Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014 2017 - Making this the most liveable, people friendly community in Australia
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Domestic Animal Management Plan
2014 - 2017
Making this the most liveable, people friendly community in Australia
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
Document Control Page
Document Information
Information
TRIM File Number 04/02/04
Document Owner Andrew Millen
Last Update June 2014
Document History
Version Issue Date Changes
0.1 December 2013 Draft
0.2 February 2014 Final Draft
0.3 March 2014 Final Draft Plan to CMT & Forum
1.0 June 2014 Council Approved
Document Approvals
Role Name
Document Owner Andrew Millen
Manager Andrew Millen
General Manager Garry Healy
Adopted by Council June 2014
Mildura Rural City Council ii
CONTENTS
Domestic animal management plans .................................................................................. - 1 -
68A Councils to prepare domestic animal management plans ............................... - 1 -
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. - 2 -
1.0 ..... TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS .............................................................. - 5 -
1.1 Current Situation / Our Current Data .................................................................... - 5 -
1.2 Our Future Plans .................................................................................................. - 6 -
2.0 ..... REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION ............................................................... - 7 -
2.1 Current Situation / Our Current Data .................................................................... - 7 -
2.2 State Government Acts, Council Local Laws, Policies and Procedures ............. - 11 -
2.3 Our Current Education / Promotion Activities ..................................................... - 11 -
2.4 Our current Compliance Activities ...................................................................... - 12 -
2.5 Summary ............................................................................................................ - 12 -
2.6 Our Plans ............................................................................................................ - 12 -
3.0 ..... NUISANCE DOGS AND CATS ............................................................................. - 14 -
3.1 Current Situation / Our Current Data .................................................................. - 14 -
3.2. Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures .................... - 17 -
3.3 Our current Education/Promotion Activities ........................................................ - 18 -
3.4 Our current Compliance Activities ...................................................................... - 19 -
3.5 Summary ............................................................................................................ - 19 -
3.6 Our Plans ............................................................................................................ - 20 -
4.0 ..... DOG ATTACKS ..................................................................................................... - 21 -
4.1 Current Situation / Our Current Data .................................................................. - 21 -
4.2 Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures .................... - 22 -
4.3 Our current Education/Promotion Activities ........................................................ - 23 -
4.4 Our current Compliance Activities ...................................................................... - 23 -
4.5 Summary ............................................................................................................ - 23 -
4.6 Our Plans ............................................................................................................ - 24 -
5.0 ..... DANGEROUS, MENACING AND RESTRICTED BREED DOGS......................... - 25 -
5.1 Current Situation / Our Current Data .................................................................. - 25 -
5.2 Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures .................... - 25 -
5.3 Our current Education/Promotion Activities ........................................................ - 29 -
5.4 Our current Compliance Activities ...................................................................... - 29 -
5.5 Summary ............................................................................................................ - 29 -
5.6 Our Plans ............................................................................................................ - 30 -
6.0 ..... OVERPOPULATION AND HIGH EUTHANASIA ................................................... - 31 -
6.1 Current Situation / Our Current Data .................................................................. - 31 -
6.2 Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures .................... - 33 -
6.3 Our current Education/Promotion Activities ........................................................ - 35 -
6.4 Our current Compliance Activities ...................................................................... - 35 -
6.5 Summary ............................................................................................................ - 35 -
6.6 Our Plans ............................................................................................................ - 36 -
7.0 ..... DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES ..................................................................... - 38 -
7.1 Current Situation / Our Current Data .................................................................. - 38 -
7.2 Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures .................... - 38 -
7.3 Our current Education/Promotion Activities ........................................................ - 38 -
7.4 Our current Compliance Activities ...................................................................... - 38 -
7.5 Summary ............................................................................................................ - 39 -
7.6 Our Plans ............................................................................................................ - 39 -
8.0 ..... OTHER MATTERS ................................................................................................ - 40 -
8.1 Current Situation / Our Current Data .................................................................. - 40 -
8.2 Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures .................... - 40 -
8.3 Our current Education/Promotion Activities ........................................................ - 41 -
8.4 Our current Compliance Activities ...................................................................... - 41 -
i
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
8.5 Summary ............................................................................................................ - 42 -
8.6 Our Plans ............................................................................................................ - 42 -
9.0 ..... ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLAN AND ANNUAL REPORTING .................................. - 43 -
9.1 Our Plans ............................................................................................................ - 43 -
Mildura Rural City Council ii
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
Environment and 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.
‐1‐
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
INTRODUCTION
Location of Mildura Rural City Council and Population Information:
Average annual population growth rate 2011 to
2031
Local Government Area
Location: 500 km north-west of
Melbourne
Area (2011): 22,330 km2
Pop. Density (2011): 2.5 person’s per
km2
Major Centres: Mildura; Red Cliffs;
Merbein; Ouyen
Mildura Rural City Council (Council) is located in the far North-West of the state and is
approximately 543 km from Melbourne/Victoria with its borders comprising of Swan Hill Rural
City Council, West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and Buloke local government areas.
Mildura is located at the junction of three states – Victoria, New South Wales and South
Australia. Council area covers approximately 10% of the state of Victoria and, as at 9th
August 2011 has a population of approximately 50,9791. The population is expected to
continue to grow into the future, at an estimated 0.8%2 per annum, estimated to reach
64,2883 by 2031.
This document will guide domestic animal management by the Council for the next three
years (2014-2017). The Plan identifies strategies and actions to implement the vision, aims
and objectives for animal management and contains recommendations for a wide range of
actions to be undertaken by the Council in a programmed approach during this time. These
actions will enable Council to maintain a balance between the competing interests of animal
management and to accommodate new requirements.
Council provides services that maximise the social, economic and environmental benefits to
the people of Mildura’s Municipality. Animal management has become more diverse and
demanding due to the introduction of various Acts and Orders. Knowledge of both human
and animal behaviour is a must for those working in this field. There is growing recognition
that enforcement of laws will not, on its own, result in lasting, voluntary changes in
behaviours and needs to be supplemented by a range of non-regulatory approaches such as
public education.
1
Australian Bureau of Statistics - census 2011 (Mildura {RC}, Vic, Local Government Area)
2
Department of Planning and Community Development, Victoria in Future (2012)
3
Department of Planning and Community Development, Victoria in Future (2012)
Mildura Rural City Council ‐2‐
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
There is now considerable evidence to support our understanding of the benefits from
owning pets. This implies a potential new role for Council in harnessing the benefits of animal
and pet ownership or at least maintaining the ability of the community to continue to own
animals or pets. In this environment, it is essential that Council take a strategic approach to
managing animals and pets in its community.
This Plan will provide Council with a sound basis and direction from which it can plan, co-
ordinate and make future decisions to meet the needs of the community for the years to
come.
Every year the Council Local Laws department receives approximately 1800 - 1900 requests
relating to animal control and management issues. The majority of requests are comprised
of:
dogs at large/roaming
barking dogs
stray cats
animal welfare issues
dogs rushing and attacking.
Pets are widely recognised for their physical and mental health benefits, their positive impact
in the development of children’s social skills and self esteem, and their importance as
companions for single individuals and the aged. Along with the positive impact that animals
have on humans, there are accompanying challenges such as:
noise and nuisance behaviour
aggression, and
the problem of stray or unwanted animals.
Traditionally, pet owners in rural areas of our municipality do not seem to find animals at
large or roaming an issue. Council recognises the need to look at ways of changing this
thinking so as to reduce the occurrence of attacks on people, animals and livestock.
The purpose of the Domestic Animal Management Plan is to describe the current situation in
terms of:
data and context
rules, regulations, laws and policies
education and promotional activities
compliance and
future plans.
The Domestic Animal Management Plan focuses on key animal management practices
within our municipality which includes:
registration and identification of domestic animals
nuisance animals
dog attacks
dangerous, menacing or restricted breeds
overpopulation and euthanasia
a review of:
o domestic animal businesses within our municipality
o training and development of our local laws officers
o future reviews of the Domestic Animal Management Plan.
Mildura Rural City Council ‐3‐
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
The process that has been applied in developing the Animal Management Plan involves
several steps:
1. The development of the Draft Animal Management Plan
2. The community is asked to comment and/or make submission on the draft
plan:
comments and submissions will be open for a period of one month
the draft plan will be available in hard copy from each of Council’s
Customer Service Centres/Public Libraries and Council Website
3. The community submissions that have been received are complied and
considered
4. Draft Animal Management Plan is sent to Council for adoption
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
Chief Executive Officer
MILDURA RURAL CITY
COUNCIL
DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
MANAGER
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
LOCAL LAWS
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
X1 – LOCAL LAW CO- X6 - LOCAL LAW OFFICERS X1 - POUND SUPERVISOR
ORDINATOR
Mildura Rural City Council ‐4‐
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
1.0 TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS
Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68(A)(2)(b) Outlines 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
1.1 Current Situation / Our Current Data
Mildura Rural City Council has eight (8) authorised Local Laws Officers that cover an area of
22,330 square kilometres.
As of June 2013 there were the following registered within our municipality:
7135 dogs
1261 cats
One (1) Council Pound
Five (5) registered domestic animal businesses consisting of:
o two (2) Pet Shops
o three (3) Boarding Kennels.
Training
A variety of training is offered and provided for all Council Authorised Officers; training
options are reviewed annually to ensure they are relevant and up to date.
Training options include:
animal handling courses
Certificates 2, 3 and 4 in Local Government
investigation and statement taking courses
prosecution courses
information technology courses and industry related seminars
conferences and briefings from:
o the Department of Environment and Primary Industries
o Australian Institute of Animal Management Inc (AIAM)
o Warner Institute of Business and
o other relevant Associations.
All Council Local Laws Officers have or are in the process of obtaining:
Certificate III and IV in Local Government
Certificate IV Statutory Compliance & Animal Control Program
Continuous on the job training.
Annual performance reviews help to identify any skills and training gaps which are used to
plan future skills development.
Mildura Rural City Council ‐5‐
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
1.2 Our Future Plans
Objective 1: Maintain a detailed training register for individual officers.
Activity When Evaluation
A training register has been created Personal Annually reviewed to ensure
to record each officer‘s name, Development accuracy and to determine whether
completed training and additional Plan (PDP) in proposed training goals have been
training opportunities place at the met for each officer
start of
employment
Objective 2: Ensure all authorised officers have completed their minimum training
requirements within the first 12 months of commencing employment.
Activity When Evaluation
Identify minimum training Start of Progress is checked within the first
requirements for Local Law Officers employment six months of employment and
and document in individual Personal again at the twelve month interval.
Development Plans. Ensure that Cert
II in Local Government is completed
within the first 12 months of
employment.
Objective 3: Offer additional training opportunities for all Local Law Officer’s.
Activity When Evaluation
Identify additional training Ongoing (as Quarterly and annually reviewed as
opportunities e.g. prosecutions training part of ongoing performance review
training, conflict management, time comes by Local Law’s Coordinator
management, Investigation and Case available)
management training Personal
Development
Plan currently
in place
Mildura Rural City Council ‐6‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
2.0 REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION
Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A(2)(c)(v) Outlines programs, services and
strategies to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats. Other applicable
sections of the Act would include Sections 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f).
2.1 Current Situation / Our Current Data
Responsible pet ownership begins from the moment a new animal is purchased or picked up.
When choosing a family pet, think carefully about the breed or type that will best suit your
family circumstances and your ability to give it the proper care it deserves. The basic care
requirements would include allocation of time for training, exercising and playing with your
pet on a weekly basis. A happy, healthy pet will be less likely to incur bad behaviours and
thus less likely to cause issues or problems. These first steps are a good start to helping you
meet your legal obligations as a pet owner.
Currently Council promotes responsible dog and cat ownership through the:-
Enforcement of legal requirements like identification and registration
Education of pet owners about:
o animal welfare issues which include food, water, shelter, exercise, disease
prevention and parasite control
o community issues which include roaming, nuisance, noise, faeces disposal
and environmental damage caused by dogs
Promotion of desexing through reduced registration costs
Programs and initiatives communicated to residents via letters and information packs,
through Councils web page and in the Councils monthly ‘community matters’
newsletter.
Current Objective:
Maximise the number of registered and identified domestic animals (pets) within our
municipality.
This objective is currently being achieved through a number of key initiatives which include:
Microchipping
All dogs and cats must be microchipped pursuant to the Domestic Animals Act 1994 prior to
registration. It is important to understand that:
Microchipping does not replace the requirement of pet owners to register their pet
with Council
Residents are responsible for updating their contact details if they move or
circumstances change.
Microchipping is a painless, once off procedure performed by a vet. A permanent microchip
is implanted into the loose skin (scruff) of a dog or cat’s neck providing the ability to identify
the pet and locate the owners through the updated contact details obtained when the
microchip is scanned.
On the 1st of May 2007 it became a mandatory requirement to microchip pets when
registering with Council. Veterinary exemptions may be obtained in exceptional
circumstances such as health.
Mildura Rural City Council ‐7‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
Registration and Discounts
It is an offence under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, for a dog or cat not to be registered
within your local Council. From the age of three months, a pet owner must register their dog
or cat by the 10 of April each year. Council undertakes random registration door knocks on
an annual basis through the municipality to ensure compliance with current legislation.
The purpose of registration includes:
encouraging responsible dog and cat management
allowing lost dogs and cats to be reunited with their owners
providing proof of ownership.
Discounted registration prices apply to:
pensioner entire (non desexed) dog and cat
desexed dog and cat
pensioner desexed dog and cat.
Trend analysis shows that domestic animals generally end up at the Pound due to out of
date owner contact details. Once domestic animals arrive at the Pound, they are placed on
Councils Lost Animal web page. If the animal owners come forward, there are mandatory
regulations that need to be followed before the dogs and cats can be released from the
pound which includes:
updating the owners contact details
the dog or cat must be microchipped and registered with Council.
Council recommends that pet owners update their contact details with Council on an annual
basis through Council’s customer service department (03) 5018 8100.
Identification Tags
When registering your dog or cat, pet owners will receive animal ID tags to place on their
animal’s collar for identification purposes. Animal ID tags hold important owner contact
details that help Council to make contact with owners of lost pets quickly which saves:
pets from the additional trauma of being placed in Councils pound for lengthy periods
of time and
pet owners the additional cost incurred from:
o daily housing fees and
o release fees
It is an offence under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, for a dog or cat not to wear a current
Council issued registration tag. To assist residents, Council offers a free service to replace
registration tags if they become unreadable (pet owners are responsible for the readability of
pet tags) or are lost.
For further information, please contact Council Customer Service on (03) 5018 8100.
Mildura Rural City Council ‐8‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
Current Trends
DOGS - 1ST JULY 2012 TO 30TH JUNE 2013.
CLAIMED
SPECIES REGISTERED DECLARED IMPOUNDED BY REHOUSED EUTHANASED
OWNERS
Dog 7135 7 938 310 551 89
Trend Analysis 2009/10 to 2012/13
DOGS
8000
35
71
42
65
7000
6000
5000
4000
#
3000
2000
93
8
10
93
1
55
1000
0
8
7
5
31
27
24
19
89
7
7
0
Registered Declared Impounded* Return to Rehoused Euthanased
Owners
Year
2009/2010 2012/2013
* Impounded data covers registration years which are from April to the end of March each year.
** All other data covers financial year data which includes the 1st of July to the end of June the following year
From financial year 2009/2010 to 2012/13:
Registrations have increased by 9%
The number of declared dangerous dogs have remained the same
Impounds have dropped by 15%
Return to Owners have increased by 26%
Rehoused dogs has improved by 98%
Euthanasia’s have dropped by 119%
Mildura Rural City Council ‐9‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
CATS - JULY 2012 TO JUNE 2013.
CLAIMED
SPECIES REGISTERED IMPOUNDED BY REHOUSED EUTHANASED
OWNERS
Cat 1261 684 28 381 187
Trend Analysis 2009/10 to 2012/13
CATS
2500
18
19
2000
1500
61
12
#
1000
2
79
4
68
5
46
1
38
500
7
18
72
28
19
0
Registered Impounded* Return to Owners Rehoused Euthanased
Year
2009/2010 2012/2013
* Impounded data covers registration years which are from April to the end of March each year.
** All other data covers financial year data which includes the 1st of July to the end of June the following year
From financial year 2009/2010 to 2012/13:
Registrations have decreased by 52%
Impounds have dropped by 16.5%
Return to Owners have increased by 65%
Rehoused cats has improved by 535%
Euthanasia’s have dropped by 142%
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 10 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
2.2 State Government Acts, Council Local Laws, Policies and Procedures
The Domestic Animals Act 1994 is a State Government Act pertaining to the
Domestic Animal Management within the State of Victoria. Part two (2) of the
Domestic Animals Act 1994 contains regulations and identification procedures and
requirements for dogs and cats.
Local Laws are a range of rules that Council enforces to ensure community safety
and public order. All residents/ratepayers and visitors are responsible for complying
with Council Local Laws.
Local Law No 2, Part 2 outlines a range of rules regulating the keeping of animals.
A permit will be required when:
o More than two (2) dogs or cats are kept on one (1) property (Local Law 2.1
keeping of animals)
o A litter of dogs or cats are more than twelve (12) weeks of age (Local Law
2.2 litter of animals)
Council Polices and Procedures, Council uses a range of polices and procedures to
help guide decision making and provide services for the community. Local Laws
Officers are authorised to seize or impound unregistered dogs and cats under the
Domestic Animals Act 1994. Council has policies and procedures; associated with the
seizure and impounding of unregistered and/or unidentified dogs and cats (the
Domestic Animals Act 1994).
2.3 Our Current Education / Promotion Activities
Council’s current education and promotional activities include:-
Advertising prior to registration due dates to remind and inform current and new pet
owners about microchipping and registration requirements. The advertising mediums
used includes:
o Councils Community News publication and website
o the local newspaper
o the local radio stations and
o the local TV stations
Extensive, yearly doorknocking to inform and educate
Extensive patrolling activity to inform and educate pet owners
Sunraysia Animal Rehousing Group (S.A.R.G.) - Paws along the Murray Walk.
Council uses this event to encourage pet owners to bring their dogs down to the river
front to exercise, mix with other dog owners and at the same time provide discounted
microchipping for their pets
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 11 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
2.4 Our current Compliance Activities
Council’s current compliance activities include:-
Implementation of door knock program targeting unregistered animals between May
to July each year
Year round patrols of the municipality
Publicising the requirement to register pets over the age of three months in the local
paper
Requiring impounded animals to be microchipped and registered prior to release
Issuing notices and /or infringements for animals found unregistered
Prosecuting owners of unregistered animals where infringements remain unpaid and
animals remain unregistered
Monitoring advertisements relating to animals for sale to ensure microchip numbers
are provided
Follow up checks regarding microchipping and registration on rehoused animals
2.5 Summary
Due to the mixture of education and enforcement tools used to inform pet owners of their
registration requirements, registrations of dogs within our municipality have been on a steady
increase where as the registrations of cats have decreased.
Over the next three years, Council anticipates having two Local Laws Officers out during May
to July, doing random door knocking and checking for unregistered dogs and cats. Future
targeted areas will include new subdivisions, past untargeted areas and small townships
outside the Mildura urban area but still within the borders of our municipality.
2.6 Our Plans
Objective 1: Improve the accuracy of the Council registration database by cross
referencing with microchip registry database.
Activity When Evaluation
Improve accuracy of Council pet Ongoing Council’s pet registration database
registration database by contacting can be accurately cross referenced
microchip registries to obtain details with microchip registries
of microchipped dogs and cats in the
municipality Demonstrate increase in numbers of
pets registered with Council
Follow up on any anomalies following microchip registry cross
referencing exercise
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 12 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
Objective 2: Increase dog and cat registration numbers each year.
Activity When Evaluation
Ensure all seized and impounded Prior to every Review annual increase in
animals are microchipped and animal registration numbers
registered prior to release released from
the Animal Review number of dogs and cats
Shelter being seized and impounded that
are not registered
Increased promotion of registration Prior to 10th Review local media campaigns to
requirements in the local media April each ensure registration is advertised and
year promoted at least annually
Consistent and constant information
available on Councils website
To encourage the registration of dogs Ongoing Review and report on annual
and cats within the municipality increase in registration numbers of
dogs and cats
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 13 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
3.0 NUISANCE DOGS AND CATS
Domestic Animals Act 1994, Section 68A(2)(c)(vi) outlines programs, services and strategies
to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance. Other applicable sections of
the Act would include Sections 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)
3.1 Current Situation / Our Current Data
Nuisance behaviours include:
Noise (mostly barking dogs)
Complaints to Council regarding noise have been on the increase over the last few years. In
an attempt to assist residents and reduce complaints, the Local Law’s department have
developed information brochures that they supply to residents regarding noise nuisances.
Council suggests that residents speak to the animal owners of barking dogs in the first
instance before reporting the incident to Council. It is Council’s experience that the vast
majority of noise complaints, involve animal owners being unaware of the nuisance/issue that
their pets are causing and are happy to look at ways of reducing the unwanted behaviour. In
most instances, people do not want to confront the owners of nuisance animals and prefer to
remain anonymous. All complainants’ to Council are kept confidential and are only for
Council’s use.
Council has a standard operating procedure for barking dog complaints to ensure that all
complaints received are handled in a consistent manner by authorised officers. The
procedure steps out the required processes involved to investigate the complaint, liaise with
the dog owner and surrounding neighbours and feedback to the complainant.
Noise, such as barking, will only be considered a nuisance if it is persistent enough to disrupt
resident’s peace, comfort, convenience or quality of life. Once Council receives a barking
dog complaint, Council will send out a Local Law’s Officer to visit the owner of the barking
dog to inform them of their legal requirements and offer some suggestions on how to stop
excessive barking.
The process for dealing with nuisance animals (mostly barking dogs) tries to balance the
interests and rights of both the dog owner and the complainant. Some cases may require the
complainant and dog owner to keep a logbook of the noise (barking dates and times) to
assist in the investigation. After a couple of complaints, Council authorised officers door
knock neighbouring property’s to see if it is affecting more than just the complainant before
deciding on further action such as the issuing of a barking dog infringement. In Council’s
experience, the majority of cases are resolved after the first complaint.
Statistics show that the majority of cases that involve dogs being a nuisance is a direct result
of boredom or being visually stimulated by people walking their dogs past the property, cats
on the fence or clouds in the sky. These issues can be addressed through:
training
provision of toys
blocking the visual stimulus (if possible) or
increasing a dogs exercise time.
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 14 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
Wandering at Large (WAL)
Wandering at Large complaints reported to Council have decreased over the last four (4)
years. The major reasons for wandering at large nuisance dogs is due to gates being left
open or inappropriate fencing that makes it easy for dogs to jump over, dig under or push
over or through the existing fencing. In Councils experience most complainants do not want
to confront the owners of nuisance animals and prefer to remain anonymous. All
complainants’ to Council are kept confidential and are only for Council’s use.
It is against the law for:
Dogs to wander the streets because they can cause vehicle accidents,
damage property, intimidate the public and knock down young children or the
elderly. If a dog is found “at large” and seized by Council, it may be taken to
the Council Pound and the owners could receive an infringement (fine) plus
be liable for pound fees
A member of the public to pick up a stray dog and keep it in their custody. The
public have a duty of responsibility to return the stray dog to its owner, contact
Council or take it to the Council Pound. If a member of the public contact
Council to pick up a stray dog, the animal must be kept secured on either a
leash or in an enclosed space or else Council officers will not attend the
request
To walk a pet without being leashed. Council Local Laws Officers may give
out on the spot infringements (fines) if caught.
Aggressive dogs
There have been instances where residents have had issues with pets entering their property
that they were unable to contain due to aggression or inability to catch the pet. Upon request,
Council has dog traps available for hire to the public and there are local pet and recreation
stores that hire out cat traps.
If you see or come across an aggressive dog, do not approach it or put yourself in harms
way. Contact Council so that a trained Local Laws Officer may seize the dog.
The public are welcome to ring the Council after hours on 5018 8100 and select the Animal
Emergency option.
Dog Faeces/Litter
Failure by pet owners to pick up after their dogs is irresponsible and has proven difficult to
enforce. Council is reviewing its approach to dog faeces litter to incorporate strategies to
educate, enforce and ultimately reduce the volume of dog litter found through the
municipality. Dog litter is not just an inconvenience and eyesore, but can be hazardous.
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 15 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
Cruelty to Animals (unnecessary harm)
There are many forms of animal cruelty. Some of the more identifiable forms of animal
cruelty include:
Neglect (lack of food and water)
Failure to seek veterinary care
Dog Fighting
Beating, abusing, terrifying, or tormenting an animal
Confining, tethering or transporting an animal in a way that is inappropriate for
the animal’s welfare
Abandoning or releasing an animal unreasonably
In the circumstances of an animal cruelty complaint, a Local Laws Officer will inspect the
property where the animal is located and make a decision on whether to seize the animal,
seek veterinary assistance (depending on the animals condition or situation) or otherwise.
NUISANCE STATS
FROM JULY 2012 TO JUNE 2013.
BARKING (Wandering at Large) Cruelty to Dog Poo (Faeces)
COMPLAINTS WAL Animals Complaints
241 130 57 12
NUSIANCE STAT TRENDS 2009/10 to 2012/13
300
9
27
1
24
250
2
21
200
150
0
#
13
100
57
38
50
12
5
0
Barking Com plaints Wandering at Cruelty to Anim als Dog Poo Com plaints
Large(WAL)
Year
2009/2010 2012/2013
** All data covers financial year data which includes the 1st of July to the end of June the following year
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 16 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
Reasons why dogs bark can include:
Territorial
Playfulness
Provoked intentionally or unintentionally by humans, wildlife or other
domesticated pets
Hunger or thirst
Boredom
Neglect
Sickness or poor diet
Attention seeking or communication
Lack of space or exercise
Separation anxiety
The preferable approach to the problem of barking dogs is prevention. There are several
ways prevention can be assisted, including:
Dogs should be engaged in training or puppy school at a young age to
prevent them from learning the nuisance barking habit
Exercise and attention
Avoiding spoiling
Provision of a kennel to provide shelter and warmth for a pet
Provision of a large, raw bone to draw their attention for long period of time
Moving the pet to the backyard or away from the direct line of vision from
people walking past
Mental stimulation
Making a complaint to Council
When making any legitimate complaint to Council you will be required to:
• give your contact details (Name, Address & Phone number)
• keep a record of all incidents, such as how often a dog barks and for how long (e.g.
time, how long).
3.2. Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures
Community Local Law, local Law #2 regarding Nuisances
o 2.3 Nuisances
For the purposes of this clause, “owner”, in relation to an animal, shall have the same
meaning as “owner” under the provisions of the Domestic Animals Act 1994. Each owner and
each occupier of any land where any animal or bird is kept must ensure that the keeping of
the animal or bird does not create a nuisance.
Penalty: 2 penalty units
Each owner or occupier of land where an animal or bird is kept must ensure all litter, refuse
and rubbish associated with the keeping of the animal or bird is disposed of in a way that
does not create any nuisance.
Penalty: 2 penalty units
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 17 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
The owner of a dog that defecates:
o The owner of a dog that defecates in a Park, in or on a Road that contains a
constructed Footpath or maintained nature-strip, or any walking path or
shared Footpath or any other Public Place that has constructed surfaces or
equipment or fixtures provided for the enjoyment of the public must remove
the faeces and deposit it as litter in a lawful manner.
Penalty: 2 penalty units4
Process to ensure a consistency for capturing and securing dogs and cats minimising
risk to animal’s property and staff.5
Process to ensure residents receive accurate legal advice and response to barking
dog problems.6
3.3 Our current Education/Promotion Activities
Council provides information and education to residents regarding nuisance dogs. In the
instances of barking dogs, Council uses a combination of proactive and reactive strategies to
assist residents with this issue.
One of the reactive strategies is to provide suggestions and information to owners of
nuisance barking dogs regarding barking hindrance devices such as:
Barking dog collars (citronella/electronic)
Pet safe Outdoor Ultrasonic Bark Control Devices
Introduction of lifetime registration tags
One of the Councils proactive strategies regarding nuisance barking dogs is for Local Law
Officers to hold education sessions at schools within our municipality regarding the different
types of techniques that can be used to reduce this type of nuisance behaviour.
Another proactive strategy of Council is to provide information kits to the public.
4
Mildura Rural City Council, Community Local Law, Local Law No. 2
5
Mildura Rural City Council, Procedural Guidelines (Capture and Securing Dog and Cat Procedure).
6
Mildura Rural City Council, Procedural Guidelines (Barking Dog Procedure).
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 18 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
3.4 Our current Compliance Activities
Councils current compliance activities include:-
Patrols throughout the year
Doorknocking program to identify unregistered animals
Annual issue of registration notices
Cat traps are used throughout our Council to reduce the numbers of feral cats and
domestic cats wandering at Large
Registration of animals released from the Pound
3.5 Summary
Council has experienced a steady increase in barking dog complaints over the last couple of
years. As the township is expanding with new and often smaller subdivisions there has been
a steady increase in the density of living (residents living closer to one another). Coupled
with an increase in pet ownerships, Council is expecting the noise complaints to continue to
rise in the future.
As an approach to deal with increased barking dog complaints, Council is planning on
delivering dog barking brochures to high problem/complaint areas, provides information via
Councils website and encourages pet owners to attend information sessions conducted by
Council and rehousing groups e.g.: Sunraysia Animal Rehousing Group.
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 19 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
3.6 Our Plans
Objective 1: Improve information to the public via mail outs and on Councils website
regarding nuisance issues.
Activity When Evaluation
Provide education material about Material Compare the number of nuisance
nuisance issues on the Council updated every complainants to the previous year
website e.g. Barking dogs, dogs and 12 months,
cats wandering at large, dogs starting July Material reviewed & updated
rushing, etc 2014
Media releases completed
Objective 2: Reduce dog litter (faeces) by up to 50% by 2017.
Activity When Evaluation
Distribution of extra bins with free Annual review Compare the number of complaints
dog poo bag dispensers within the each year at the end of each financial year and
municipality each year Ongoing evaluate feedback from the public
New bin locations recorded
Make available portable dog litter Ongoing Compare the number of complaints
bags to attach to dog leashes to at the end of each financial year
clean up after their animal/s
Evaluate feedback from the public
Annually Evaluate the number of bags that
have been distributed
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 20 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
4.0 DOG ATTACKS
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)
4.1 Current Situation / Our Current Data
Authorised Council Local Law Officers institute a thorough investigation for dog attacks which
includes:
Taking statements from all parties involved
Obtaining vet reports, medical reports and photographs and
Providing a report based on the investigation together with recommendations
Possible courses of action Council can choose include:
Infringements (where non-serious injuries sustained - minor attack)
Menacing/Dangerous Dog Declaration
Prosecution in Magistrates‘ Court
Seek destruction/compensation orders by a Magistrate
Seek mediation between parties
Written warning
No action
Where serious injuries have occurred to a person or another animal and there is enough
evidence to form a prosecution (as defined by the Domestic Animals Act 1994), Council may
decide to have the matter heard in the Magistrate‘s Court.
A Minor Attack is where there is no evidence of broken skin.
A Major Attack is where the skin has been broken.
It is important to ring Council immediately after an attack so that a Local Laws Officer can
attend and assist to the situation in a timely manner.
Statistics regarding dog attacks over the last four years.
COMPLAINT Aug 2009 - 2010 Aug 2010 - 2011 Aug 2011 - 2012 Aug 2012 - 2013
Dog Attacks 82 66 53 63
(Total)
Minor 31 11 11 19
Major 51 55 42 44
In the last couple of years dog attacks have reduced by 23%. The reduction may be
attributed to the introduction of the Local Law requiring all dogs in the CBD, Council
Parks/Reserves and Residential Areas to be on a leash at all times.
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 21 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
4.2 Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures
Community Local Law, local Law #2 regarding Nuisances
2.3 Nuisances
Community Local Law #2 - regarding the keeping of Animals
Part 2, 2.1 keeping of Animals
A person must not, without a permit:-
a) Keep or allow to be kept more than four different types of animals on
any one property at any time; or
b) Keep or allow to be kept any more animals or types of animals than set
out in the following table:-
MAXIMUM NUMBERS
TYPE OF ANIMAL PROPERTY AREA NOT PROPERTY AREA
EXCEEDING 0.5 EXCEEDING 0.5 HECTARE
HECTARE
Dogs 2 2
In determining whether to grant a permit for the keeping of animals where the number
exceeds that set out in the Table, the Council must take into account:
the zoning of the property
the proximity to adjoining properties
the amenity of the area
the type and additional numbers of animals to be kept
the likely effects on the owners or occupiers of adjoining properties
the adequacy of animal shelters
the effect on the property's drainage
any other matter relevant to the circumstances associated with the
application.
Clause 2.1 does not apply where a planning permit has been obtained for a property used for
the purposes of animal boarding or breeding or where the occupier is licensed in accordance
with the Wildlife Act 1975, or where the occupier is a member of a breeding or racing
organisation which is approved by the Council. Dogs kept for working stock on land
exceeding twenty (20) hectares are not covered by clause 2.1.
Penalty: 5 penalty units for any breach of the Local Law.
Any person may apply for a permit to house more than two dogs per property. An application
form is available from Councils Local Laws department which contains information regarding
the:
name of applicant
address where animals are to be kept
how many animals to be housed on the property
the names and descriptions of each animal
signed and dated by applicant, date
contact phone numbers
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 22 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
The owner applying for the permit pays a Fee to Council and then a Local Laws Officer will
door knock the neighbouring property’s to see if anyone objects to them having more than
the legal limit. Council also takes into account the number and frequency of previous animal
complaints regarding the applicant.
If there are no objections and there have been no complaints regarding the animals, the
permit can be determined. If an applicant breaks the conditions of the permit or Council starts
to get complaints regarding the animals, Council holds the right to cancel the permit at any
time and the animal owner has to reduce the animals back to the maximum number of two
dogs per property.
4.3 Our current Education/Promotion Activities
Council currently undertakes the following education and promotional activities in support of
dog attack issues:
Information regarding dog attacks is available at Council offices and on the Council
website
Educational talks at Schools, T.A.F.E. and Local Service groups (Lions, Rotary,
APEX etc) regarding responsible pet ownership/what to do if a dog attack occurs
Animal rehousing group; Sunraysia Animal Rehousing Group (S.A.R.G.) conducts
educational talks to community groups e.g. (Scout groups and local schools)
4.4 Our current Compliance Activities
Council is responsible for a number of compliance activities, which include:
Council responds to reports of aggressive dogs and dog attacks immediately. This
service includes a 24 hour emergency call out service
Seizing and holding dogs pending investigation/prosecution into a dog attack
Increased patrols
Proactive patrols of parks and streets in an attempt to reduced wandering dogs
Issuing infringements for minor attacks
Issuing infringements for wandering dogs
All reported dog attacks within Council are recorded
Seizing impounded dogs in circumstances where the owner’s property is believed to
be unsecured
Follow up of seized animals due to being unsecured to ensure that the dog has been
secured and applying infringements if applicable.
4.5 Summary
Serious dog attacks remain a major risk for Council despite the fact that they do not occur
regularly. Statistically, dog attacks occur predominately in and around the family home
including the footpath at the front of dog owner’s properties.
Council’s procedure for dealing with dog attacks is regarded as high priority. Local Law
Officers respond immediately to ensure minimal risk to the community.
Residents should be aware that every dog has the capacity to attack or bite and that children
should be supervised around dogs at all times. Dog owners should be made aware of the
potential implications if their dog is involved in an attack. Implications could include:
On the spot Infringements
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 23 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
Destruction of the dog/s
Declaring the dog ‘Dangerous’ (Animal to be housed in a caged area on property,
muzzled when walking in public, etc)
Prosecution for a major dog attack
4.6 Our Plans
Objective 1: Improve resident awareness of safety around dogs.
Activity When Evaluation
Publicise key dog attack prevention Annually Number of reported dog attacks -
messages (e.g. confinement of dogs Minor/major
to property, on leash laws etc)
through media articles, mail outs and
website information
Establish at the pound a facility that September Facility funded and established
can facilitate education and 2014 MOU completed by facility users
awareness programs Education and training programs
established
Objective 2: Minimise the incidence of dog attacks in the community.
Activity When Evaluation
Education of key dog attack Ongoing Consider a community survey pre
prevention measures through media and post campaign, to measure any
articles, mail outs and website changes in knowledge about dog
information attack prevention
Actively patrol areas to identify and Ongoing Media and information published
reduce roaming, unsecure and/or
unregistered dogs
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 24 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
5.0 DANGEROUS, MENACING AND RESTRICTED BREED DOGS
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)
5.1 Current Situation / Our Current Data
The Domestic Animals Act 1994 defines restricted breed dogs as any one of the following
breeds:
Japanese Tosa
Fila Brasiliero
Dogo Argentino
Perro de Prasa Canario (or Presa Canario)
American Pit Bull Terrier (or Pit Bull Terrier).
Declared dogs in Mildura Rural City Council as at July 2013
Classification July 2013
Restricted dog breeds 2
Menacing dogs 0
Declared dangerous dogs 7
5.2 Our current Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures
Council has developed policies and procedures to identify restricted breeds and to direct
action regarding dangerous and menacing and dogs by:
Having a process associated with when:
o dogs that are declared dangerous
o a dog is declared menacing
o a dog is declared to be of a restricted breed
Having a policy associated with the issuing of permits to keep more than two
restricted breeds on one premises
Having a procedure to provide details of dangerous dogs on the (VDDR) Victorian
Declared Dog Registry
Ensuring that all dangerous dogs are registered in Councils Dangerous Dogs
Register.
Having a policy and procedure associated with the seizure and impounding of
dangerous and restricted breed dogs
Enforcement protocol associated with dangerous, menacing and restricted breed
dogs (notices to comply, infringement notices, filing charges for prosecution)
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 25 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
Declared dangerous dogs
A dangerous dog declaration has effect throughout Victoria, and it cannot be revoked,
amended or otherwise altered.
The definition of a dangerous dog under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 includes:
A dog that is kept for the purpose of guarding non-residential premises
A dog that has been trained to attack or bite a person
A dog that has been trained to attack something when attached to or worn by a
person
Dogs kept as guard dogs on non residential premises are defined as dangerous dogs under
the Domestic Animals Act 1994. For specific information on these dogs refer to the brochure
called ‘Things you should know about guard dogs on non-residential premises’.
The requirements for keeping declared dangerous dogs include:
1. Obligations on the owner to ensure members of the public are aware of the fact that their
dog has been declared a dangerous dog
2. Taking measures to reduce the likelihood of anyone being attacked by their dog
3. Microchip identification
4. Desexing
As of 10 April 2006, it is a requirement to desex all dangerous dogs, declared
dangerous due to an attack
If an owner of a recently declared dangerous dog due to an attack obtains a
certificate from a veterinarian stating that the dog cannot be desexed for health
reasons the dog will not be required to be desexed
5. Declared dangerous dogs must wear a prescribed collar at all times
Whilst a microchip is a permanent form of
identification it is not visible to the general
public and thus dangerous dogs are required
to wear a prescribed collar at all times.
The collar is specially designed to be visible
from a distance and reflective at night. This Example of dangerous dog collars
means at all times, whether on the owners
property or not, a dangerous dog can be
recognised from a distance, warning a person
of the potential danger of the dog.
Collars for dangerous dogs must:
Consist of red stripes alternating with yellow stripes (25 mm in width and set
diagonally to the rim of the collar at an angle of 45 degrees).
be reflective in the dark
be made of durable materials
be securely fastened
have a minimum width of:
o 25 mm for a dog weighing less than 20 kgs
o 40 mm for a dog weighing between 20 kgs and 40 kgs
o 50 mm for a dog weighing more than 40 kg
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 26 ‐Domestic Animal Management Plan 2014-17
6. Houses that have dangerous dogs must be clearly signed.
A person with a valid reason to enter someone’s premises (e.g.
emergency services personnel) needs to know if there is a
dangerous dog present. The owner of a dangerous dog must
display prescribed warning signs at all entrances to the premises
where a dangerous dog is kept.
This warning sign must:
be square and at least 40 cm in height and width
be made of durable metal
have at least one colour that is reflective
comply with the Domestic Animals regulations 2005
For details of suppliers of dangerous dog warning signs, contact Council on (03) 5018
8100, or phone the Department of Environment and Primary Industries Customer Service
Centre on (03) 136 186.
7. Housing of dangerous dogs
Dogs must be housed in a manner that they cannot escape (whether indoors or outdoors)
and prevents them from injuring visitors. The dwelling and enclosure must be constructed
in such a manner that a person cannot have access to them without the assistance by
the occupier of the premises. The occupier of the premises of a dangerous dog must be
18 years of age or over. The owner must also ensure there is an outdoor enclosure that
must:
be fully enclosed
have a weatherproof sleeping area
have a minimum floor area of ten square maters per dangerous dog
have a minimum height of 1.8 meters
have a minimum width of 1.8 meters
contain walls, a floor, a drain, a roof and a gate which comply with the details
below
The walls of the enclosure must be fixed to the floor or constructed to be no more than 50
mm from the floor. The walls, roof and gate of the enclosure must be constructed of:
brick, timber, iron or similar materials
chain mesh manufactured from 3.15mm wire to form a uniform 50mm mesh or
weldmesh manufactured from 4mm wire with a maximum mesh spacing of 50 mm
A combination of the above may be acceptable. The mesh size and construction detail is
specified so that the enclosure will be escape proof and so that people, particularly small
children, cannot fit body parts such as hands into the enclosures with the dog.
The floor of the enclosure must be constructed of sealed concrete and be graded to a
drain for the removal of effluent.
The gate on the enclosure must contain a lock and it is a requirement that the enclosure
is kept securely locked when the dog is in the pen.
Mildura Rural City Council ‐ 27 ‐You can also read
