Wyndham Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 2021€¦ · Domestic Animals Act 1994, other...

Wyndham Domestic Animal Management Plan

2017—2021

Under the provisions of The Domestic Animals Act 1994 (the Act) Council is required to develop a Domestic Animal Management (DAM) Plan renewed every 4 years. This Plan outlines the services, programs and policies to address the administration of the Act and the management of dogs and cats in the community.

3 October 2017

Domestic Animal Management Plan

1 Introduction

2 Training of authorised Officers

3 Registration and Identification

4 Nuisance

5 Dog Attacks

6 Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breed Dogs

7 Overpopulation and High Euthanasia Rates

8 Domestic Animal Business

9 Other Matters

10 Annual Review of the Plan and Annual Reporting

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-2021

Under Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (DAA), every Council must prepare a domestic animal management plan, as follows:

1. Every Council must, in consultation with the Secretary (of the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources), prepare at 4 year intervals a domestic animal management plan.

2. A domestic animal management plan prepared by a Council must:

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;

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

outline programs, services and strategies which the Council intends to pursue in its municipal district:

a. to promote and encourage the

responsible ownership of dogs and cats;

b. to ensure that people comply with this Act, the regulations and any related legislation;

c. to minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals;

d. to address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and cats;

e. to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats;

f. to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance; and

g. 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.

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

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

provide for the periodic evaluation of any program, service, strategy or review outlined under the plan.

3. Every Council must:

review its domestic animal management plan annually and, if appropriate, amend the plan;

provide the Secretary with a copy of the plan and any amendments to the plan; and

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

“...Our vision for a healthy, liveable city is a place that: Is future focused and plans for sustainable

development; Embraces diversity, and is welcoming and

inclusive;

Consists of connected, vibrant neighbourhoods that provide for the cultural, social, economic and recreational needs of the community;

Encourages a healthy and active lifestyle; Supports the diverse educational needs of

the community; Empowers the community to lead….”

Kelly Grigsby, Chief Executive Officer Wyndham City Plan 2017-2021

The City of Wyndham is located on the western edge of

Melbourne, between the metropolitan area and

Geelong. Wyndham covers an area of 542km and

features 27.4 km of coastline bordering Port Phillip to the

east. As a meeting place for people of the Kulin nations,

Wyndham City has a rich and diverse Aboriginal cultural

heritage.

The City of Wyndham has an estimated population of

222,656 for 2016. As the largest growing municipality

Victoria wide (5.7% and 12,106 persons)1, Wyndham is

characterised by its strategically placed location with

excellent logistic connections to air and sea ports. The

City also offers intensive agriculture at Werribee South,

major retail precincts and the Werribee Park tourism

precinct - one of the largest and most frequently visited

Aim of the Domestic Animal Management Plan

The aim of this Plan is to support Council’s mission through the effective management of domestic animals within the City.

Council provides resources through its annual business planning and budget processes to implement this Plan.

Wyndham’s Animal Management Unit delivers the Plan by providing a customer-focused service that strikes a balance between community expectations and compliance obligations, through guidance, advice and responsible enforcement.

Process applied in developing this Plan

The Domestic Animal Management Plan has been developed on the outcomes and learnings from the previous Plan. This has included a review of existing data in areas such as complaints, dog attacks, registrations and impoundments. Community feedback and consultation with key stakeholders including veterinarians, dog trainers and other service providers has also guided its development.

tourism destinations in metropolitan Melbourne.

Sustained population growth places significant pressure

on Wyndham’s liveability. Important elements of

liveability include strong communities, good planning

and urban design, community infrastructure, accessible

and efficient transport and a healthy environment.

Council is vigilant in striving to match its actions to meet

the changing needs of the community and to maintain

that liveability.

Wyndham is experiencing growth across all age groups.

Children and young people form the largest population

group in Wyndham with 50,638 people under the age of

15 years2 . In 2016, 4,518 babies3 were born to

Wyndham parents, which is around 86 babies born every

week. Although residents over 65 years of age currently

form a relatively modest part of the Wyndham

population, they are forecast to be the fastest growing

age group in Wyndham between 2016 and 20364.

————————— 1

Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016, Estimated Resident Population.

2 Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016, Population by Age and Sex of Australia

2015, Cat.3235.0 3

Maternal and Child Health Service Wyndham City Council 2016, Birth

Notifications Received 4

ID Consulting 2016, Wyndham Population and Household Forecasts 2016

CATS

Number of Registered Cats 6,050

Average percentage of Registered Cats Desexed

95%

Number of Cats Impounded annually 1585

Percentage of Impounded Cats identified by tag/chip

10%

Average number of cats reunited with owners

8%

The following information is based on 2015/2016 data

DOGS

Number of Registered Dogs 19,366

Number of Dangerous Dogs 16

Number of Restricted Breed Dogs 11

Number of Menacing Dogs 26

Average number of Dogs Impounded annually 978

Average percentage of Impounded Dogs identified by tag/chip

82%

Average number of dogs reunited with owners

85%

Registered Domestic Animal Businesses 14

Average number of cat trap cages hired per annum 262

Average yearly Animal control complaints received/attended to 3,566

Number of Authorised Officers:

Animal Management Team—Officers 6

Pound Attendants / Assistant 2

Animal Management and Pound Services Annual Budget 2015/2016

Revenue (registration, permits, fines and charges etc) $1,340,294

Expenses (staffing, state levy and pound services etc) $1,600,098

Net Position (+ve = fav, -ve = unfav) -$259,804

Section 68(A)(2)(b) of the DAA: 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.

The City Amenity and Safety Department is responsible for animal management operations under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, other applicable State Laws and Council’s Local Laws.

All Animal Management officers are competent and trained perform the required duties under the Legislation. This includes a mix of practical “hands on” in-house training, through to structured courses and industry applicable workshops. The training also includes changes in community needs and legislation.

An annual training program is developed (see next page) for each officer. Officers are identified individually within the matrix with training needs assessed/developed and implemented as required.

Summary

The training and skills matrix is reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis to ensure that Council meets its legislative responsibility and effectively meets community expectations.

Our Plans

Objective 2.1: Ensure all officers are adequately trained

Activity When Evaluation

To identify any mandatory, role specific and Current and Items identified and individual officer training needs to be included in Ongoing placed in the matrix. Animal Management Training Matrix.

All actions completed for

relevant competency

Objective 2.2: Annual review of internal processes with staff, to ensure consistent application of investigation, compliance and enforcement processes.


Review investigation, compliance and enforcement processes to accommodate legal and other changes to ensure operational and service consistency.

By July annually

Annually—updated procedures, and officer guidelines finalised and approved training undertaken and officers competent.

Officers using appropriate enforcement in circumstances where acceptable outcomes and compliance are not being achieved through an educative approach.

Authorised Officer Training - Basic Current 2017 Planned

Microchip implantation training : Completed Officer 1

Officer 2

Industry training: All officers Completed Refresher courses as required

Animal handling

Animal assessment

Aggressive dog handling

Animal handling in a Pound environment

Emergency First Aid for domestic animals

Statement Taking / Brief preparation

Evidence presentation / prosecution skills

Computer skills

Loading / unloading animals domestic/livestock

Court etiquette training

Court warrants, issue and filing

Conflict resolution

OH&S training: All officers Completed Refresher courses as required

Animal control equipment use and care

Animal handling induction

Animal handling practical skills/practice

Manual handling

Emergency evacuation procedures

Dealing with aggressive customers

Conflict resolution

Client interaction

Council policies and procedures under OH&S Legislation

DEDJTR ‘s (Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources) Bureau of Animal Welfare – training and information seminars e.g. Dangerous / restricted / menacing dogs updating of changes in Legislation: All officers

All officers to attend on a rotational basis

As offered

Council 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

Annually as offered by MAV and LGPro

As offered by MAV and LGPro

Departmental training/skills and assessment matrix for all activities undertaken: All officers

Completed Annual Review

Family Violence Awareness Training: All officers Training to be completed by June 2018

Section 68A(2)(c)(v) of the DAA: Outline programs, services and strategies to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats [also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)]

The most effective way to improve animal management and compliance with the DAA is to maximise the number of domestic animals that are registered and identifiable.

Council’s current identification and registration activities include:

Follow up annual registration renewals by:

Sending reminder notices after 10 April;

Conducting a telephone audit; and

Conducting Door knock activities.

All animals released from the Pound must be

chipped and registered.

Reward system for responsible pet ownership

entitles an owner to additional reduced fees for

registration and impound release fees.

Animals currently registered and with no

compliance issues will be returned from the field

to their registered owners. These pets will not

be impounded.

Council’s website and social media is utilized to

reunite pets with their owners.

Encouraging pet identification

Random door knocking audit for unregistered

animals.

Major pet expo promoting discounted micro-

chipping of animals.

Issue pet owners with a lifetime registration

number and tag.

Maintain and update the animals’

registration database.

Free registration for the first period for all new

pets.

84Y agreements with Vets to reunite animals

with their owners.

Council will continue to encourage people within the community to microchip and register their pets.

Our current data 2012-2016

Dogs Impounded and Identified 2012 - 2016

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

1,311 1,256

918

879

1,232

1,010

978

802

2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

Dogs Impounded Dogs Identified

Cats Impounded and Identified 2012 - 2016

1,600

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

1,378 1,412

1,496

1,585

400

200

0

110 127 165 159

2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

Cats Impounded Cats Identified

The comparison in the number of dogs entering the pound over the past five years has steadily reduced with the number of identifiable animals increasing by percentage each year. This indicates that the work being done to educate the community on responsible pet ownership has been effective. Continued efforts will be made to increase the number of cat registrations over the next period.

From August 2016, Council introduced an incentive scheme to encourage and increase voluntary animal registration compliance. The scheme allows owners of animals that have not previously been registered with Wyndham Council to register for free until the next renewal period. Since the introduction of this scheme community initiated registrations has seen an increase on average of 30 animals per week without Council contact.

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

Information on website, media articles and social media relating to the benefits of registration and identification of pets for quicker reunification with their owners.

Registration and identification information brochures supplied to all local vets, community centres, libraries and dog training facilities.

Supporting DEDJTR’s “Who’s for Cat’s campaign”.

Vet incentives;

Free registration for new/unregistered pets.

Participation in the desexing program with discounted vouchers subsidised by Council for cats and dogs.

84Y agreements with vets to allow for the reunification of pets with their owners.

Use media releases, paid advertising and Council newsletter (Wyndham News) to advise residents of registration requirements.

Distribution of information packs and animal

related information to all new animal owners.

Promote and register pets at Pet Expo events.

Attendance and involvement at the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria’s “Neighbours rights responsibilities and resolutions forums.

Information seminars on responsible pet ownership.

Patrol of “hot spot” areas for dogs off lead and other compliance issues.

Pop up road shows at off lead areas during peak times.

Educate pet owners in rural areas of their responsibilities under the Domestic Animals Act in relation to nuisance animals, dogs and livestock.

Working with other Council departments to ensure elderly pet owners are supported.

Ongoing support of the dog walking program.

Investigate pro-rata registration.

Educating cat owners and stray/unowned cat feeders.

Our current Compliance Activities

Attendance to animal related complaints

Follow up of non-renewal of registration and unregistered animals.

Phone call.

Visit to property.

Patrols of municipality for stray and wandering dogs and livestock.

Random unregistered animal audits of the municipality.

Follow up on registration for animals notified as sold by domestic animal businesses.

Issue registration renewal notices annually and follow up for compliance.

Regularly update/audit registration database (e.g. notification of deceased animal, change of address, change of owner) for data accuracy too ensure owners are not distressed or annoyed by receiving unnecessary or incorrect renewal notices.

Ensure all seized and impounded animals are identified and registered to their owner prior to their release.

Summary

By encouraging residents to register their pets, we are able to provide an efficient way of reuniting pets with their owners, to reduce anxiety to animals and their owners.

Objective 3.1: Improve the ongoing accuracy of Council’s registration database by cross referencing with microchip data.


Undertake a sample review of newly microchipped dogs and cats in Wyndham by contacting registration microchip registries. Check all animals are also listed on Council’s pet registration database and follow up those that are not.

Annually Demonstrate Council’s pet registration database can be accurately cross referenced with microchip registries.

Demonstrate increase in numbers of pets registered with Council following microchip registry cross referencing.

Objective 3.2: Encourage registration numbers to increase by 400 new dog registrations and 250 new cat

registrations each year.


Review the existing animal registration process with the intention of providing the customer greater choice for when and how they register their animals by investigating on-line registration options.

2018 Review annual increase in registration numbers.

Customer satisfaction surveys.

Objective 3.2: Encourage registration numbers to increase by 400 new dog registrations and 250 new cat

registrations each year (cont’d).


Conduct random audits throughout the municipality.

Promote the audit process through social and local media.

Annually Review annual increase in registration numbers.

Number of unregistered and unidentifiable animals reported during door knocks activities.

Objective 3.3: Investigate the possibility of pro-rata registration in the event there is no other discount or incentive.


Investigate the possibility of pro-rata registration for first time registrations in the event there is no other discount or incentive on offer.

Annually Review annual increase in registration numbers.

Objective 3.4: Encourage dog clubs and trainers to promote the benefits of pet registration.


Meet and discuss with dog clubs and trainers in the area to promote the benefits of registration.

Annually Feedback from dog clubs and trainers on uptake from clients.

Objective 3.5: Improve community understanding of Responsible Pet ownership


Develop a targeted approach to educating and informing the community about responsible pet ownership.

Distribution of pamphlets, scheduled seminars on issues on pet ownership.

Promote the benefits of registration through media, marketing and communications.

Annual Communication plan developed and implementation commenced.

Increased engagement with registered pet owners through a pet related community newsletter and digital communication.

Ongoing Considered in development of communication plans.

Provide tailored information sessions and communication on choosing the right pet for owner’s lifestyle, the real costs of pet ownership and socialising, and basic dog obedience skills.

Ongoing Participant attendance, feedback, registrations.

Section 68A(2)(c)(vi) of the DAA: 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)]

Council is guided by the DAA, State and Local Laws to ensure that all members of the community are complying with the current legislation.

Council Officers aim to inform, educate and communicate to the community their pet ownership responsibilities. If these approaches are not successful, officers use letters, notices, infringements, referral to the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria and sometimes court summons to ensure compliance with the law. Officers can also use Building, Town Planning and Environmental Health requirements to

the problem entirely. Council has procedures and policies for dealing with barking dog complaints, such as a dog barking diary, and educational references and sessions.

Dogs not being adequately confined to their premises or at large, are also considered a nuisance and a hazard to motorists and the public in general. In these instances, Council utilises the Local Law and DAA legislation to hold animal owners accountable for such nuisances.

There is a perception that the number of unowned cats in the City is increasing. It is difficult

effectively deal with more complex issues that relate to animal ownership.

Cats to identify the actual numbers, but unowned cats whether domestic or feral, are a nuisance in the community and a

Our Current Data

Barking dog complaints have decreased

risk to owned cats through the spread of disease (such a feline aids) and injuries from cat fights. Cat owners are encouraged to be responsible pet owners rather than “semi pet owners” who feed cats but

Dogs in recent years with 93 reports in the 2015 and 70 in 2016. This can be

then take no further responsibility for the health, wellbeing, identification and registration of the

attributed to greater owner awareness with education readily available from Council, vets and State Government websites. The increase in complaints in 2015 lead to an intensive awareness campaign. This, in conjunction with education and information provided to all dog owners at time of release from the Pound, has reduced the number of nuisance related complaints.

Excessive barking is caused by, but not limited to: Separation anxiety Boredom External stimulants (passers-by, wildlife, other

dogs barking, cats) Territorialism (persons visiting the premises

like the postman) Communication (please pay attention to me)

Information available on DEDJTR’s website: http:/ / agriculture.v ic.gov .au/ pet s/ dogs/ training-and- behavioural-problems/barking

In most instances the owner is not at home to hear or stop the excessive barking, or may be tuned out to

animal.

Council utilises the Local Laws and DAA legislation to control these matters.

Our Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures

Council’s Community Amenity Local Law (2015) provides additional requirements to assist with animal management. These include: Control of nuisance animals. Restrictions and controls on the number of

animals allowed to be kept on a residential property.

Animal husbandry. Conditions on excess animal permits for any

extra animals to be de-sexed. The creation of permits and notices to comply

to manage animal issues. Provision to prosecute in the Magistrates Court

when required. Mandatory de-sexing for cats.

http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/dogs/training-and-behavioural-problems/barking




The relevant sections of the Local Law and Domestic Animals Act are:

Section 157: Keeping of Animals. Section 161: Animal Buildings and Cleanliness. Section 164: Animal Noise. Section 166: Requirements Applying to Dogs. Part 5 Roads and Council Land: Obstruction and

behaviour; including Animal Waste.

(DAA) Section 25: Cats found at large. (DAA) Section 10A: Registration requirements.

A complete copy of Wyndham City Council’s Community Amenity Local Law (2015) and Domestic Animals Act 1994 can be found at: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/about-council/your-council/plans-policies-strategies/community-compliance-and-safety-plans

http: / /www.parliament.v ic.gov .au/ static/ www.legislation.vic.gov.au-lawtoday.html

DAA Orders: Council can make orders under the DAA to deal with animal control issues. Council currently has a “Dog off Lead Order” which identifies the dog off lead areas within the municipality. This also includes the conditions of use in place for dog owners using these designated areas.

Council also has a “Cat Curfew” order in place where cats are to be confined to their property between 10.00pm and 6.00am. An Order for mandatory cat desexing is also a part of any new registration requirement.

Revision of Councils Local Laws and orders: The local laws, orders and all strategies related to the management of domestic animals are dealt with and reviewed on an ongoing basis through the Annual Business Plan and any other State Government requirement.

These reviews are undertaken with the required Council and community consultation as required under the Legislation.

Our current Education/Promotion Activities Council’s Animal Management Officers attend

when requested at any premises or complaint.

Information on website relating to nuisance.

Promotion of Who’s for Cat’s campaign.

Council run forums on responsible pet ownership and selection of the appropriate pet.

Publication and distribution of pamphlets relating to nuisance animals (both in house and DEDJTR information) http:// agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/cats

Attendance and involvement at the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria’s “Neighbours rights responsibilities and resolutions forums, which include our CALD communities.

Distribution of Councils free dog run DVD which is a step by step educational guide to setting up a dog friendly dog run.

Specialist advice provided to residents with problem pets e.g. excessive barking, anxiety (thunder storms) etc.

Provision of barking dog diaries to affected premises.

Education to cat owners on Wandering Cats and the nuisance effect their cats can have on neighbours. “It’s your cat, it’s your responsibility”.

Educate cat owner on how to confine their cats to their property utilising cat runs and the like at a low cost.


Recording and attending all Animal nuisance and wandering complaints which are then tracked on a database for resolution and to detect repeat offenders.

Patrols of the municipality.

Issuing Notices to Comply under the legislation to gain compliance.

Issuing Infringements and Summons where applicable.

Investigation of returned barking dog diaries.

Patrol and enforcement of the designated off lead areas and “hot spots” locations.

Increase enforcement and education on trapping trespassing cats on private property.

Industrial/commercial premises trapping program conducted on an as needs basis.

Scheduled trapping during cat curfew times.

https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/about-council/your-council/plans-policies-strategies/community-compliance-and-safety-plans



http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/static/www.legislation.vic.gov.au-lawtoday.html

http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/cats

http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/cats

Utilise the Lost Dogs Home mobile desexing van.

Impounding any wandering dogs or dogs not

becoming a nuisance or hazard.

Objective 4.1: Reduce cat nuisance complaints.

Summary

The current levels of education and enforcement aims to strike a balance to effectively gain compliance and reduce nuisance complaints within Wyndham.


Provide educational material to owners on release of cats to create cat enclosures.

Current and ongoing Number of booklets and flyers distributed and from where.

Increase cat trapping by assisting residents with dealing with cat trespass / nuisance problems by dropping off and picking up cat traps for use on their property through the Municipal Pound at no cost to residents.

Random trapping during curfew hours.

Review cat curfew trapping process to increase accountability on cat owners.

Ongoing Number of traps delivered

Number of cats impounded

Number of cats with I.D.

Number of Trespass Notice and/or Infringements.

Investigate cats in our parks and waterways to protect wildlife.

Ongoing Number of cats impounded.

Legal recourse for injuries/damage created by trespassing cats in line with dog attacks

2019

Objective 4.2: Reduce dog nuisance complaints.


Use barking dog complaint/investigation policy/manual Current & Ongoing

Policy reviewed randomly to ensure effectiveness

Include information regarding confinement, barking, dogs at large etc. in registration information packs.

Current & ongoing

Information packs to be sent out each year to new animal owners in the municipality.

Random patrols afterhours for dogs being walked off lead in residential areas.

Proactive patrols of off lead areas during peak times.

Section 68A(2)(c)(iii) of the DAA: 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)]

Council has a strict enforcement program in relation to wandering dogs in the municipality, which is effectively enforced by:

Attendance during business hours to all stray/

wandering dogs within the set response times.

An after-hours emergency response service.

All dogs reported showing aggressive tendencies

will be dealt with as a matter of priority.

All alleged dog attacks are investigated and legal

action instigated as required.

Declaring dogs as dangerous or menacing as

required under the DAA.

The controls which are in place under

State, Local Laws and orders are effectively

enforced.

The purpose of these measures is to ensure as far as is practicable the risk to the community is controlled, reduced or removed completely.

Our Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures

Council’s Community Amenity Local Law (2015) provides additional requirements to assist with animal management. These include:

Section 166: Requirements Applying to Dogs

A person keeping a dog (other than a dangerous dog guarding non-residential premises) on land must ensure that the dog does not behave in an offensive or threatening manner by physically striking, biting, chewing or jumping at any person or other animal beyond the boundary fence of the land on which it is kept.

This Local Law is in place to ensure dogs behave appropriately even when in their own backyards and neighbours do not have to fear being in their own backyard. The community should also feel safe in walking their dogs past properties knowing they are safe from attack and this Local Law assists with this.

This local Law allows Officers to put Animal

Management Plans in place to protect the community.

A complete copy of Wyndham City Council’s Community Amenity Local Law (2015) can be found at: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/about-council/your-council/plans-policies-strategies/community-compliance-and-safety-plans


Information on website relating to dog attacks and what action to take.

Council run forums on responsible pet ownership and selecting the right dog for your lifestyle.

Publication and distribution of pamphlets relating to animals (both in house and DEDJTR information).

Promote and provide registration and information at Pet Expo event, microchipping days.

Attendance and involvement at the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria’s “Neighbours rights responsibilities and resolutions forums”, which include our CALD communities.

Information readily available from DEDJTR’s website:

http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/dogs/dog-attacks-dangerous-and-menacing-dogs/dog-attacks-faqs


Investigation of all dog attacks and safety concerns e.g. dogs acting aggressively.

Patrols of municipality.

Declaring dogs as menacing, dangerous or restricted as required.

Provide After Hours Emergency for dog attacks, dogs acting aggressively.

Issuing Infringements and Summons where applicable.

Seizing all dogs involved in dog attacks resulting in a serious injury (a serious injury is defined in the Domestic Animals Act 1994 as:

An injury requiring medical or veterinary attention in the nature of:






A broken bone; or

A laceration; or

A partial or total loss of sensation or

An injury requiring cosmetic surgery.

Death of a person or animal.

Summary

Council will continue with its strict enforcement approach to all reported dog attacks and aggressive dog complaints in the municipality.

Objective 5.1: Encourage reporting of dog attacks in the community.


‘Pop up’ road shows at rural locations to educate on the issues with pets and livestock in farming communities.

September 2018 Reduction in attacks on livestock by roaming pets.

Improve public awareness of what a dog attack is and how to report these matters to Council for investigation.

Distribute information on what happens in the event of a dog attack.

Ongoing Review the number of complaints received by Council in relation to previous years as this is an ongoing situation.

Increase awareness of the possible penalties and actions that may result in the event of an attack on livestock in farming communities.

February 2018 Develop educational flyers to distribute to rural areas.

Increase street patrols to limit wandering dogs so as not to escalate into dog attacks.

Ongoing Assess animal behaviour on impoundment.

Objective 5.2: Overall, decrease the time lapse from attacks actually happening to being reporting to Council.


Publicise the importance of informing Council when an attack actually takes place.

Utilise website, media/social media and pamphlets.

Ongoing Recording mechanisms to ask and show time from attack to reporting, which can then be evaluated to show improvement in times.

Section 68A(2)(c)(vii) of the DAA: 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)]

Our current data

Wyndham City currently has 16 dangerous dogs, 26 menacing dogs and 11 restricted breed dogs in the Municipality.

The level of compliance has always been very high. However, these dogs will continue to be monitored with regular random inspections and individual management plans.

Council Officers ensure that the owners of these dogs are adhering to the requirements by:

Maintaining the State Government data base.

Conducting inspections and random audits.

Investigating complaints.

Prosecution of non-compliant owners.

Audits of industrial /residential areas for non-

declared dogs.

Identify declared dogs which are impounded.


Information on website (Council and DEDJTR)

Information via pamphlets

Information at pet expo days.


Attend all complaints in relation to suspected Dangerous, Restricted Breed and Menacing dogs.

Patrols of the municipality and hot spot locations.

Inspect all “declared” dogs’ enclosures, Restricted Breed and Menacing dogs’ properties for compliance and correct signage where kept annually and on random occasions.

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

Update and maintain DEDJTR database.

Patrol industrial areas for non-registered guard dogs (dangerous dogs by definition).

Cross reference all offending dog attack dogs with the DEDJTR database to ascertain if they are a “declared” dog in another locality.

Local Law states that a dog declared menacing must display a sign at all entrances to the property.

Summary

Council officers’ conduct inspections of all existing restricted, dangerous and menacing dogs on an ongoing basis.

Objective 6.1: Ensure high level of compliance is continuing.


Continue inspection regime of all declared, menacing and restricted breed dogs with zero tolerance for non -compliance.

Current and ongoing Nil prosecutions required.

Cross reference all offending dog attack dogs with the DEDJTR database to ascertain if they are a “declared” dog.

Current and ongoing Nil dogs confirmed on database check.

Section 68A(2)(c)(iv) of the DAA: 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)

Our current data

Rates of returning/re-housing dogs The municipal pound impounds 980 dogs per annum, and on average 85% of those animals are reunited with their owners. On average 65% of these animals are identifiable by microchip or registration tag.

Rates of returning/rehousing cats The municipal pound impounds 1585 cats per annum, and on average 7% of those animals are reunited with their owners. Of these animals 10% are identifiable by microchip or registration tag.

Of the cats and kittens being impounded each year, approximately 75% are either feral, semi feral or wild with kittens (four to six per litter).

There has been an increase in the number of identified cats entering the pound from the target of 7% set in the last DAM plan to the current 10%. Council’s current registration and desexing incentives in conjunction with local vets has contributed to the improvements.


Dog, cat & kitten adoption to assist in the reduction of euthanasia rates.

Utilise foster groups.

Description and photo of all unidentified animals on Council Lost Pet webpage and utilise social media.

Increase public education in relation to the negative impacts of feeding unowned cats which contributes to the breeding of stray cats and Local Law provisions prohibiting feeding and unowned animal.

Promote the DEDJTR “Who’s for Cats” campaign which encourages people to either take ownership of strays or to assist in their removal from the stray cat population.

Mandatory cat desexing for all new registrations.

Cat curfew from 10.00pm - 6.00am.

The development of a joint-partnership with

local vets to provide discounted desexing for cats to people who agree to take ownership of unowned cats. This will include a Council contribution and will be within a nominated period.

Placing all lost animals on the Council’s website.

Council subsidised desexing for cats and dogs for those who are not eligible for any other State concession.

Council subsidised micro chipping at Council run Pet Expos.

Working with other departments to identify “hot spot” areas for feral/unowned cats in our parks and waterways.


Undertake an intensive project to greatly reduce unowned cats in the Wyndham municipality.

Investigate reports of animal hoarding.

Investigate reports of unauthorised back yard breeders.

Provision of cat traps delivered and collected by authorised officers.

Increase trapping in residential/Industrial and environmentally sensitive areas by providing a service that the traps are set up and removed by an Authorised Officer.

Council run forums on responsible pet ownership and selecting the right dog for your lifestyle. Desexing information is part of these forums.

Notices issued to residents continuing to feed un -owned animals.

Summary

There is a continuing increase in the number of pets reunited with their owners and consequently a reduction in the number of euthanized animals.

Objective 7.1: Raise awareness about semi-owned cat population


Implement “Who’s for cats?” education campaign in local area. Utilise the following resources:

"Are you feeding a bigger problem?" (Who's for Cats? campaign fact sheet) - distribution throughout the municipality, placement on website

Template media release - for publication in local newspapers

Print ads - for publication in local newspapers

TV commercial file - can be used on website

Promotions to encourage people to take full ownership of cats e.g. discount desex/ microchip/vaccinate offers, free products

Current and ongoing Measure number and type of education materials distributed.

Record the number of campaign queries received by council.

Record the number of semi owned cats handed into local pound / shelter.

Number of media stories published.

Measure uptake on any promotions to encourage people to take ownership of cats.

Objective 7.2: Maximise the reclaim and re-homing rates for cats and dogs.


Contact all parties listed on microchip database and utilise internet to assist in locating animal owner.

Ongoing Increase in reclaim rates.

Objective 7.3: Continue to educate the community on the benefits of de-sexing domestic pets.


Explore the possibility of extending the current de-sexing order to include dogs.

2019 Public consultation.

Objective 7.4: Explore the utilisation of foster and rescue groups.


Review existing agreements with foster and rescue groups regarding re-homing.

Annually Existing agreements remain and new ones gained.

Section 68A(2)(c)(ii) of the DAA: 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)]

Our current data

The City of Wyndham currently has 13 registered Domestic Animal Businesses as follows:

Boarding Establishments 4

Pet Shops 9

Pound/Shelter 1


Inspections of existing and new Domestic Animal Businesses in line with mandatory relevant code of practice.

Ensure all relevant Domestic Animal Businesses are advised of any review of the code of practice for their type of business

Provide education that a Domestic Animal Business is not limited to commercial activities.


Register all identified domestic animal businesses within the Municipality.

Conduct annual inspections/audits of each premise.

Follow up any non-compliance.

Liaise with other units within Council to provide advice when planning applications for domestic animals businesses are received to ensure appropriate conditions are placed on construction, operations etc.

Investigate and act on complaints received.

Summary

Council will continue to register and investigate

reported domestic animal businesses to ensure

compliance.

Objective 8.1: Identify and register all Domestic Animal Businesses (DAB) in the municipality.


Identify all businesses that should be registered DABs in the municipality, using yellow pages (or similar, including online sites) identify businesses selling pets / pet products / services in the municipality. Follow up to determine whether they are and should be registered with council.

Annually Compare number of registered DABs before and after activity.

Objective 8.2: Annually inspect and audit all registered domestic animal businesses.


Conduct an annual inspection of each registered DAB for compliance.

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

Section 68A(2)(d) of the DAA: Provide for the review of existing Orders made under this Act and Local Laws that relates 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.

Within the limited resources, the animal management unit continues to look for ways it can provide an efficient and effective animal management service to the Wyndham community. In doing so it looks to explore and investigate innovative ways of addressing topical responsible pet ownership issues and meeting its legislative obligations, through strategic use of partnerships, community engagement and technology.

Our current Education/Promotion Activities Information provided to cat owners and

residents in relation to curfew requirements Information provided to cat owners on release

of their cat from the pound.

Information on website regarding cat curfew. Registration papers amended to reflect

mandatory desexing for cats. Review off lead area to ensure they are suitable.

Our current Compliance Activities Patrols of off lead areas. All cats to be desexed prior to release for new

registrations. Infringements issued for cats trapped outside

curfew hours.

Objective 9.1: Review existing pound and animal management services.


Further identify and enhance relationships and operational synergies with local, regional, public and private stakeholders.

Ongoing The extent to which relationships are further embedded and efficiencies realised.

Explore officer mobility and the use of in-field technologies.

2018 The extent to which mobile technology is applied in animal management operations.

Section 68A(3) of the DAA: Every Council must:

a. review its domestic animal management plan annually and, if appropriate, amend the plan;

b. provide the Department of Primary Industries’ Secretary with a copy of the plan and any amendments to the plan; and

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

The achievement of the Objectives and Activities detailed in this Plan will be reviewed and

reported annually.

Location: 45 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria

Postal Address: PO Box 197, Werribee, VIC 3030

Open: 8.00am - 5.00pm (Mon-Fri)

Contact Telephone No: (03) 9742 0777

Fax: (03) 9741 6237

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au

Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/

Wyndham Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 2021€¦ · Domestic Animals Act 1994, other...

Documents

Transcript of Wyndham Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017 2021€¦ · Domestic Animals Act 1994, other...