warrnambool domestic animal management plan 2014€¦ · domestic animal management plan 2014...

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Warrnambool

Domestic Animal Management Plan

2014

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Document Title: Domestic Animal Management Plan

Policy Type: Council

Responsible Branch: Health & Local Laws

Responsible Officer: Peter McArdle, Coordinator Local Laws & Animal Control

Document Status: Ongoing

Approved By: Council

Adopted Date: 2nd

April 2008

Review Date: Annually

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DOCUMENT CONTROL

Responsible Branch: Health & Local Laws

Responsible Officer: Peter McArdle, Coordinator Local Laws & Animal Control

Adopted by Council: 2nd

April 2008

Review Type: Review Date: Completed By:

Internal 30th

March 2009 Manager, Coordinator and officers of the Local Laws department.

Internal 9th

April 2010 Manager, Coordinator and officers of the Local Laws department.

Internal 28th

April 2011 Manager, Coordinator and officers of the Local Laws department.

Internal 20th

August 2012 Manager, Coordinator and officers of the Local Laws department.

Internal 1st June 2014 Manager, Coordinator and officers of the Local Laws department.

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DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLANS

Under Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act, every Council must prepare a domestic

animal management plan, as follows:

68A Councils to prepare domestic animal management plans

(1) Every Council must, in consultation with the Secretary (of the Department of

Primary Industries), prepare at 4 year intervals a domestic animal management

plan.

(2) A domestic animal management plan prepared by a Council must—

(a) set out a method for evaluating whether the animal control services

provided by the Council in its municipal district are adequate to give effect

to the requirements of this Act and the regulations; and

(b) outline programs for the training of authorised officers to ensure that they

can properly administer and enforce the requirements of this Act in the

Council's municipal district; and

(c) outline programs, services and strategies which the Council intends to

pursue in its municipal district—

(i) to promote and encourage the responsible ownership of dogs and

cats; and

(ii) to ensure that people comply with this Act, the regulations and any

related legislation; and

(iii) to minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals; and

(iv) to address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs

and cats; and

(v) to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats; and

(vi) to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance; and

(vii) to effectively identify all dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and

restricted breed dogs in that district and to ensure that those dogs are

kept in compliance with this Act and the regulations; and

(d) provide for the review of existing orders made under this Act and local

laws that relate to the Council's municipal district with a view to

determining whether further orders or local laws dealing with the

management of dogs and cats in the municipal district are desirable; and

(e) provide for the review of any other matters related to the management of

dogs and cats in the Council's municipal district that it thinks necessary;

and

(f) provide for the periodic evaluation of any program, service, strategy or

review outlined under the plan.

(3) Every Council must—

(a) review its domestic animal management plan annually and, if appropriate,

amend the plan; and

(b) provide the Secretary with a copy of the plan and any amendments to the

plan; and

(c) publish an evaluation of its implementation of the plan in its annual report.

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Contents

1. INTRODUCTION -------------------------------------------------------------------page 5

2. WARRNAMBOOL CITY – ANIMAL MANAGEMENT ----------------------------6

3. TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS -------------------------------------------7

4. REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION ------------------------------------------10

5. NUISANCE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------13

6. DOG ATTACKS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------16

7. DANGEROUS, MENACING & RESTRICTED BREEDS -------------------------18

8. OVER POPULATION & EUTHANASIA ---------------------------------------------19

9. DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES -------------------------------------------------22

10. VICTORIAN ANIMAL EMERGENCY WELFARE PLAN -----------------------23

11. ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE PLAN & REPORTING -----------------------------24

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1. INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

The (DAM Plan) has been prepared by the Warrnambool City Council in accordance with the

requirements and responsibilities under Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, The

Council Plan and Council Local Laws.

Animal Management Officers developed the plan, in consultation with the internal and external

parties listed below. The community was invited to comment on the proposed plan for seven

days prior to being submitted to Council for adoption.

The Plan is available for inspection at the City Assist area of the Council Offices.

Consulted Parties:

Internal: External:

CEO RSPCA

Director City Infrastructure Warrnambool Veterinary Clinics

Manager Health & Local Laws Dog obedience / Training Clubs

Animal Management Officers General Public

Southwest Authorised Officer Group

Issues raised during the year may be considered for further investigation and discussion as part

of the annual review process.

“DOMESTIC ANIMAL”

For the purpose of this plan “Domestic Animal” is defined as an animal covered by the

Domestic Animals Act 1994 which are predominantly dogs and cats.

This document will set the future guidelines of Domestic Animal Management for the

Warrnambool City Council. The plan identifies strategies and actions to implement the vision,

aims and objectives for animal management. The plan contains recommendations to be

implemented in a structured program. These actions will enable Council to maintain a balance

between all interested parties and to meet all legislative requirements.

Council is required to provide services that maximize the social, economic and environmental

benefits to the people of the Municipality.

Animal Management is now covered by a variety of Legislation of which a working knowledge

is required. Knowledge of both human and animal behaviours is now a pre requisite for those

working in this field.

There is growing recognition that enforcement will not on its own, result in lasting and

voluntary change in public behaviours. It needs to be supported by a public education program.

VISION STATEMENT

Warrnambool City will create an environment that encourages safe and responsible pet

ownership, where people and animals integrate harmoniously. To recognize that animals both

domestic and agricultural are part of the community and they can contribute to its quality of life

whilst also recognizing the needs of non-pet owners.

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2. WARRNAMBOOL CITY - ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

STAFFING AND OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE

Council

*

CE

*

Director City Infrastructure

*

Manager Health & Local Laws

*

Coordinator Local Laws & Animal Control

*

2 Local Laws / Animal Control Officers

2 Part time Local Laws / Animal Control Officers

*

Health & Local Laws Operations Officer

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3. TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS

CONTEXT

The City of Warrnambool is located in Southwest Victoria, approximately 260km’s from

Melbourne and covers approximately 120 square kms. The City has the Shire of Moyne

surrounding its boundary with the ocean to the south. It has a population of approximately

33,000 residents which also includes the townships of Allansford, Bushfield, Woodford and

Dennington.

The City economy is based on tourism, education, farming and industrial / factory production.

The City in 2013 had 5067 registered dogs and 1802 registered cats. The City has 3 Domestic

Animal Businesses including pet shops, kennels, and catteries.

Warrnambool City has 3 full time authorised officers, and 2 part time officers.

Officers patrol 7 days a week, and provide a 24hour emergency service.

CURRENT AND PLANNED TRAINING

Authorised Officer Training Current

(2014)

Planned

Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation

Officer PM (1)

Officer RB (2)

Officer DK (3)

Officer VL (4)

Officer DT (5)

Completed

Completed

2014/15

Not required

Not required

OH&S training – dealing with aggressive customers

Officer 1

Officer 2

Officer 3

Officer 4

Officer 5

Completed

Completed

Completed

2014/15

2014/5

Bureau of Animal Welfare training Officer 1

And information days. Officer 2

Officer 3

Officer 4

Officer 5

Attended

Attended

Attended

Ongoing

As provided and

depending on

location and

content

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Basic first aid training Officer 1

Officer 2

Officer 3

Officer 4

Officer 5

Completed

Completed

Induction program for new staff

Officer 1

Officer 2

Officer 3

Officer 4

Officer 5

Completed

Completed

Completed

Completed

Completed

Firearms training

Officer 1

Officer 3

Completed

Completed

Ongoing training

days as provided

(SWAOG).

Internal computer systems training

Officer 1

Officer 2

Officer 3

Officer 4

Officer 5

Completed

Completed

Completed

Completed

Completed

Ongoing Council

internal training

Southwest Authorised Officer Group meetings

Officer 1

Officer 2

Officer 3

Officer 4

Officer 5

Attended

Attended

Attended

Meetings held

twice a year

Australian Institute of Animal Management annual

conference

Officer 1

Attended

Annually

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OUR PLANS

Objective 1: To ensure that all Animal Management Officers receive training to a level that

they can complete all requirements of the Act, Regulations and Local Laws within OHS guide

lines, and community needs.

Activity When Evaluation

Coordinator to identify minimum

training requirements for the position.

During annual

Council

appraisal

program

Training needs to be finalised and

incorporated into the Organisational

Development plan by April each

year.

Identify additional training

opportunities by consultation with

Organisation Development Dept.

Ongoing November each year

Objective 2: Completion of the Certificate 4 in Statutory Compliance & Animal Control for the

required Officers.


This qualification is required in the

position description for staff as it

covers all aspects of the position.

To be

discussed with

Organisation

Development

on availability.

Receiving accreditation from the

service provider.

Recorded with the Organisation

Development dept.

Objective 3: Ensure all Authorised Officers have completed their minimum in house training

requirements within 2 months of appointment.


Basic animal handling

Computer training

Internal procedures

Within 2

months of

appointment

Coordinator to monitor and maintain

a spread sheet.

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4. REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION

CURRENT SITUATION

The Warrnambool City Local Laws Unit deals with a broad range of issues associated with the

management of domestic animals in our community. These include:

Provision of advice to the community in relation to animal matters;

Dealing with customer questions and complaints;

Providing the collection of lost, stray and/or unwanted dogs and cats;

Investigations into alleged dog attacks;

Inspections / registration of relevant animal businesses

Inspection of dangerous/restricted breed dog premises for compliance;

Educating and promoting responsible pet ownership to residents;

Ensuring Council completes its legislative duty and care.

After hours patrols

Working cooperatively with the RSPCA, and other Councils

OUR LOCAL LAWS, COUNCIL POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Local Law 3.23 limits the number of animals within the city (2 dogs/ 2 cats to be phased

in over 5 years from the adoption of the Local Laws 2009)

Use of life time tags for dogs & cats

Renewal notices are generated and mailed to all previously registered animals

Registration forms are available from customer service, website and RSPCA

Registrations are paid at the WCC office or online

Council do not charge additional fees for Dangerous / Restricted Breed etc.

Dangerous / restricted dogs must be micro chipped, de sexed and housed according to

legislation prior to registration

Pensioner discounts available on request

OUR CURRENT EDUCATION / PROMOTION ACTIVITIES

After hours patrolling, including weekends

Door knocking specific areas (ongoing during the year)

Media promotions

Council newspaper and notice boards

Micro chipping promotions

Promoting off lead areas

Conducting information sessions at schools, obedience clubs and public groups

Promoting the availability of brochures at Customer Service

Council web page updates (including links to relevant sites)

RSPCA Million Paws Walk and promotions

Promote dog litter collection bags & holders

Vehicle signage (indicates an officer is working in the area)

Off lead enclosure for public use

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OUR CURRENT COMPLIANCE ACTIVITIES

Enforcing the number of animals per residence

Patrolling for dogs at large

Patrolling for owners with dogs off lead

Monitoring for dogs in prohibited areas etc.

Monitoring Declared Dogs for compliance

Issue infringements for impounded dogs

Issuing renewal notices annually

Door knocking / phone call for non-renewed registrations

Door knocking “problem areas” for compliance

Opportunistic registration checks whilst completing other investigations

Leaving business cards requesting contact

No. of Registrations

Year

No. of Dog Registrations

No. of Cat Registrations

2012

5042

1988

2013

5067

1802

SUMMARY

Council is proactive in looking for new initiatives to promote Responsible Pet Ownership.

The Council website has been upgraded with information and associated links.

A Council newsletter (c2c) is printed bi-monthly which often includes pet information, and

articles of interest; also Council has a Notice board section in Saturday’s Warrnambool

Standard.

Routine after hours patrolling was initiated in December 2010 and has been well received by

the public. Council Officers also conduct afterhours door knocks for registration, and

compliance investigation.

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OUR PLANS

Objective 1: To conduct a media campaign highlighting the requirement and benefits of pet

registration.


Conduct an annual media campaign

before the April 10th

registration

renewal date.

(include press releases, adverts,

highway promotional display boards,

renewal notices, provide pamphlets

through Customer Service,

information sessions for public groups

and pet training facilities)

Highlight benefits of registration and

improvements.

March The success will be measured by the

number of follow up visits / phone

calls required in May.

Compare registration figures from

the previous years.

Objective 2: After April 10th

conduct a follow up for non-renewed registrations


Officers’ conduct door knocks

in different locations across

the city (including weekend

and after hours) checking non

renewed or unregistered pets,

and leaving pamphlets if

owner is not home

Follow up phone calls to

owners of unpaid renewals.

May Collate the number of new

registrations following the

random door knocks.

To be compared with the total

registered pet numbers from

the previous year

Objective 3: Improve records by cross referencing data.


Registration is not renewed & not

released from the RSPCA until proof

of ownership and correct microchip

details are witnessed.

Prior to a

registration or

release

Ongoing

Objective 4: Continue to promote benefits of registration


Microchipping promotions, Million

Paws Walk, walking tracks, off lead

areas, after hours patrols,

improvements to facilities for animals

& information sessions

Ongoing Public feedback and registration

numbers

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5. NUISANCE

CURRENT SITUATION

To encourage people to manage pets in a way that protects the health and welfare of the

animals, maximises the companion benefits of their pet and minimises potential for nuisance or

harm to others.

Council logs all complaint / request data electronically. Figures will be collated and compared

with the previous year during the DAM plan review.


Local Law 3.29(3) the owner of any cat must confine the cat to the owner’s property,

between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

Local Law 3.29(1) (2) relates to the control of dogs or cats in certain areas.

(prohibited areas, off leash areas, playgrounds etc.)

Local Law 3.23 relates to the number of animals that may be kept at a property without

a permit.

Local Law 3.26 relates to animal litter

Council provides a 24hr emergency service for dog’s at large, stock on roads and

injured animals.

Council has a procedure document that is initiated upon receiving a barking complaint.

Council has a surrender form which is filled out and signed by the owner of the animal

In some circumstances animals may be returned to the owner instead of going to the

pound.

OUR CURRENT EDUCATION / PROMTION ACTIVITIES

Pamphlets issued during registration door knocks

After hours patrolling in residential areas, bike patrols along bike paths

Improved mapping and signage along walking tracks

Updated off lead, and prohibited areas for dogs pamphlet

Citronella collar and barking control unit available for public trial

Pamphlets available from Customer Service on a range of pet ownership information

Hiring of cat cages for feral / nuisance cats

Provide information on Council website

Media releases and advertising

Information on highway display boards

Encouraging desexing of pets to reduce wandering

Officers carry poo bags on patrol to supply to owners who are not carrying one

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Barking procedure (including a sheet of tips on causes and what to do)

Introduction of a cat curfew under Local Laws

After hours patrols, door knocks, and phone calls

Trial use of citronella collar and barking control unit

Ensure the correct number of pets at a property of complaint

Patrol of prohibited areas for dogs

Introduction of a Local Law in relation to animal litter

Hire cat cages for feral / nuisance cats

Council Local Law restricting the number of animals at a property

SUMMARY

Following the introduction of after-hours patrols Council has received positive feedback on the

visual presence of Rangers in public areas. Council will be increasing patrols and revisiting the

areas covered.

Continue to promote Council Local Laws relating to the cat curfew, collection of animal litter,

prohibited areas, and off lead areas for dogs etc.

OUR PLANS

Objective 1: Continue to provide and improve weekend and afterhours patrols


Officers patrolling in vehicles, on

foot, and on mountain bikes.

Activities include: public relations,

dogs off lead or in prohibited areas,

animal litter control and to improve

signage on walking tracks.

Ongoing Positive public feedback.

Monthly collation of figures from

patrol sheets.

Objective 2: Promote the trial usage of training aids supplied by Council


Council has purchased a citronella

collar, a barking control unit and

produced a fact sheet “tips about

barking dogs” to assist owners train

dogs.

Offered as

part of the

barking dog

complaint

procedure

Collate figures of resolved barking

complaints where tools have been

used.

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Objective 3: To conduct a feasibility study into the benefit and cost of constructing another off

lead enclosure.


Complete a report containing possible

locations, benefits, costs etc. for

Council.

March 2015 Council provided facilities for

registered dog owners.

If the enclosure was constructed

collate the number of registered

complaints from the area

Objective 4: Improve and promote prohibited / off lead area pamphlet


Update Council pamphlet for

prohibited and off lead areas to

include new areas and required

information

February 2014 Feedback during the holiday season.

The number of requests for

information, and complaints

Objective 5: Complaint spread sheet


Set up a spread sheet to collate the

number of barking / at large (dogs &

cats) complaints & pound figures etc.

December

2012

Collate figures monthly to highlight

improvements and peaks

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6. DOG ATTACKS

CURRENT SITUATION

Council is proactively trying to minimise the risk of injury or fear in the community due

to the presence or actions of a dog.

Warrnambool City currently has 5 declared dangerous dogs, 12 menacing dogs and 1

restricted breed dog.

Officers patrol for dogs at large as all dogs have the potential to attack (if provoked or

not).


Local Law 3.29(1) (2) relates to the control of dogs or cats in certain areas. (prohibited

areas, off leash areas, playgrounds, bbqs and sporting grounds etc.)

Local Law 3.23 regulates the number of dogs and cats that may be housed at a property

without a permit

All complaints / requests are recorded on the Council customer request system.

Officers will collect any dog at large and take it to the RSPCA pound or depending on

the circumstances it may be returned home, if registered.

All dog attacks, declarations, and seizures are investigated and acted on in accordance

with the Domestic Animal Act


Afterhours and weekend patrols are conducted in vehicles throughout the City, on foot,

and pushbikes along walking tracks talking to the public and providing information and

pamphlets when required.

Bureau of Animal Welfare brochures sent out with registration renewals

Information sessions with school groups, dog obedience training groups, and other

community groups as requested

Council website and bi monthly newsletter

Media releases

Involvement with local RSPCA

Provision of information pamphlets for prohibited areas, and off lead areas for dogs

Responsible Pet Ownership program


All dog attack reports receive immediate response from officers

Council provide a 24hr / 7days a week emergency service

Conduct weekend patrols

Conduct patrols in high incident areas

Promote ramifications for having a dog off lead or at large

Inspections of declared dog enclosures / signage etc.

Conduct patrols in prohibited areas for dogs

All dogs declared (dangerous / menacing / restricted) be recorded on the Victorian

Declared Dog Register

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SUMMARY

Council investigates all customer requests in relation to attacks (bites or rushing).

Council will be concentrating on the promotion of responsible ownership, increased patrols on

the city streets / walking tracks, and the prohibited areas for dogs.

Council will improve the incident procedure and recording systems, and investigate the benefits

of another off lead parks.

OUR PLANS

Objective 1: Improve officer patrol procedure


Officers to discuss and collate patrol

running sheets for problem areas.

monthly Public feedback and improved

information collated from running

sheets

Improve interaction with public (foot

and bike patrols)

ongoing Public confidence in the service

provided by Council.

Letters to the local press on animal

control

Objective 2: Feasibility study into setting up another off lead park for registered dogs


Develop a costing / benefit report for

Council in conjunction with

community groups and dog obedience

training groups

2015 Council providing facilities for

registered dog owners.

Concerned public able to walk in

parks without dog interference

Objective 3: Regular contact with groups with animal contact


Develop a direct contact person within

businesses and community groups that

have contact with dogs in the city to

discuss problem areas and specific

concerns.

Every 6

months

Chart and date any concerns raised

Objective 4: Incident procedure manual


Improve the incident procedure

manual to include a spread sheet

record of incidents

2013 Chart frequency and location over a

long period.

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7. DANGEROUS, MENACING & RESTRICTED BREED DOGS

CURRENT SITUATION

The Council objective is to minimize the risk of injury or fear in the community due to the

presence or actions of a declared dog.

Council maintains a register of all declared dogs in the City. Warrnambool currently has 5

Dangerous dogs, 12 Menacing dogs and 1 Restricted Breed dog listed on the Victorian

Declared Dog Register. Council inspects premises of Declared dogs to ensure compliance with

housing requirements.


Council do not refuse or charge higher fees for the registration of a declared dog that

meets all legislative and Council requirements of the declaration.

Following an investigation implementing the procedures of the Domestic Animals Act

Council will issue a letter of proposed declaration explaining the incident, reasons and

requirements of the proposed declaration. This may be followed by a letter of

declaration including reasons and requirements.

Declared dogs are listed on the Victorian Declared Dog Register.


Provide pamphlets to the community about the legislative requirements of Dangerous,

Menacing and Restricted Breed dogs.

Media releases following an incident

Educational media releases when possible

Officer patrols in the industrial area for guard dogs

Regular contact with owners of dogs on the register to monitor the dog, provide advice

and assistance

Information sessions at schools


Ensure all dogs declared by Council are registered on the Victorian Declared Dog

Register.

Conduct unannounced inspections of declared dogs to maintain the requirements of the

declaration.

Ensure the details on the register are updated.

Immediate response to complaints relating to declared dogs.

SUMMARY

Council’s continued monitoring; promotion of responsible pet ownership, increased patrols,

and discussions with community groups / members of the public have assisted with maintaining

a low number of declared dogs for the City.

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OUR PLANS

Objective 1: Effectively inspect and audit all declared dog premises to ensure they are

implementing all legislative requirements.


Unannounced visits to the listed

address of a declared dog to ensure

requirements of the declaration are

implemented.

Twice yearly Meeting the requirements of the

declaration.

Keep a spread sheet of results, and

required actions.

Objective 2: Report to Council on registration fees for declared dogs.


Supply a report on the registration fee

structure for declared dogs

2015 Dependant on report to Council.

8. OVER POPULATION AND EUTHANASIA

CURRENT SITUATION

In 2013 there were 538 dogs impounded by officers, or surrendered by a member of the public.

40 (7%) were euthanased. 357 cats were impounded by officers, or surrendered by the public.

110 (31%) were euthanased.

Council encourages cat owners to take responsibility for environmental issues associated with

roaming cats, and encourages desexing of domestic pets.


Warrnambool City does not require pets to be desexed prior to registration.

Council Local Laws were reviewed in 2009 with the maximum number of 3 dogs and 5

cats allowed on a property changed. Local Law 3.23 allows 2 of each without a permit.

Council provides a 24hr emergency service for dogs at large, and causing a nuisance

Registration discounts

Officers’ conduct patrols after hours, and on weekends which includes animal control,

speaking with and explaining to pet owners about Local Laws, off lead areas and

possible infringement amounts for dogs at large.

All animals to be impounded are taken to the RSPCA (Pound) and after the holding

requirements of the Act, are temperament tested and placed for sale.

Hire of cat cages for stray / nuisance cats in residential areas

Local Law 3.29 (3) the owner of any cat must confine the cat to the owner’s property,

either within the dwelling or within another escape proof building between the hours of

sunset and sunrise.

20


Support the RSPCA adult cat adoption program

Promote the Bureau of Animal Welfare programs including: “who’s for cats?”

campaign, education and promotion of desexing programs

Support the purchase of pets from the RSPCA as they are desexed and microchipped.

During officer patrols, engaging with the public about animal control, laws,

infringements etc.

If an animal is returned to the owner explain the reason, and possible costs for an

animal at large.

Provide information pamphlets to the public

Speak at public information groups


Animals are euthanased after required period of the Domestic Animals Act

Cat cages are hired to the public for feral / nuisance cats

Officer patrols, including weekends for dogs at large.

Local Law 3.29 (3) the owner of any cat must confine the cat to the owner’s property,

either within the dwelling or within another escape proof building between the hours of

sunset and sunrise.

24hr emergency service provided

POUND STATISTICS

Dogs 2012 2013

Council Impound 412 392

Public Surrender 177 146

Euthanised 91 40

Cats

Council Impound 65 84

Public Surrender 259 273

Euthanised 109 110

SUMMARY

Council has updated Local Laws (2009) changing the number of dogs and cats allowed at a

property without a permit.

Council will be collating figures relating to hiring of cat cages, and promoting benefits and

problems with cat ownership.

21

OUR PLANS

Objective 1: Monitor cat cage requests


Record the number of requests to

Council to hire a cat cage. Collate the

number of cats collected, how many

were desexed, reclaimed, re housed or

euthanased.

Ongoing.

Collate the figures annually.

Number of

Cage requests

Cats caught

Desexed

Reclaimed

Rehoused

Euthanased

Objective 2: Promote public awareness of feeding stray cats


Implement “Who’s for cats?”

education campaign in local area.

Utilise the following resources

(available from Bureau of Animal

Welfare ):

"Are you feeding a bigger

problem?" (Who's for Cats?

campaign fact sheet) - distribution

throughout the municipality,

placement on website

Template media release - for

publication in local newspapers

Conduct information door knocks

in problem areas

March

2013 Measure number and type of

education materials

distributed

Record number of campaign

queries received by council

Number of media stories

published

Measure uptake on any

promotions to encourage

people to take responsible

ownership of cats

22

9. DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES

CURRENT SITUATION

The Warrnambool City Council objective is to work in partnership with domestic animal

businesses to achieve State Government Legislative requirements. Warrnambool currently has

3 registered domestic animal businesses.

1 pet shop, 1 boarding facility and the RSPCA / pound

These businesses are registered, and inspected yearly.


Conduct staff training in dealing with conflict and difficult customers.

Meet annually with the RSPCA into the procedures / management of the Council’s

shelter


Annual registration checks

Inspection of the premises

SUMMARY

Council will continue to monitor and improve relations with the registered businesses through

inspections, highlighting the importance of animal housing, legislative requirements and

promotions.

OUR PLANS

Objective 1: Identify and register all Domestic Animal Businesses in the municipality.


Identify all businesses that should be

registered.

April each

year

Compare number of registered DABs

from the previous year

Objective 2: Annually inspect and audit all registered domestic animal businesses.


Visit all registered businesses and

check for compliance and animal

condition

April and

October

Those requirements of the Act are

met.

23

10. VICTORIAN ANIMAL EMERGENCY WELFARE PLAN

CURRENT SITUATION

Animals play a significant role in the lives of Victorians. Victorians own an estimated

8,937,000 pets including dogs, cats, birds and horses. In addition there are more than 20 million

cattle and sheep, 0.6 million pigs and 25 million poultry on over 20,000 farms. While it is

difficult to quantify wildlife populations in a similar manner, human interest in the welfare of

native animals can be reflected in the 340 wildlife shelters and 363 foster carers currently

authorized to rehabilitate wildlife in Victoria, and the 7,000 native animals which are treated in

Victorian shelters each year.

Many types of emergencies in Victoria inevitably affect animals. Furthermore, recent disasters

in Australia and overseas highlighted that bonds between people and animals strongly influence

decision making in times of crisis. The lack of adequate planning for the management of

animals and their welfare in emergencies often results in poor, last minute decisions with

dangerous or fatal consequences for animals and their owners or carers.

Before, during and after an emergency, persons in charge of animals retain the ultimate ‘duty of

care’ to provide for the needs of animals in their charge. In the event of an emergency,

Government acknowledges the supporting role it can play in helping owners or carers meet

their requirements.

Victoria’s emergency management arrangements define the Department of Primary Industries

as the primary agency for livestock and companion animal welfare support services during an

emergency response. The Department of Sustainability and Environment is the primary agency

for wildlife welfare support services. As the closest level of government to the affected

community, local government also has a key role in supporting emergency animal welfare

activities. Numerous non-government organisations assist in the management of animal

welfare, with the RSPCA, Australian Veterinary Association and the Victorian Farmers

Federation having special capacities to assist.

SUMMARY

Warrnambool City, in conjunction with the RSPCA will develop a local sub plan to link to the

Municipal Emergency Management Plan, which will promote emergency requirements and

procedures at a local level.

OUR PLANS

Objective 1: Develop a local animal emergency welfare plan


Create a local sub plan, with a contact

list for emergency situations for

rangers

2015 Adopted plan

24

Objective 2: Establish a brochure for the public


Create a brochure for the public on

what you need, where to go, and who

to contact in an emergency.

December

2015

The availability of brochures for the

public.

11. ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE PLAN AND REPORTING

Section 68A(3) of the Domestic Animals Act states:

Every Council must—

(a) review its domestic animal management plan annually and, if appropriate,

amend the plan

(b) provide the Department of Primary Industries’ Secretary with a copy of the

plan and any amendments to the plan

(c) publish an evaluation of its implementation of the plan in its annual report.

warrnambool domestic animal management plan 2014€¦ · domestic animal management plan 2014...

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