Glenelg Shire Council Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021

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Glenelg Shire Council Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021
Glenelg Shire Council

                 Proposed
              Domestic Animal
              Management Plan

                       2017-2021

Adopted by Glenelg Shire Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on
24 October 2017

[Type text]
Glenelg Shire Council Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021
INDEX

Section 68A                                                        4

Executive Summary                                                  5

Introduction                                                       5

Training of Authorised Officers                               6, 7, 8

Domestic Animal Statistics                                         9

Registration and Identification                           10, 11, 12

Nuisance                                               13, 14, 15, 16

Dog Attacks                                                   17, 18

Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breed Dogs                 19, 20

Overpopulation and High Euthanasia                        21, 22, 23

Domestic Animal Business                                      24, 25

Other Matters                                                 26, 27

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021               2
Glenelg Shire Council Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021
DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLANS
Under Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, every Council must prepare a
Domestic Animal Management Plan, as follows:
  68A Councils to prepare domestic animal management plans
         (1) Every Council must, in consultation with the Secretary (of the Department of
             Primary Industries), prepare at 4 year intervals a domestic animal management
             plan.
         (2) A domestic animal management plan prepared by a Council must—
              (a) set out a method for evaluating whether the animal control services
                  provided by the Council in its municipal district are adequate to give effect
                  to the requirements of this Act and the regulations; and
              (b) outline programs for the training of authorised officers to ensure that they
                  can properly administer and enforce the requirements of this Act in the
                  Council's municipal district; and
               (c) outline programs, services and strategies which the Council intends to
                   pursue in its municipal district—
                     (i) to promote and encourage the responsible ownership of dogs and
                         cats; and
                    (ii) to ensure that people comply with this Act, the regulations and any
                         related legislation; and
                    (iii) to minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals; and
                   (iv) to address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs
                        and cats; and
                    (v) to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats; and
                   (vi) to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance; and
                   (vii) to effectively identify all dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and
                         restricted breed dogs in that district and to ensure that those dogs
                         are kept in compliance with this Act and the regulations; and
              (d) provide for the review of existing orders made under this Act and local
                  laws that relate to the Council's municipal district with a view to
                  determining whether further orders or local laws dealing with the
                  management of dogs and cats in the municipal district are desirable; and
              (e) provide for the review of any other matters related to the management of
                  dogs and cats in the Council's municipal district that it thinks necessary;
                  and
               (f) provide for the periodic evaluation of any program, service, strategy or
                   review outlined under the plan.
         (3) Every Council must—
              (a) review its domestic animal management plan annually and, if appropriate,
                  amend the plan; and
              (b) provide the Secretary with a copy of the plan and any amendments to the
                  plan; and
               (c) publish an evaluation of its implementation of the plan in its annual report.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                                    3
Glenelg Shire Council Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

It is certainly recognised that the enforcement of laws alone will not result in lasting,
voluntary changes in behaviour. A range of approaches such as public education,
positive reinforcement plus improved and clearer signage are required for
compliance to be achieved.

It is our aim to encourage responsible pet ownership by focusing on the desexing,
microchipping, registration and effective control of dogs and cats to minimise the
social and environmental impact of these animals.

INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE

There is considerable evidence to support the social and health benefits of pet
ownership, and it is easy to take for granted the role of pets in our society. The use
and need of pets has expanded substantially as they are utilised not only as
companions but as workers in an increasing number of ways. It is in appreciation of
these various reasons that the Glenelg Shire Council has developed this plan with a
clear direction on the education, welfare, promotion and enforcement of responsible
pet ownership over a four year period concluding in 2021.

THE GLENELG SHIRE – DEMOGRAPHIC AND PEOPLE

The Glenelg Shire covers an area of 6,212 kilometres with a population of
approximately 19,557 residents and is located in the traditional lands and waters of
the Aboriginal Gunditjmara, Bungaditj and Jardwadjali people.

The Shire’s economy includes tourism, agricultural, fishing, aluminium, fertiliser and
forestry products. Ideally located in the lower south west of Victoria, Glenelg Shire
forms part of the Green Triangle renowned for softwood and hardwood products,
many of which are transported via Portland’s natural deep sea port.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                              4
Glenelg Shire Council Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021
TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS
    Currently the Local Laws Unit is made up of of eight staff in total consisting of 1
    coordinator, 3 permanent full time local laws officers/rangers who provide a 24 hour
    on call service on a rotational 2 week basis, 2 permanent part time local laws/parking
    officers and 2 permanent part time administration support officers. One of the full
    time officers is a local laws prosecutor/ranger. All local laws officers multi-task across
    the range and scope of duties required.

   Authorised Officer             Officer             Current                  Planned
       Training                                                              (state when)

                              Officer 1 - JF                          Not required (RPL)
                              Officer 2 - JM         Completed
Certificate IV Government                                             Not required (RPL)
                              Officer 3 - RB
(Statutory Compliance)
                              Officer 4 - HM                          Not required
                              Officer 5 - TM                          Not required

                              Officer 1                               Not required (RPL)
                              Officer 2              Completed
Certificate IV in Animal
                              Officer 3                               Not required (RPL)
Control and Regulation
                              Officer 4                               Not required (RPL)
                              Officer 5                               Not required (RPL)

                                                                      Ongoing training to be
OH&S                          All officers           Completed
                                                                      attended as required.

                                                                      Ongoing training to be
Customer service              All officers           Completed
                                                                      attended as required.

First Aid including use of
                                                                      Ongoing training to be
Automated External             All officers          Completed
                                                                      attended as required.
Defibrillator (AED)

Municipal Fire Prevention
                              All officers           Completed
Officer

                              All officers                            Training days to be
Firearms
                              licenced                                attended as required.

                                                 Performs all local
                                                                      Training of additional
Prosecution                   Officer 1          laws
                                                                      officers is desirable.
                                                 prosecutions.

    Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                               5
Glenelg Shire Council Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021
TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS
(continued)

    Authorised Officer            Officer             Current                  Planned
        Training                                                             (state when)

Department of Economic
Development, Jobs,                                                   Generally all officers would
Transport and Resources       All officers                           attend – if not information
(DEDJTR) Training &                                                  is reported back to unit.
Information Sessions

Bureau of Animal Welfare                                             Generally all officers would
training and information      All officers                           attend – if not information
days                                                                 is reported back to unit.

South West Authorised                                                Officers attend on a
                              All officers
Officers Group (SWAOG)                                               rotational basis as offered.

Internal computer systems                                            Ongoing training to be
                              All officers          Completed
training                                                             attended as required.

Australian Institute of
                                                  Not yet attended Desirable – would depend
Animal Management
                                                 by current officers on location of conference.
Conference

Family Violence                                                      Ongoing training to be
                              All officers          Completed
Awareness Training                                                   attended as required.

                                                                     Further training will be
Canine Anatomy and
                              1, 2, 4 & 5            Completed       attended by all officers if
Identification Training
                                                                     offered by DEDJTR

                                                                     Highly desirable – training
Investigative Services        2, 4 & 5                               to be attended as course
                                                                     becomes available.

                                                                     Highly desirable – training
Advanced driver training                          Not yet attended
                              All officers                           to be attended as course
off road                                         by current officers
                                                                     becomes available.

                                                                     Highly desirable – training
                                                  Not yet attended
Traffic Control               All officers                           to be attended as course
                                                 by current officers
                                                                     becomes available.

    Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                               6
OUR PLANS

A changed approach in obtaining compliance has shifted from being primarily
infringement based to promoting responsible pet ownership via all avenues available.
A thorough review and update of current processes is required moving forward.

Objective 1: Develop an updated training plan to ensure ongoing competency of
officers.

              Activity                    When                     Evaluation
Identify minimum training                              Evaluation of training to be
requirements of officers in            By end 2018     assessed during annual staff
consultation with management.                          review process.

                                                       Updated as required and training
Training as advised/available via
                                         Ongoing       value assessed through
Organisational Development.
                                                       feedback received and content.

Objective 2: Ensure competent animal handling skills and evaluation.

              Activity                    When                     Evaluation

Review current skills amongst                          Discuss on a regular basis to
team and identify training               Ongoing       ensure effective development of
shortfalls.                                            newly acquired skills.

                                                       Training content value assessed
Animal management/handling in                          internally within local laws and
                                       As available
emergencies.                                           organisational development for
                                                       future improvement.

                                                       Discuss and advise course
Attend any other relevant industry                     content during team meetings
                                       As available
training and networking sessions.                      and assess suitability for future
                                                       attendance.

Objective 3: Review current work procedures.

              Activity                    When                     Evaluation

                                                       Discuss with industry experts
Update/remove/alter current work
                                                       where available and internally
procedures to ensure                       2019
                                                       within local laws unit and
effectiveness.
                                                       stakeholders.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                               7
DOMESTIC ANIMAL STATISTICS AND DATA

            GLENELG SHIRE – KEY STATISTICS                            2015/16
Dogs
No. Registered                                                         4054
No. of dogs brought into RSPCA (officers and public)                   342
No. Reclaimed                                                          166
No. Adopted                                                            149
No. Euthanized                                                          42
No. Declared Menacing                                                   19
No. Declared Dangerous                                                  2
No. Registered Restricted Breed                                         0

Cats
No. Registered                                                         1328
No. of cats brought into RSPCA (officers and public)                   496
No. Reclaimed                                                           13
No. Adopted                                                            429
No. Euthanized                                                          86

2015 - Approximate number of registration non-renewals was 1,114 at the end of
April. Door knocks where conducted in June and the number of non-renewals was
reduced to approximately 530

2016 - Approximate number of registration non-renewals was 736 at the end of April.
Door knocks where conducted in June and the number of non-renewals was reduced
to approximately 210

2017 - At the time of writing the current non-renewal figure is 511

The yearly reduction in failed to renew animal registration figures have been
achieved by proactive processes including local laws officers conducting follow up
door knocks throughout the Shire.

Follow up door knocks will be a continued practice.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                          8
REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION

Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A (2)(c)(v) Outline programs, services and
strategies to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats

Council is required by the Act, other state laws and local laws to ensure that all
members of the community comply with relevant legislation. We aim to educate, then
encourage, then enforce.

CURRENT SITUATION

As per the Domestic Animals Act 1994 the owner of a dog or cat must apply to
register that dog or cat with the Council of the municipal district in which the dog or
cat is kept, if the animal is over 3 months old.

Applications for new dog and cat registrations can be made at the Glenelg Shire
Council Customer Service Centres at the following locations:

                 71 Cliff St, Portland
                 77 Edgar St, Heywood
                 67 Henty St, Casterton

The RSPCA located at 185 Darts Rd, Portland is contracted for the provision of
domestic animal pound services. All dogs and cats adopted or reclaimed from the
RSPCA must be microchipped and registered prior to being released. The RSPCA
currently acts as an agent for the purpose of registration within the Glenelg Shire.

As per the Domestic Animals Act 1994, animal registrations in Victoria expire
annually on 10 April. Doorknocks are performed throughout the Shire in the
preceding months primarily targeting non renewals to ascertain whether the animal is
still residing at the address or, is deceased/lost/moved so that Council databases can
be updated accordingly.

A portion of every registration fee is used to fund responsible pet ownership
programs and provide other services including information booklets, fact sheets,
animal management staff, pound services, domestic animal business compliance
and emergency animal welfare.

Currently it is not mandatory for cats and dogs to be desexed within the Glenelg
Shire; however this does result in the lowest rate of registration fee payable and is
certainly encouraged. It is clear in the key statistics listed that unowned cats are an
area of concern with the majority of these being entire and unidentifiable.

The Glenelg Shire Council participates in the provision of the Municipal Association
of Victoria (MAV) subsidised desexing scheme for holders of a pension concession
card, health care card, low income health care card or a Commonwealth seniors
health card. Council supports the scheme as an avenue to encourage responsible
pet ownership.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                            9
Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures

When a customer applies for a MAV voucher they are required to pay for registration
of the animal. Council will refund the difference in the registration fee amount upon
application once the animal has been desexed. This helps Council capture many
animals that may not have otherwise been registered.

Currently Glenelg Shire residents are allowed to keep 2 dogs and 2 cats per
household within the scheduled area. Residents outside of the scheduled area are
allowed a total of 6 cats and 6 dogs.

An ‘Excess Animal Permit’ is required in any instance where the domestic animal
numbers exceed the allowable amount in any area. The permits are required to be
renewed every year.

Upon registration a tag is issued with a unique identification number on it, and if it is
lost, becomes unreadable, or in many cases chewed, a free replacement tag is
issued and the new registration number is updated on Councils database.

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

The Glenelg Shire promotes animal registration renewals and animal related events
where possible. Council newspaper, website pages, social media and radio are all
utilised to educate the community on domestic animal registration requirements and
timeframes.

Information booklets on responsible pet ownership and fact sheets as supplied by the
Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR)
are utilised where possible and are available from a variety of sources throughout the
Shire including Portland RSPCA, Council customer service centres and local pet
supplies stores.

Other education options are considered and taken up as they present from time-to-
time, such as talks to students or community groups with the intent to educate.

Our current Compliance Activities

Council officers respond to requests/tasks on a daily basis. Pro-active patrolling
demonstrates a presence in the community and encourages compliance.

Any unregistered animals discovered on premises will result in a Notice to Comply
being issued. The compliance date is monitored and followed up if necessary.

Door knocks are conducted on an annual basis to follow up on registrations that have
not been renewed.

Registration reminders and permit renewals are sent to all registered animal owners’
annually.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                             10
OUR PLANS

 Objective 1: To increase and maintain dog and cat registrations.

               Activity                    When                      Evaluation

                                                        Comparison of registration renewals
Follow up door knocks on non-
                                          Annually      received against previous years
renewals.
                                                        registrations.

Issue Notices to Comply to owners                       Checks on registration database for
of unregistered animals as               As required    compliance.
detected.

Contact microchip registries to                         Increase in number of registered
obtain details of cats and dogs          April 2019     animals resulting from information
microchipped within the Shire.                          provided from registries.

 Objective 2: Promote registration and microchipping.

               Activity                    When                      Evaluation

Encourage micro-chipping and                            Increase in number of animals’
registration at every opportunity         Ongoing       microchipped and registered after
presented.                                              active promotion.

                                                        Increase of animal numbers on
Council to investigate the possibility
                                                        Council registration database.
of a discount microchipping and           Annually
                                                        Decision will be made and service
registration day on an annual basis.
                                                        will be provided if in favour.

                           Microchip compared to a grain of rice

 Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                             11
NUISANCE

Domestic Animals Act 1994 Section 68A(2)(c)(vi) Outline programs, services and
strategies to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance
- also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)

CURRENT SITUATION

The Glenelg Shire Council encourages people to manage their pets in a way that
protects the health and welfare of the animal, maximises the companion benefits of
their pet and minimises potential for nuisance or harm to others.

Council utilises a database for complaints/customer requests. When an officer
responds to a complaint/request they enter all actions taken and all necessary
documents are attached to the file.

Barking dogs continue to be one of the most time consuming and resource
demanding issues to resolve successfully. Unfortunately it is also one of the most
passionate issues for the general community as those affected often do not wish to
complain initially or take part in the required process. Once Council is informed of a
barking dog issue the complainant is often at wits end and wants immediate results.

Cats within the Glenelg Shire found on a private property without permission on more
than one occasion can be seized whilst present on the property. When the owner is
identified a notice of objection is issued. If the cat re-enters or remains on the private
property after a notice has been issued the owner is guilty of an offence and liable to
a penalty. Council encourages the containment of cats as it reduces other cat related
concerns such as spread of disease, fighting and unplanned litters.

Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures

Local Laws

Animals kept within the municipality must not be allowed to be a nuisance by means
of excessive noise or odour and are required to be under effective control in public
places.

Numbers and types of animals are stipulated and all welfare needs must be met in
accordance with responsible pet ownership criteria.

When excess animal permit applications are received, the premises are inspected to
ensure all homing and hygiene requirements of the animals are met prior to a permit
being issued.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                              12
Council Policies/Procedures

Our Local Laws, current policies and procedures and other delegated authorities
enable officers to effectively manage domestic animal nuisance issues.

These include the following:

   •   Advice/information booklet to complainant and offender – barking dogs
   •   Permit to keep excess animal numbers
   •   Cat trapping
   •   Collection of contained stray dog

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

      Barking Dog Information Package
      Community engagement opportunities
      Dog Poo dispensers
      Notice to Comply before enforcement
      Responsible pet ownership fact sheets
      Council Newspaper, Facebook page and website
      Informational signage

Our current Compliance Activities

Nuisance complaints vary greatly and can include issues like cat spraying/marking,
barking dogs, dog faeces and wandering animals. Face to face contact with
educational and compliance information provided appears to be the most effective
method of obtaining results.

Activities include:

      Pro-active patrols
      Notice to comply
      Cat trapping programs
      Infringements
      Prosecutions (in-house)
      Trespass notices

Summary

Dogs found wandering at large, unowned or identifiable animals continue to be an
issue within the Shire. Dog attacks on people and other domestic animals along with
livestock are all areas of great concern.

More tailored educational programs targeted at strategic locations throughout the
Shire are required to encourage compliance. It is recognised animal owners are
expected to be compliant but it is also Council’s duty to administer actions that
protect the community from damage caused by animals.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                           13
OUR PLANS

Objective 1: Review orders for dog control zones.

              Activity                    When                    Evaluation

                                                       If Council chooses to amend the
Review all existing dog control
                                                       current controls the Community
zones including on and off leash           2018
                                                       will be given the opportunity to
areas and prohibited areas.
                                                       provide comment.

                                                       Public feedback will be received
Investigate feasibility of an
                                                       during information sessions, and
enclosed off leash dog park             2017/2018
                                                       discussions with key
facility.
                                                       stakeholders.

Replace/remove confusing                               Signage clear. Positive
                                       Staged up to
signage around dog control                             feedback/comments on improved
                                          2021
zones.                                                 signage locations etc.

Objective 2: Increase public awareness of responsible pet ownership.

              Activity                    When                    Evaluation

Actively promote and encourage
responsible pet ownership at             Ongoing       General compliance.
every opportunity.

                                                       Review number of ‘hits’ on the
Review and update information on                       website (Local Laws)
                                         Ongoing
GSC website and Facebook page.                         Review/respond to enquiries
                                                       received.

Relevant media in Council                              Align with enforcement activities
                                         Quarterly
newspaper.                                             and review on completion.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                              14
Objective 3: Promote and encourage responsible cat ownership.

              Activity                    When                    Evaluation

Promote containment of cat to                          Decrease in cat numbers taken
                                         Ongoing
owners’ property – at all times.                       to pound.

Cat trapping programs.                   Ongoing       Numbers captured.

Education programs on                                  Reduction in unowned and feral
                                         Ongoing
responsible cat ownership.                             cats.

Objective 4: Promote and encourage responsible dog ownership.

              Activity                    When                    Evaluation

                                                       Comments will be received from
Person in charge of dog required                       public during consultation phase
to clean up any faeces deposited           2018        of draft General Local Law. If in
by dog.                                                favour will be implemented into
                                                       Local Law in March 2018.

Investigate viability of providing
new dog owners with a
registration pack containing
                                                       Feedback from community and
educational information ie                Current
                                                       key stakeholders.
obedience, responsible pet
ownership brochures, dog poo
bags/holder etc.

Provide/install more dog poo bag
dispensers at key locations as             2019        Feedback from community.
requested by community.

                                                       Comments will be received from
Dogs to be under control of a                          public during consultation phase
person capable of controlling the          2018        of draft General Local Law. If in
dog in public.                                         favour will be implemented into
                                                       Local Law in March 2018.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                              15
DOG ATTACKS
Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A(2)(c)(iii) Outline programs, services and
strategies to minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals
- also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)

Unfortunately it is the dog that pays the price for irresponsible owners who have not
taken the required action to ensure their dog is well socialised, trained or confined
adequately. Dog attacks will only stop if the attitudes of dog owners’ are always in the
best interest of the dog.

CURRENT SITUATION

Council officers attend to reports of dog attacks promptly and are available 24/7 for
this purpose. All reports are investigated and actioned accordingly. Evidence is
gathered and the offending dog/s are declared either menacing or dangerous in
accordance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994 if required.

Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures

Once a dog has been declared dangerous the dog must be microchipped and
desexed within 7 days and evidence of this supplied to Council. Declared dogs are
not eligible for reduced rates of registration. Declared dogs are required to pay a higher
registration fee.

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

Responsible pet ownership is encouraged throughout the Glenelg Shire at every
opportunity presented. Key stakeholders such as the RSPCA, pet supplies stores
and Veterinary Clinics all play their part in portraying the key requirements of
providing health care, nutrition, socialisation and training.

Our current Compliance Activities

      Pro-active patrols
      After-hours policy for response to all dog attacks
      Prosecutions
      Enforce menacing/dangerous dog provisions
      Dog attack investigation and enforcement policy/procedure
      Immediate seizure of dogs which have caused serious injury

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                              16
OUR PLANS

Objective 1: Reduce and minimise the risk of dog attacks in the community.

              Activity                    When                    Evaluation

Patrol areas of concern i.e.                           Reduction of dog attacks in
                                         Ongoing
beaches, local parks etc.                              public areas.

Promote responsible dog                                Feedback and comments
ownership through all avenues            Ongoing       received from general
available.                                             community.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                             17
DANGEROUS, MENACING AND RESTRICTED BREED DOGS

Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A(2)(c)(vii) Outline programs, services and
strategies to effectively identify all dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and restricted
breed dogs in that district and to ensure that those dogs are kept in compliance with
this Act and the regulations - also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)

Regularly officers receive calls about dogs at large which are frequently described as
Pit Bulls or a Pitbull type dog. The American Staffordshire Breed Standard makes
reference to a variety of terriers and bulldogs as the genetic make-up of the breed. It
is understandable that a variety of breeds are mistaken for an American Pitbull.

CURRENT SITUATION

Glenelg Shire currently has two dangerous, and 19 menacing dogs. There are
currently no registered restricted breed dogs.

All declared dogs within the Glenelg Shire are listed on the declared dog register and
monitored for ongoing compliance by their owners for the keeping of these animals in
accordance with the legislation.

Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures

      Strict adherence to the provisions of the Domestic Animals Act 1994
      Enforcement Policy
      Dog attack investigation and enforcement policy/procedure
      Zero tolerance to any breach of requirements contained in the Act

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

Once a dog has been declared menacing it is explained to the owner that any
behaviour in breach of the requirements will result in infringements being issued and;
if they receive 2 or more it may result in the declaration being upgraded to
dangerous.

All declared dog owners are provided with literature listing their responsibilities and
ongoing obligations as a declared dog owner.

Our current Compliance Activities

      Patrolling
      Prompt response to reports of alleged restricted breed dogs
      Enforcement policy/procedure
      Annual inspection of declared dangerous dog enclosures

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                            18
OUR PLANS

Objective 1: Identification of Restricted Breed Dogs

              Activity                       When                      Evaluation

Inspect Council registration
database for possible restricted           Regular
                                                          Any dogs identified will be
breed dogs – cross reference with        checks to be
                                                          captured on Council records.
microchip registry - officers to            done.
investigate.

Educate community to recognise
a restricted breed dog and
encourage reporting for                    Ongoing        Number of dogs identified.
investigation by authorised
officers.

Objective 2: Classification of menacing and dangerous dogs.

              Activity                       When                      Evaluation

Full investigation of all reported                        Discuss all cases with team
attacks to ensure accurate                 Ongoing        members to ensure appropriate
categorisation.                                           classification.

             Sample of signage displayed where a declared dangerous dog is present.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                                   19
OVERPOPULATION AND HIGH EUTHANASIA
Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A(2)(c)(iv) Outline programs, services and
strategies to address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and
cats - also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)

CURRENT SITUATION

Animals are easily acquired free of charge in many instances especially with the
ease of social network advertising. Without the combined effort, education and
support of the community along with various animal organisations the number of
unplanned and unwanted litters will continue.

With the RSPCA no longer having restricted timeframes for the rehoming of
impounded animals euthanasia rates have decreased, however the number of cats,
kittens, dogs and puppies admitted continues to rise slightly.

Cats are rarely reclaimed or identifiable upon admission in comparison to dogs. Cat
breeding issues are significant as the capacity for cats to have multiple litters per
year is a reality faced at numerous animal shelters and pounds every breeding
season.

Numerous cats and kittens are surrendered or admitted as strays every year at
various facilities often resulting in overcrowding. Unfortunately many of these cats
and kittens become stressed and succumb to a variety of infectious diseases such as
cat flu and ringworm.

Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures

Households located within a scheduled area are allowed to keep two dogs
and two cats, whilst households outside of the scheduled area are allowed to keep
 six dogs and six cats. Any household wishing to keep excess of this number is
required to apply for an Excess Animal Permit which has a list of conditions that must
be met to the satisfaction of an authorised officer and be evident upon inspection of
the premises before a permit will be issued. Permits expire annually.

Other local laws regulating the keeping of cats and dogs include:

      An exemption period of 12 weeks for the progeny of cats and dogs
      Housing must be kept in a clean and inoffensive condition
      Noise

Council supports the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) cat and dog reduced
fee desexing voucher scheme and encourages applicable persons to utilise the
service wherever possible.

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Our current Education/Promotion Activities

      Responsible pet ownership program
      Council newspaper articles (quarterly)
      Information sheets on responsible pet ownership at key locations
      Council website
      MAV desexing vouchers

Our current Compliance Activities

Cat trapping in various areas throughout the Shire has resulted in many feral,
unowned or unidentified cats/kittens being captured. Unfortunately many of these
cats/kittens are suffering from contagious diseases such as influenza (cat flu),
immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) and leukaemia (FeLV).

Other compliance activities include:

      Investigation of alleged breeding establishments
      Proactive patrolling

OUR PLANS

Objective 1: Reduction of stray, unowned animals.

              Activity                    When                    Evaluation
Promote availability of cat traps –
                                         Ongoing       Reduction in yearly numbers
distribution managed by RSPCA

Investigate the possibility of
                                                       Increased number of animals
Council holding reduced fee
                                         Ongoing       captured on Council registration
microchipping and registration
                                                       database.
days.

Promote cat enclosures and cat
                                                       Less requests received for cat
fencing to keep cats contained at        Ongoing
                                                       traps to capture stray cats.
all times.
Possible introduction of a cat
                                                       Reduction in unplanned litters.
curfew between the hours of 7pm
                                                       Less requests for cat traps.
to 7am

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                              21
Objective 2: Increase amount of desexed animals.

              Activity                    When                    Evaluation

Research further possibilities of                      Proportion of desexed animals
subsidised desexing.                     Ongoing       captured on Council database.

                                                       Public feedback will be received
Investigate option of Council                          during information sessions, and
offering 1 year free registration to                   discussions with key
                                           2018
pet owners that have their pet                         stakeholders. Decision will be
desexed prior to 6 months of age.                      made and order created if in
                                                       favour.

Investigate future option requiring                    Public feedback will be received
all cats to be desexed prior to                        during information sessions, and
registration if not a purebred with                    discussions with key
a Certificate of Registration or          Current      stakeholders. Decision will be
Pedigree or part of a Registered                       made and order created if in
Domestic Animal Business.                              favour.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                             22
Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021   23
DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES

Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A(2)(c)(ii) Outline programs, services and
strategies which the Council intends to pursue in its municipal district to ensure that
people comply with this Act, the regulations and any related legislation
- also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(d),(f)

CURRENT SITUATION

Four Domestic Animal Businesses (DAB’s) are registered in Glenelg Shire
comprising of 1 x dog and cat boarding facility, 1 x pet supplies that also sells rabbits,
guinea pigs and birds, 1 x RSPCA and 1 x pet supplies that sells fish and birds.

Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures

Domestic Animal Businesses have comprehensive requirements detailed in each
applicable Code of Practice. Council performs an annual audit on these businesses
utilising the specific documentation provided by the Department of Economic
Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR).

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

When visiting the Domestic Animal Businesses a copy of the most recent Code of
Practice is supplied and discussed to ensure any required changes are achievable.
Other educational material as supplied by DEDJTR is also provided for use and
distribution by the business.

Our current Compliance Activities

Annual inspections are conducted on Domestic Animal Businesses to ensure
compliance with relevant Code of Practice.

Other compliance activities include:

      Proactive patrols
      Investigation of complaints/reports for keeping of excess numbers of animals
      Visits to premises of suspected animal breeders
      Monitor local media and social media for advertising of pets for sale

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                              24
OUR PLANS

Objective 1: Identify unregistered dog and cat breeding establishments.

              Activity                    When                     Evaluation

Audit of registration database to                      Identification, inspection and
                                          June
identify numerous animals housed                       registration of business if
                                         annually
at one property.                                       required.

Monitor advertising media for sale                     Identified and registered as a
                                         Ongoing
of dogs and cats.                                      breeding establishment.

Objective 2: Ensure compliance of registered DAB’s with regards to identification,
appropriate notification and registration requirements of dogs and cats.

              Activity                    When                     Evaluation

Visit/contact sellers of animals to                    All dogs and cats advertised for
ensure compliance with                   Ongoing       sale have microchip details
microchipping requirements.                            included in advertising.

                                                       Continued compliance with
Annual audit of registered
                                           June        legislation and relevant Code of
Domestic Animal Business.
                                                       Practice.

Objective 3: Promote what a Domestic Animal Business is and who needs to register
as one.

              Activity                    When                     Evaluation

Educate community on what a                            Enquiries received from
                                         Ongoing
Domestic Animal Business is.                           concerned parties.

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OTHER MATTERS

Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A(2)(e) Provide for the review of any other
matters related to the management of dogs and cats in the Council's municipal
district that it thinks necessary.

CURRENT SITUATION

Emergency Animal Management Plan

An Emergency Animal Management Plan is currently being developed aimed at
assisting in the effective management and coordination of animal welfare support
during and immediately after an emergency. The purpose of this plan is to assist,
provide advice and help the community where able with issues relating to animal
welfare matters resulting from an emergency event.

Development of formal policies and procedures for domestic animals brought to an
evacuation/relief centre in an emergency will be developed in conjunction with the
Emergency Management Officer.

Issues addressed in the plan are as follows:

      Temporary holding facilities
      Disposal of deceased animals
      Feed/water supplies
      Provision of cages, leads, tethers
      Transportation of animals
      Humane destruction
      Accurate record keeping of displaced animals
      Treatment of injured animals

Fenced Dog Park

It is recognised that dog parks can provide an opportunity for dogs to participate in
natural dog activities such as running, chasing, barking, digging, jumping and
interacting with other dogs. Dogs given this opportunity may be less prone to exhibit
unwanted stress and boredom related behaviours such as nuisance barking.

There are numerous social and physical benefits of a fenced dog park for the dog
and owner alike, and whilst these facilities are generally seen as a safe place to
attend unfortunately not all owners are aware of their dog’s behaviour which may
result in attacks.

Providing such a facility requires extensive planning, design, management and
ongoing resources. Extensive research is needed prior to any formal decision being
made.

Proposed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 – 2021                          26
On leash areas

A thorough review of the current controls throughout the Glenelg Shire is taking
place. Public feedback has established that there is confusion regarding the signage,
times and locations of the areas.

Desexing order

At this stage there is no requirement for any cat or dog that is not part of a registered
Domestic Animal Business or registered with an applicable organisation to be
desexed. However we do believe this would be a positive step toward reducing the
number of unowned animals within our community. Desexing reduces the tendency
for dogs and cats to roam which in turn will reduce the number of animals found at
large. This would create a positive on flow effect with regard to dog attacks on
human/other domestic animals/livestock, cat fighting, spread of disease and
unwanted litters.

Animal numbers

Our current General Local Law is due to sunset on 20 March 2018 and a proposed
change in order to align with the Planning Scheme is the number of animals allowed
outside of the scheduled area be reduced to 6 in total which can be made up in any
combination i.e. 2 dogs and 4 cats or 5 dogs and 1 cat etc.

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