the number of nuisance complaints:

• Provide barking dog information booklets and barking dog diaries to those affected. • Information regarding nuisance animals made available on Council’s website. • Encouraging de-sexing of cats and dogs to reduce the number of wandering incidences. • Providing information on cat enclosures. • Providing advice to residents with problem pets. • Authorised Officers available to present to schools and community groups on responsible pet

ownership. Council also provides the following compliance activities to reduce the number of nuisance complaints:

• Implementing the cat trapping program and provision of cat traps to local residents for trapping trespassing cats on their property,

• Patrols of the municipality • Recording all animal nuisance and wandering complaints allowing Authorised Officers to

detect repeat offenders. • Issuing Notices to Comply and infringement notices where applicable. • Investigating nuisance complaints in a prompt manner.

In addition to the activities already undertaken to deal with nuisance complaints Council will also seek to undertake the following actions: Objective 4.1: To reduce the number of cat nuisance complaints. Activity When Evaluation Investigate the introduction of a cat curfew for the municipality between sunset and sunrise.

2015 Report provided to Councillor Assembly. Number of cat nuisance complaints received.

Investigate the introduction of mandatory de-sexing of cats.

2014/15 Report provided to Councillor Assembly. Number of cat nuisance complaints received.

Provide education material about cat enclosures and nuisance issues to cat owners in registration renewals each year.

Ongoing Number of registered cat owners supplied with information.

Continue to assist residents with managing cat trespass/nuisance problems through the cat trap hire program and proactively setting cat traps.

Ongoing Number of traps hired out. Number of cat traps set by Authorised Officers. Number of cats impounded.

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Objective 4.2: To reduce the number of dog nuisance complaints. Activity When Evaluation Increase patrols at all popular walk locations to enforce Local Laws regarding the collection of dog faeces and dogs under effective control.

Ongoing

Number of warnings/fines issued.

Review and update educational material regarding Dog nuisance issues on Council’s website.

Annually Material to be reviewed and updated annually.

Investigate the introduction of on leash and off leash areas throughout the municipality.

2015 Report provided to Councillor Assembly.

Investigate potential additional sites to provide dog faeces disposal bins and bag dispensers in parks.

2015 Locations identified and dispensers installed where funding permits.

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5. Dog Attacks Council regularly implements measures to ensure that the risk to the community is controlled, reduced or removed completely. These enforcement measures include:

• Responding to all wandering dogs reports: • Attending after hours emergency dog complaints: • Attending to all reports of dogs showing aggressive behavior as a matter of urgency; • Investigating all alleged dog attacks and instigate legal action as required; • Declaring animals as dangerous or menacing as required; and • Ensuring the effective enforcement of controls that are put in place under state

legislation, local laws and council orders. Council also currently undertakes the following education/awareness activities to reduce the number of dog attacks within the municipality:

• Information made available on Council's website regarding responsible pet ownership and the owner’s responsibilities.

• Links on the Council’s website to state and non-government organisations that have an interest in animal welfare, responsible pet ownership and the provision of support services to pet owners and the animals themselves.

• Promoting and providing information on registration at events such as the Million Paws Walk (hosted by RSPCA) and microchipping days.

In addition to the risk and education activities relating to dog attacks Council provides the following compliance activities to reduce the number of dog attacks within the municipality:

• Conducting thorough investigations of all dog attacks reported. • Issuing of infringement notices where relevant including for non-serious dog attacks. • Seizing and impounding of dogs in circumstances where the owners properties are

believed to be unsecure to ensure dogs can be secured prior to release of the dog back to owner.

• Proactive patrols of all parks and streets for wandering dogs. • Declarations of dogs deemed to be dangerous, menacing or restricted breeds. • Issuing infringements notices for wandering dogs. • Prosecuting matters pursuant to the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

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Our Plans for Dog Attacks In addition to the activities already undertaken Council will also seek to introduce measures to improve the way attacks are dealt with. The following actions outline the new measures. Objective 5.1: To encourage the community to report dog attacks. Activity When Evaluation Promote public awareness of dog attacks, dog rushing and reporting of wandering animals.

Ongoing Monitor the number of complaints received. Number of media releases.

Increase awareness of the possible penalties and legal actions that may result in the event of a dog attack.

Ongoing Include additional questions when interviewing owners of dogs that have attacked to gauge prior awareness.

Report outcomes of major dog attacks prosecutions to local media to raise awareness in the community of the need to report dog attacks and Council’s action in relation to attacks.

Ongoing Number of prosecutions and media releases published.

Objective 5.2: To minimise the incidents of dog attacks in the community Activity When Evaluation Publicise key dog attack prevention messages (e.g. confinement of dogs to property, using a leash) through media and updated website information.

Ongoing Number of media articles published.

Increase targeted public awareness programs on dog attacks.

Ongoing Publicise key incidents in media.

Investigate the introduction of on leash and off leash areas throughout the municipality.

2015 Report provided at Councillor Assembly.

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6. Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breed Dogs Swan Hill Rural City has one restricted breed dog, six dangerous and two menacing dogs within the municipality. These dogs continue to be randomly inspected and compliance has always been high. Council officers ensure that owners of these dogs are adhering to the requirements by:

• Maintaining the State Government database. • Conducting inspections and random audits. • Investigating complaints • Prosecuting non-compliant owners. • Identify declared dogs which are impounded. • To enhance the awareness of the management of restricted and menacing dogs Council

undertakes educational and promotional activities. These include: Providing information and links on Council’s website.

• Issuing media releases relating to legislative changes and updates. • Restricted breed and dangerous dog audit renewals sent out annually including updated

information. To maintain compliance for the management of restricted breed, dangerous and menacing dogs within the municipality Council regularly undertakes the following activities:

• Ensuring Authorised Officers attend all complaints relating to suspected restricted breed, dangerous and menacing dogs.

• Conduct annual inspections and random audits of all declared dangerous dog sites to ensure compliance.

• Declaration included on all registration renewal forms as to the status of the animal under restricted breed legislation.

• Infringement notices issued for detected breaches. • Prosecution instigated where required.

To complement the measures outlined above Council will seek to implement the following action; Objective 6.1: To continue to obtain a high level of compliance from the owners of dangerous, menacing or restricted breed dogs. Activity When Evaluation Undertake inspections of all dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs with zero tolerance for non-compliance as detailed in the Domestic Animals Regulations 2005.

Annually All properties audited and owners comply with the requirements.

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7. Overpopulation and High Euthanasia From June 2010 until June 2013 Council’s Authorised Officers impounded an average of 453 dogs a year. While approximately 38 percent of dogs are returned to their owners, dog euthanasia rates have dramatically reduced during 2012/2013 financial year. This can be attributed to the adoption program being promoted on Council’s website and the Section 84y agreements under the Act that Council has in place with over 25 animal welfare groups to re-house unwanted pets. This has lead to a significant increase in the number of dogs being re-housed from an average of 10 percent for the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 financial years to approximately 43 percent for 2012/2013. Swan Hill Rural City Council provides the following educational and awareness activities for the management of over-population and high euthanasia rates within the municipality:

• Promoting the animal adoption program by offering free registration for all animals adopted from the pound facilities.

• Promoting the benefits of de-sexing on Council’s website. • Proving information presentations at local schools. • Providing information on Council’s website regarding cat enclosures and how to build your

own. In addition to the educational activities Council also undertakes the following compliance activities for the management of overpopulation and high euthanasia rates within the municipality:

• Ensuring all unregistered cats and dogs are micro-chipped and registered prior to being released to owner

• Investigating all alleged breeding establishments • Enforcing Council Local Laws pertaining to the prescribed number of animal allowed on a

property • Providing humane trigger plate traps under strict guidelines to residents to trap feral and

trespassing domestic cats. To complement the activities Council already undertakes the Regulatory Services Department will implement the following actions throughout the life of this plan. Objective 7.1: To continue encouraging de-sexing of animals within the municipality. Activity When Evaluation Discount registration fees for cats and dogs that are both de-sexed and micro-chipped.

Ongoing Number of new animals registered in this category yearly.

Media campaigns promoting the benefits of de-sexing.

Ongoing Number of media releases.

Investigate the introduction of mandatory de-sexing cats and dogs.

2015 Report provided to Council for consideration.

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8. Domestic Animal Business There are six Domestic Animal Businesses within the municipality. This includes two Council pound facilities, with one located in Swan Hill and the other in Robinvale. There is one pet shop and three boarding establishments. Council provides the following educational and promotional activities for the management of Domestic Animal Businesses within the municipality:

• Advising Domestic Animal Businesses of any new legislation requirements for their type of business.

• Visiting the facilities and provide information to registered Domestic Animal Businesses.

• Promoting Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) Council also undertakes the following compliance activities for the management of Domestic Animal Businesses within the municipality:

• Conducting annual audits of all Domestic Animal Businesses • Providing all Domestic Animal Businesses with a copy of the audit evaluation and

relevant code of practice. • Liaising with Council’s Planning Department to ensure compliance • Inspection of suspected animal business activity • Investigation of reports/complaints • Monitoring of local press and advertising sites

In addition to the measures Council undertakes on an on-going basis in relation to Domestic Animal Businesses Council will also seek to implement the following actions. Objective 8.1: To identify and register all Domestic Animal Businesses (DAB) identified within the municipality. Activity When Evaluation Identify all businesses that should be registered DABs in the municipality, using yellow pages (or similar, including online sites).

Annually Compare number of registered DABs before and after activity.

Objective 8.2: To annually inspect and audit all registered domestic animal businesses within the municipality. Activity When Evaluation Conduct an annual inspection of each registered DAB for compliance.

Annually 100% of all DABs inspected prior to renewal and action taken for any non-compliance.

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9. Other Matters Animals Further matters and actions have been considered in the development of the Domestic Animal Management Plan which will improve the way Council administers its responsibilities under various legislation. Pound and animal management services With further expansion of the Swan Hill Pound facility underway, Council will need to assess how to best utilise the facility and improve animal management services to benefit the community. Animal Management in Emergencies It has been identified that Council needs to consider the management of animals in during emergency situations. This includes animals that need to be managed when evacuating residents and also animals brought to Emergency Relief Centre’s by displaced residents. In previous events, these animals have created issues for the teams managing emergency and relief centers. To address the matters highlighted above Council will undertake the following activities: Objective 9.1: To ensure that the new Swan Hill pound services meet the needs of the municipality into the future. Activity When Evaluation Explore partnerships or other models for improving the animal management operations at the Swan Hill pound facility.

2015/16 Consultations carried out with other like Councils and other key stakeholders. Study carried out, costings investigated and external funding sourced.

Objective 9.2: To develop and implement a plan for the management of animals during emergencies. Activity When Evaluation Provide website links to assist pet owners in the event of an emergency.

Ongoing Information provided and regularly updated.

Develop and implement an emergency management plan for companion animals in conjunction with the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC).

2015 Plan completed and reference to plan included into Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP).

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10. Annual Review and Conclusion Through the implementation of the activities listed in the Swan Hill Rural City Council Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014 – 2016 Council will improve the management of domestic animals within the municipality. The Regulatory Services Team will be the responsible for the annual review of the Plan and providing the Department of Environment and Primary Industries with any amendments. The following actions will be implemented throughout the life of this Plan to ensure all activities remain up to date and effective. Objective 10.1: To achieve compliance pursuant to Sec 68(A) 3 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994. Activity When Evaluation Conduct an annual review of Domestic Animal Management Plan.

Annually for life of plan

Ensure content of plan is accurate and meets the current needs of the community and legislative requirement.

Update the Plan if required. Annually for life of plan

Provide DEPI with amendments and completed actions.

Incorporate the annual evaluation in the annual report.

Annually for life of plan

In the final year of the plan, Council will undertake a major review and prepare a new Plan for the 2016 – 2020 period.