Domestic animal management plan 2013–2016 Domestic Animal Management Plan 2013–2016 Page 163 of 266 1 Contents Domestic Animal Management Plan ...................................................................................3 1. Introduction..............................................................................................................................4 2. Training of authorised officers .........................................................................................7 3. Registration and identification of domestic animals .............................................9 4. Nuisance ...................................................................................................................................13 5. Dog attacks .............................................................................................................................17 6. Dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs .....................................................19 7. Overpopulation and high euthanasia rates .................................................................20 8. Domestic animal business ..................................................................................................23 9. Other matters ..........................................................................................................................25 10. Annual review of the plan and annual reporting .....................................................27 Page 164 of 266 Domestic Animal Management Plan 2013–2016 2 Domestic Animal Management Plan Under Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act 3) Every council must: 1994, every council must prepare a Domestic Animal (a) Review its domestic animal management plan Management Plan as follows: annually and, if appropriate, amend the plan; (b) Provide the secretary with a copy of the plan 1. Every council must, in consultation with the and any amendments to the plan; and secretary, prepare at four- year intervals a (c) Publish an evaluation of its implementation of Domestic Animal Management Plan. the plan in its annual report. 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; (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; (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; (ii) To ensure that people comply with this Act, the regulations and any related legislation; (iii) To minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals; (iv) To address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and cats; (v) To encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats; (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. (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; (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. Page 165 of 266 3 1. Introduction The aim of this Domestic Animal Management About the city of Wodonga Plan (the plan) is to support the council’s mission Spanning 433 square kilometres, the city is through effective management of domestic animals located in Victoria’s north east, about 300km from (dogs and cats) within the city of Wodonga. Melbourne. The city, along with its near neighbour, Albury in NSW, is located in a strategic location on The civic services team in delivering the plan aims to the main Melbourne-Sydney freeway and railway. provide a community-focused service which strikes There are more than 80km of bike and walking a balance between community expectations and paths with picturesque parks and gardens dotted compliance obligations under the Domestic Animals throughout the community providing the perfect Act 1994 (the Act). The approach will use a mix of opportunity for pet activities. educational and regulatory processes to promote the notion of responsible pet ownership to gain The city includes the suburbs and rural localities of compliance under the Act. Bandiana, Baranduda, Barnawartha North, Bonegilla, Castle Creek, Ebden, Gateway Island, Huon Creek, Development of the plan Killara, Leneva, Staghorn Flat (part), West Wodonga This plan has been developed by the civic services and Wodonga. team based on the outcomes and learnings from the previous plan, and a review of the existing data in Population and demographics areas such as complaints, dog attacks, registrations A snapshot of Wodonga: and impoundments. Initial community feedback • The estimated residential population at June, 2013 and consultations with key stakeholders including was 37,804 people; veterinarians, animal businesses, volunteer groups, • Wodonga is the largest and fastest growing centre dog trainers and other service providers have also in North East Victoria and one of the fastest informed the plan. Issues identified by these initial growing regional Victorian cities; consultations include: • The average change of population between 2013 • Adherence to legislation (the Act); and 2031 will be 16,924, representing an annual • Increased compliance to the Act; percentage change of 2.08 per cent per annum • Identification of potential off-leash areas; (total 44.77 per cent); • Reduction of the number of stray and wandering • The average household size in 2012 was 2.52; animals; • The average household size in 2031 will be 2.54; • Introduction of ‘on-leash’ and other local laws and relating to dogs and cats towards responsible pet • In 2031, people aged zero to four, 15 to 19 and ownership; 20 to 24 will be the most populous forecast age • Increased resourcing to help drive the council’s groups (Av. 4057). animal management and education programs; and • Increased community and domestic animal It is expected that the number of pets in the city will business awareness of animal welfare matters. grow in proportion to the population growth. By 2031 it is estimated there will be at least 8903 registered dogs in the city. The council’s mission states: “We will strengthen our community in all that we do.” The council’s vision for domestic animal management is: “A community where pets are embraced as an integral part of a family, and where the safety of humans and the welfare of all animals underpins the delivery of council’s animal management programs.” Page 166 of 266 Domestic Animal Management Plan 2013–2016 4 Domestic animal statistics and data The following information is based on the 2012-2013 data. Number of registered dogs 6478 Number of dangerous dogs (guard dogs) 2 Number of restricted breed dogs 2 Number of menacing dogs 4 Average number of dogs impounded annually 414 Average number of dogs reunited with owners 202 The number of dogs entering the pound over the last four years has decreased but complaints have risen. Dog attacks have remained low and stable over the same period. Page 167 of 266 5 Number of registered cats 1750 Average number of cats impounded annually 158 Average number of cats reunited with owners 22 Number of traps issued 160 Choosing the right pet for your lifestyle can be difficult so it is important that you take into account a variety of factors. To help you make a responsible decision on the best pet for you, talk to your local veterinary or animal business proprietor. For further information visit petnet.com.au/selectapet/choose-a-pet Number of authorised officers Animal management team 3 Pound attendants/assistants 1 Additional available legislative officers fully trained 2 in animal management Domestic animal businesses Registered domestic animal businesses 3 Number of boarding establishments 1 Number of pet shops 3 Number of pounds/shelters 1 Page 168 of 266 Domestic Animal Management Plan 2013–2016 6 2. Training of authorised officers 68(A)(2)(b) Outline programs for the training of Current civic services officers involved in animal authorised officers to ensure that they can properly control are trained to the required standards to administer and enforce the requirements of this Act be able to perform all requirements under the in the council’s municipal district. legislation. Officer competency is developed through a mix of practical training and through structured Context courses and industry training. Furthermore, all civic services officers are ‘authorised officers’ to enable The civic services team Wodonga Council is them to carry out the functions required of the responsible for animal management operations relevant legislation or local laws. under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, other applicable state laws and the council’s local laws. An annual skills audit will be undertaken to identify any gaps in the skills available within the civic services team. This skills audit will also drive the development of performance evaluation system for each team member. Future plans Objective 2.1: Develop and maintain competency of animal management officers. Activity When Evaluation Continually identify relevant Current and ongoing Training needs identified and training needs through included in the training plan. All consultation with management planned training undertaken and and the team. officer competency increased. Include in the annual training plan. Officer competency is developed through a mix of practical training and through structured courses and industry training. Objective 2.2: Annual review of internal processes with civic services animal management team, to ensure governance across investigation, compliance and enforcement processes. Activity When Evaluation Review all investigation, By July annually Annually – processes reviewed compliance and enforcement and officer guidelines developed, processes to ensure that the approved training undertaken and processes are consistent with officers deemed competent. current practices, legislation and Officers using a range of community expectations. enforcement techniques including Undertake training relevant to any compliance and education changes across the sector. dependant on council and community expectations. Page 169 of 266 7 Current and planned training Authorised officer training – Current Planned basic Microchip implantation training: Officer one Proposed Officer two Proposed Officer three Proposed Industry training: Animal handling Completed x 2 staff Consider Certificate IV in Local Breed identification Government (Regulatory Services) Animal assessment Statement taking and brief preparation Evidence presentation and prosecution skills Computer skills Loading and unloading animals Refresher courses as required Emergency first aid for domestic animals Court etiquette training Court warrants, issue and filing Conflict resolution Aggressive dog handling Occupational Health and Safety (OH and S) training Animal control equipment use and Completed x 2 staff Refresher courses as required care Animal handling induction Animal handling practical skills and practice Manual handling Emergency evacuation procedures Dealing with aggressive customers Conflict resolution Client interaction Council policies and procedures under OH and S legislation Bureau of Animal Welfare – training and information seminars, for example dangerous, restricted breed, and menacing dogs All officers: Officers to attend on a rotational As offered basis Induction program for new staff All officers: As required As required Municipal Association of Victoria and local government professionals – training and information days All officers: Officers to attend on a rotational As offered basis Page 170 of 266 Domestic Animal Management Plan 2013–2016 8 3. Registration and identification Current situation: • Random door knocking audit for unregistered The most effective way to improve animal animals; management is to maximise the number of animals • Mars Petcare Paws in the Park event which also that are registered and identifiable. incorporates registration and renewals, discounted The council’s current identification and registration microchipping, responsible pet ownership activities include: information sessions and competitions; • Annual registration renewal follow up including: • Maintain and update the animal registration • Reminder notices sent after May 10; database; • Phone audit; and • Offering reduced fee for registration of puppies • Door knock. (between three and six months). Reverts to full • All animals released from the pound must be micro fee if evidence of desexing not provided at next chipped and registered; registration cycle. • The council’s website provides photographs of impounded wandering pets to help owners locate lost animals quicker; 68(A)(c)(v) Outline programs, services and strategies • Encouraging pet identification at every to encourage the registration and identification of opportunity; dogs and cats – also addresses 68A(2)(a), (c)(i), (c)(ii), (d), (f) Current data: The animal registration numbers in the city of Wodonga have varied in proportion to population growth over the last 10 years. Cat registration is currently trending down while dog registrations are stable. Page 171 of 266 9 Current education/promotion ensure data is current and correct (for example notification of deceased animal, change of activities address, change of owner); • Information on the council’s website relating to • Ensure all seized and impounded animals are registration and identification of pets; identified, registered and microchipped prior to • Registration and identification brochures supplied release to their owner; and to all local vets, community centres, libraries and • Visiting premises with puppies and kittens for sale dog training facilities; to ensure they are microchipped as required under • Supporting Department of Environment and the Act. Primary Industries’ “Who’s For Cats” campaign; • Use media releases, paid advertising and the council’s newsletter (Citylife) to advise residents Summary of registration and responsible pet ownership requirements; A key focus during the cycle of this plan is to increase • Registration and animal-related information in all the number of cats and dogs that are registered, new resident packs; microchipped and desexed. • Promote and provide registration and information at annual Paws in the Park event; and • Officers available to present to school and Future plans community groups on responsible pet ownership. Choosing the right pet for your lifestyle can be difficult so it is important that you take into account Current compliance activities a variety of factors. To help you make a responsible • Investigation of unregistered animals; decision on the best pet for you, talk to your local • Patrols of municipality; veterinary or animal business proprietor. For further • Issue registration renewal notice annually; information visit petnet.com.au/selectapet/choose- • Follow up on non-renewal of registration: a-pet • Phone call; or • Visit to property. • Random unregistered animal audits; • Follow up on registration for animals notified as sold by domestic animal businesses; • Regularly update/audit registration database to Objective 3.1: Improve the ongoing accuracy of the council’s registration database by cross referencing with microchip registry data. Activity When Evaluation Undertake a sample review of Annually Demonstrate the council’s pet newly microchipped dogs and registration database can be cats in the municipality by accurately cross-referenced with contacting registration microchip microchip registries. registries. Check all animals listed Demonstrate increase in numbers on the council’s pet registration of pets registered with the council database, and follow up those that following microchip registry cross are not. referencing exercise. Page 172 of 266 Domestic Animal Management Plan 2013–2016 10