Domestic Animal Management Plan Rural City of Wangaratta s Domestic Animal Management Plan under section 68A of the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994. For more information, please contact Council at: Wangaratta Government Centre, corner Ford and Ovens Street, Wangaratta, Telephone: 0357 220 888 or by email: council@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction and Context of This Plan 2 1.1 Purpose 3 1.2 Process 3 1.3 Demographic and Shire Profile 3 1.4 Domestic Animal Statistics and Data 4 1.5 Animal Management Staffing and Operational Structure 5 1.6 Current Programs and Services 6 2.0 Statement of Purpose 8 3.0 Strategic Directions for Domestic Animal Management: 9 3.1 Enforcement Officer Training and Development 9 3.2 Encouraging Responsible Pet Ownership Community Education 10 3.3 Identification and Registration 10 3.4 Compliance and Enforcement Local Laws and Orders 11 3.5 Domestic Animal Businesses 11 3.6 Declared Dogs 12 3.7 Barking Dogs 12 4.0 Performance Monitoring and Evaluation 13 4.1 Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Process 13 4.2 Key Performance Indicators Annual Targets 2008/2009 13 4.3 Review Cycle 13 Appendices 14 A: Action Plan 14 2
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT OF THIS PLAN This Domestic Animal Management Plan has been prepared by the Rural City of Wangaratta in accordance with the requirements and responsibilities under Section 68A of the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994 (hereafter referred to as the Act). The plan is also consistent with the Rural City of Wangaratta s Community Amenity Local Law No 1 and relevant Council policies and procedures. 1.1 PURPOSE The purpose of the Domestic Animal Management Plan is to document existing animal management service levels, standards and methods of dealing with domestic animals within each Council. It is also intended to raise the relative profile and importance of the domestic animal management function of the local Government sector. Council also seeks the Domestic Animal Management Plan to assist in delivering a professional and consistent approach to domestic animal management issues and to promote responsible pet ownership within the Rural City of Wangaratta. In order to achieve this, the following issues are addressed as per Section 68A (2) of the Act in this plan: Identification of methods for evaluating animal control services; Identification of programs for training of authorised animal management officers; Promotion and encouragement of responsible pet ownership; Ensuring compliance with the Act and Regulations; Minimising the risk of dog attacks; Addressing the over population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and cats; Encouraging registration and identification of dogs and cats; Minimising the potential for nuisance; Identifying dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs; Monitoring all existing orders and local laws that relate to dogs and cats; and Providing for the periodic evaluation and review of animal management programs and service strategies. 1.2 PROCESS This plan was developed by the Rural City of Wangaratta Enforcement Team. As this plan documents the existing service level being provided without any service level change, minimal formal community consultation has been necessary at this stage. It is noted that documenting present arrangements is a reflection of many years of operating this service which has evolved with ongoing input from stakeholders. This plan will be submitted to Council for adoption before being placed on public display. The DAM plan will be made available to the public, including via Council s webpage, in hard copy at Customer Service and promoted through our Rural City Connections page in our local newspaper The Chronicle. In addition we will supply a copy of the plan to industry stakeholders, including the RSPCA, who operate the Council pound. Feedback on this plan is welcomed so that this can be fed into the next annual review of the plan. 3
1.3 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE The Rural City of Wangaratta is located in north east Victoria. With a total population of approximately 28,000 residents, of whom 18,000 live in urban Wangaratta, the Rural City covers an area of 3,764 sq. km. The municipality has experienced continuing growth in industrial, retail and tourism sectors, and is widely recognised as one of Victoria s most progressive provincial centres. The region is famous for world class wine and gourmet food. It is the gateway to Victoria's major ski fields. With its spectacular scenery, the region is viewed by tourists as the 'hub' from which to explore North East Victoria and Southern New South Wales. Wangaratta is a leading regional centre providing a range of services for all age groups. The Rural City provides strong recreational, commercial, educational, tourism and health facilities, including regional private and public hospitals. It has diverse industry and economic stability and is the regional headquarters for several state government agencies. The main employment sectors are in the manufacturing, trades, retail, agriculture and health and community service industries. 1.4 DOMESTIC ANIMAL STATISTICS AND DATA In 2005, throughout Australia the population of dogs was 3.75 million, while the cat population was 2.43 million. Of all the States, Victoria has the second highest number of pets with 9.16 million. BIS Shrapnel (2005) statistics show that Victoria s average of cat ownership is 12 cats per 100 people, with dog ownership being 18 dogs per 100 people. It is estimated that in Victoria: 37.8% of households owned one or more dogs at a rate of 1.43 dogs per household; and 25% of households owned one or more cats at a rate of 1.40 cats per household. Therefore, the calculation of cats and dogs per household for the Rural City of Wangaratta with an approximately 11,522 residential dwellings (as per 2006 Wangaratta Census) is: Estimated Dog Population: (37.8/100 x 11,522) x 1.43 dogs = 6,228* Estimated Cat Population: (25/100 x 11,522) x 1.40 cats = 4,032** Key Statistics (2007/2008 period) RCOW Like Councils* State Averages* Population (approximate) 28,000 16,000 25,000 Area 3,764 sq km - - No. of equivalent full time Authorised Officers 1 3.25 2 (Animal Control) Hours training per officer annually 30 32 14 No. of Registered Dogs 6,384 5,058 5,155 Estimated Dog (owned) Population* 6,228 * (estimate only) - 18 dogs per 100 people No. of Registered Cats 2,294 1,373 1,706 Estimated Cat (owned) Population** 4,032 ** - 12 cats per 100 people No. of Prosecutions Completed 0 - - No. of impoundments (dogs) 438 243 - No. of dogs reclaimed 318 (73%) 37% 44% No. of dogs rehoused 76 (17%) 19% 13% No. of dogs euthanased 44 (10%) 49% 33.5% No. of impoundments (cats) 348 115 55,000 No. of cats reclaimed 37 (11%) 7% 11% No. of cats rehoused 101 (29%) 20% 16% No. of cats euthanased 210 (60%) 73% 64% *Source: BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd estimates & TNS Market Research (2005) 4
1.5 ANIMAL MANAGEMENT STAFFING AND OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE The Rural City of Wangaratta has three full time Enforcement Officers to undertake enforcement, animal, parking and Local Law responsibilities. COUNCIL CEO Director Infrastructure Director Business Services Director Human & Cultural Services Manager Development Services Senior Enforcement Officer Enforcement Officers (x2) Admin Support Officer School Crossing Supervisors (12pt & Casuals) 5
1.6 CURRENT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Program/Service Identification and Registration Identification and Registrationdoorknock campaigns Service Level Council annually sends out animal registration renewals in March, prior to the prescribed due date of 10 April each year. Any renewals not received by the due date are followed up with a reminder notice advising of the penalties for failure to register a cat or dog. Residents are advised to notify Council if their situation has changed (ie., if they have moved or a pet is deceased), so that our records can be up to date. An annual doorknock campaign is conducted after the 10 th April registration renewal date and after the reminder letters have been sent out. Random doorknocks are conducted as well as targeted doorknocks (ie., residents that have not renewed their pet registrations). This campaign is accompanied by media promotion and neighbourhood signage to promote pet registration, with the intent of following up all unpaid renewals by 1 st July. Micro-chipping Domestic Animal Complaints Dangerous Dogs Complaints Micro-chipping is mandatory for all new cat and dog registrations (as per State Government legislative changes effective from 1 st May 2007). Council strongly encourages all cat and dog owners to microchip their pets as it is a permanent form of identification, which can quickly reunite owners with lost or injured pets. Council s response time depends on the nature of the complaint, and is consistent with Council s Customer Request Management System (CRMS). Urgent matters are responded to immediately. Non urgent matters are responded to within 48 hours. This is well within Council s response time of 7 days. These complaints are investigated as a priority and usually acted on within one to two hours. If the threat still exists when the complaint is lodged then it is acted on immediately. Domestic Animal Businesses Council currently has six (6) registered business within our municipality, comprising of two (2) pet shops, three (3) boarding kennels and one (1) shelter/pound that is operated for Council by the RSPCA. Registration renewal notices are sent out at the same time as pet registrations, each year. Our Senior Enforcement Officer then conducts annual inspections to ensure each business complies with the Code of Practice. Pound Facility Council has a Pound Management Agreement with the RSPCA (Victoria) to provide pound management services for the pound in Newman Street, Wangaratta. Our Enforcement team works in collaboration with the RSPCA regarding impounded animals, for example, animals with identification tags are returned to their owners by our Enforcement officers and released with no fee. 6
The pound s hours of operation are: Mond, Tues, Wed, Frid: 10 am 4 pm Thursday: 10 am 5 pm Saturday: 10 am 2 pm Sunday: Closed It is noted that the RSPCA have notified Council that is wishes to alter the present agreement it has in place with Council for operating the pound on Council s behalf. Routine street patrols roads/streets Responsible Pet Ownership Provision of Advice/Public Relations Animal Infringements Barking Dogs Feral Cat Trapping Street patrols coincide with other enforcement duties and are conducted regularly. Out of town patrols are done weekly, with random patrols being done across our urban areas daily. This is promoted through brochures and pamphlets which are distributed at the time of registration and to the Domestic Animal Businesses and Veterinary Clinics. Council also supports in the Million Paws Walk, an annual event organised by the RSPCA. One of our Enforcement team members is present at this annual event to distribute information, promote our services and give general advice. Advice is given as required. Through the local newspaper, Council issues press releases on animal related topics, such as, pet registrations, door-knocking, micro-chipping, and responsible pet ownership in general, etc. Council also has many brochures and pamphlets and supports the Million Paws Walk (as mentioned above). A focus of this service is being accessible and responsive to customer enquiries. Infringements are issued as necessary (ie., for a dog or cat at large during the day time or night time). Council also issues infringements for unregistered animals after we have followed up any unpaid registrations from the previous period, and following any doorknocking to routinely check pet registrations. The way that Council deals with barking dogs is dependent on the nature and severity of the issue. Council has a barking dog protocol that requires us to formally notify the owners (of the animal) about the complaint. The person complaining may be asked to keep a noise log to record the duration and frequency of the barking. Often owners are unaware that their dog is causing a problem for the neighbourhood and notification is often sufficient to alert them to take action. Cat traps are available for residents to borrow free of charge to trap nuisance feral cats. Our Enforcement team provides a drop off and pick up service as well as disposal of any trapped animals. 7
2.0 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The Rural City of Wangaratta s Enforcement team is committed to providing a high level of customer support and quality advice in the provision of animal management services. This service is achieved with: Highly competent and experienced officers; Access to information; Responsiveness to complaints and enquiries; A customer orientated approach. The core purposes of Council s animal management service are: To encourage responsible pet ownership throughout the municipality; To ensure prompt follow up of outstanding pet registrations; To attempt to reunite lost, stray or impounded pets with their owners; To provide a specialised response service to deal with wandering, aggressive or nuisance animal complaints; To provide informative advice to the community on animal management issues; and To regulate and support domestic animal business. 8
3.0 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS FOR DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT The table below links the specific requirements of the Act to the relevant section in this Plan. Act Requirements Section S.68A(2)(a) Method of monitoring performance and evaluating the effectiveness of services 4.0 S.68A(2)(b) Training of authorised officers 3.1 S.68A(2)(c)(i) S.68A(2)(c)(ii) Promote and encourage responsible pet ownership Ensure compliance with Act and regulations 3.2 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 S.68A(2)(c)(iii) Minimise risk of dog attacks 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 S.68A(2)(c)(iv) S.68A(2)(c)(v) Over-population and high euthanasia rates Encourage Registration and Identification of cats and dogs 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 S.68A(2)(c)(vi) Minimise potential for nuisance 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7 S.68A(2)(c)(vii) Dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 S.68A(2)(d) Review of Orders and Local Laws 3.4 S.68A(2)(e) Any other matters 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7 S.68A(2)(f) S.68A(3)(a) Periodic Evaluation of programs, services and Strategies Review of Domestic Animal Management Plan 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7 4.0 3.1 ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Objective: To ensure that all staff involved in animal management have the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out their duties in a responsible and professional manner. Current/ Activities: Council s Senior Enforcement Officer has completed Certificate IV in Animal Management (in 2008). All Officers have completed Authorised Officer Training (MAV). Membership and regular attendance of North East Authorised Council Officers Association (NEACOA), comprising senior animal officers and representatives from Council s, meeting every 4 months. Regular in-house training on internal computer systems, programs, software, use of animal equipment, vehicles, occupational health and safety training, and first aid. 9
Planned Programs and Initiatives: 3.1.1 Officers to attend Bureau of Animal Welfare sessions and training days, as available. 3.1.2 Consideration of other Enforcement officers to undertake Certificate IV in Animal Management. 3.1.3 Officers to attend conflict resolution training, as available. 3.1.4 Senior Enforcement Officer to undertake Prosecution Training, for escalating infringements to the Magistrates Court by Council rather than relying on external service providers. 3.2 ENCOURAGING RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP COMMUNITY EDUCATION Objective: To encourage responsible pet ownership so that pet owners manage their pets in a way that protects the health and welfare of the animal, maximises the companion benefits of their pet and minimises potential for nuisance or harm to others. Current/ Activities: Responsible pet ownership education in specific press releases and advertisements. Distribution of information on pet registration and responsible pet ownership to new residents of our municipality via the Tourism Information Centre. Distribution of literature to owners of newly registered pets and new pet owners through various methods, including the RSPCA, pet shops and veterinary clinics. Support the RSPCA s Million Paws Walk, an annual event, by the on call Enforcement officer being present during the event. Investigation and resolution of nuisance animal complaints. Planned Programs and Initiatives: 3.2.1 Consider additional opportunities for broader circulation of responsible pet ownership brochures. 3.2.2 Continue to promote animal management issues via press releases and advertisements. 3.2.3 Consider promotion of the State Government s Responsible Pet Ownership Program to local pre and primary schools. 3.2.4 Council to consider conducting and promoting an annual micro-chipping day. 3.3 IDENTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION Objective: To maximise the number of registered and identifiable domestic animals. Current/ Activities: Animal registration and renewal program (annual issuing of coloured pet identification registration tags). Advertise and promote pet registration requirements in local newspapers, and via pet shops and the RSPCA etc. Promote micro-chipping for all pets (mandatory for all new registrations from 1 June 2007). Conduct a doorknock campaign to check pet registrations in problem areas, to follow up unpaid registrations by 1 st July each year and where complaints have been received regarding registration requirements. Responsible Pet Ownership brochures given out with new registrations. Planned Programs and Initiatives: 3.3.1 Monitor opportunities for incentive schemes, regarding responsible pet ownership, including the possible introduction of a show bag for new registrations and events (ie., newly 10
registered pets could be given a show bag with brochures/information, samples, vouchers etc., on pet and lifestyle related products and services). 3.3.2 Council to consider compulsory micro-chipping and de-sexing of all cats and dogs, in the future. 3.3.3 Council to consider conducting and promoting an annual micro-chipping day. 3.3.4 Consider promotion of the State Government s Responsible Pet Ownership Program to local pre and primary schools. 3.3.5 Council to purchase a micro-chip scanner for the Enforcement vehicle and provide training in its operation for the Enforcement team. 3.3.6 Implement and provide training on the new corporate computer system for animal registrations and animal infringements. 3.4 COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT LOCAL LAWS AND ORDERS Objective: To maximise compliance with domestic animal laws, orders and regulations (State and local). Current/ Activities: Provide a responsive and accurate customer service. Investigate and resolve all complaints and nuisance animal issues in a timely and efficient manner. Issue infringement notices for all offences where necessary (eg., unregistered animals, animals at large, etc). Impound wandering cats and dogs and/or return animals to owners where possible. Process excess animal permit applications and issue permits where appropriate. Monitor restricted dog breeds. Provide a cat trapping service for feral and nuisance cats. The Rural City of Wangaratta s Community Amenity (Amendment) Local Law No 1 currently has the following provisions in place, relating to domestic animals: Part 4, Section 39 The owner or person in charge of an animal must immediately collect and remove all of the excrement left by the animal on a Council road or Council land in a residential, commercial or industrial area or in a public place. Part 7, Section 54 No more than 2 quadrupeds shall be allowed per property (in a residential and commercial area). Planned Programs and Initiatives: 3.4.1 Regularly review all animal provisions in Council s Local Law. 3.4.2 Council to consider the introduction of compulsory micro-chipping and desexing for all cats and dogs. 3.4.3 Consider and resource an active program to enforce laws concerning the removal of animal excrement in public places. 3.4.4 Council to consider the introduction of dog off/on leash areas. 3.4.5 Monitor industry expectations regarding cats. 3.5 DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES The Rural City of Wangaratta currently has six (6) registered Domestic Animal Businesses. Objective: To work in partnership with domestic animal businesses to achieve Council s domestic animal management goals and to ensure that compliance is achieved. 11
Current/ Activities: Domestic Animal Business Registration and annual Renewal Process. Domestic Animal Business audits to ensure compliance with the relevant Codes of Practice. Provide information and advice relating to domestic animal business and the relevant Codes. Ad hoc inspections and visits. Planned Programs and Initiatives: 3.5.1 Consider additional training for Enforcement Officers in dealing with difficult customers and changes to legislation. 3.5.2 Implement and provide training on the new corporate computer system for domestic animal business registrations. 3.6 DECLARED DOGS The Rural City of Wangaratta currently has two (2) declared restricted breed dogs. Objective: To minimise the risks of dog attack to the broader community from declared dangerous, restricted breed and menacing dogs It is noted that the Act does not allow any new restricted breeds in Victoria Current/ Activities: Declaration of all identified dangerous/menacing dogs in line with the Domestic (Feral & nuisance) Animals Act, 1994. Ensure owners of declared or restricted breed dogs are fully informed of their requirements. Site visits to properties where dangerous and menacing dogs are housed, to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Investigating individual complaints regarding dangerous and menacing dogs. Planned Programs and Initiatives: 3.6.1 Promote responsible pet ownership and compliance with legislative requirements. 3.7 BARKING DOGS Objective: To minimise the effect of barking dogs on neighbourhoods. Current/ Activities: Respond to complaints promptly as per Council s barking dog protocol. Provision of barking dog professional advice to remedy situations. A Domestic Noise Log (diary) is kept by the complainant to record the time and duration of the barking, prior to a formal Council response. Citronella collars are made available for hire to the public, which are designed to deter dog barking. Planned Programs and Initiatives: 3.7.1 Investigate ways to ensure that officers have sufficient time to thoroughly investigate and follow up barking dog complaints. 12
4.0 PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND EVALUATION 4.1 PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND EVALUATIONS PROCESS Council s Enforcement officers are appraised each year as per the Council s staff performance review protocol. This includes evaluating their individual performance over the past year together with responding to changes in legislation and training needs over the following year. 4.2 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Annual Targets 2008-09 The performance of the overall Enforcement Team can be evaluated through a process of continuous improvement and benchmarking with comparisons against similar organisations. Currently the ability to measure performance is problematic as the database in use has been outgrown. Council is in the process of implementing a new corporate computer system which will overhaul the present database and operational practices in place for animal registrations and renewals. The Council is assessed annually by using the following criteria: KPI s Current Target Dogs Registered 6,384 n/a Cats Registered. 2,294 n/a Follow up any unpaid animal renewals by 1 st July each year 80% 90% Respond to all complaints (CARS) within 7 days 80% 80% Dog Rehoused Rate: (% total dogs rehoused / total dogs impounded) 17% 17% Dog Reclaimed Rate: (% total dogs reclaimed / total dogs impounded) 73% 73% Cat Rehousing Rate: (% total cats rehoused / total cats impounded) 29% 29% Cat Reclaimed Rate: (% total cats reclaimed / total cats impounded) 11% 11% Dog Euthanasia Rate: (% total dogs euthanased / total dogs impounded) 10% 10% Cat Euthanasia Rate: (% total cats euthanased / total cats impounded) 60% 60% 4.3 REVIEW CYCLE An annual review of Council s Domestic Animal Management will be conducted to ensure the plan remains current and to address: Updated data and statistics; Legislative changes; Community expectations; Review of performance against KPI s; and Progress review of action plans. The outcomes from this evaluation and annual review process will be reported in each year s Annual Council Report. Furthermore, the Domestic Animal Management Plan will also undergo a complete review including a public consultation period, after three years. 13
APPENDICES A: ACTION PLAN Abbreviations: MDS Manager Development Services SEO Senior Enforcement Officer EO Enforcement Officer AO Administration Officer Program / Service Objective 3.1 Enforcement Officer Training & Development Actions 3.1.1 Officers to attend Bureau of Animal Welfare sessions and training days, as available. 3.1.2 Consideration of other Enforcement officers to undertake Certificate IV in Animal Management. 3.1.3 Officers to attend conflict resolution training, as available. 3.1.4 Senior Enforcement Officer to undertake Prosecution Training, for escalating infringements to the Magistrates Court by Council rather than relying on external service providers. Who (*refer abbrev) SEO & EO EO EO SEO Action Date 2010 2009 3.2 Encouraging Responsible Pet Ownership Community 3.2.1 Consider additional opportunities for broader circulation of responsible pet ownership brochures. 3.2.2 Continue to promote animal management issues via press releases and advertisements. 3.2.3 Consider promotion of the State Government s Responsible Pet Ownership Program to local pre and primary schools. 3.2.4 Council to consider conducting and promoting an annual micro-chipping day. AO MDS & AO MDS & SEO COUNCIL 2009 2010 3.3 Identification & Registration 3.3.1 Monitor opportunities for incentive schemes, regarding pet ownership, including the possible introduction of a show bag for new registrations and events. 3.3.2 Council to consider compulsory micro-chipping and de-sexing of all cats and dogs, in the future. 3.3.3 Council to consider conducting and promoting an annual micro-chipping day. 3.3.4 Consider promotion of the State Government s Responsible Pet Ownership Program to local Pre and Primary Schools. MDS, SEO & AO COUNCIL COUNCIL MDS & SEO 2010 2010 2009 14
3.4 Compliance & Enforcement - Local Laws & Orders 3.3.5 Council to purchase a micro-chip scanner for Enforcement vehicle and provide training for Enforcement team. 3.3.6 Implement and provide training on the new Corporate system for animal registrations and animal infringements. 3.4.1 Regularly review all animal provisions in Council s Local Law. 3.4.2 Council to consider the introduction of compulsory micro-chipping for all cats and dogs. 3.4.3 Active enforcement of laws concerning the removal of animal litter in public places. 3.4.4 Council to consider the introduction of dog off/on leash areas. 3.4.5 Monitor industry expectations regarding cat movements. SEO AO MDS & SEO COUNCIL SEO & EO COUNCIL MDS & SEO Next Council budget 2009 2010 2010 2010 3.5 Domestic Animal Businesses 3.5.1 Consider additional training for Enforcement Officers in dealing with difficult customers and changes to legislation. 3.5.2 Implement and provide training on the new corporate computer system for domestic animal business registrations. MDS AO 3.6 Declared Dogs 3.6.1 Promote responsible pet ownership and compliance with legislative requirements. 3.7 Barking Dogs 3.7.1 Investigate ways to ensure that officers have sufficient time to thoroughly investigate and follow up barking dog complaints. SEO & EO SEO, EO & AO 15