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Dog and Cat Management Plan
2012/13 - 2017/18
Ensuring Responsible
Pet Ownership
Mayor’s Foreword
I am a firm believer that dogs and cats play such a valuable role within our community and add so much value to our lives. Not only can these animals guide and assist those in need, but they become part of our families, our companions and friends – unconditionally.
Here at the City of Salisbury, we provide a wide range of services and programs in dog and cat management for the benefit of our residents as well as the animals. These include the provision of dog friendly parks for exercise, a local pound for returning lost dogs to their owners, and dog and cat regulatory services to enforce the laws and protect the health and safety of the community.
The Dog and Cat Management Plan provides a strategic approach to managing pets, which will provide Council with a sound basis and direction from which it can plan, coordinate and make future decisions to meet the needs of the community over the next five years.
We can all play a part in ensuring that the interactions we all have with dogs and cats are good ones, whilst ensuring the health and safety of both the community and our pets are maintained.
The Dog and Cat Management Plan’s mission is to ‘ensure responsible pet ownership’ and I would highly encourage everyone to play their part in achieving this goal.
City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
Gillian AldridgeMayor of Salisbury
Preparation Details
Division Inspectorial ServicesResponsible Officer John Darzanos
Manager Environmental Health and SafetyPreparation Date March 2012Responsible General Manager Greg Waller
General Manager City DevelopmentCouncil Endorsement Date 27 August 2012Dog and Cat Management Board Endorsement Date
July 2012
Electronic File Name Reference Dog and Cat Management Plan 2012 - 2017.docx
City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan Page l 2
Contents
Executive Summary
Mission Statement
Objectives
Link between Dog and Cat Management Plan Objectives and Corporate Plan Strategies and Goals
Dog and Cat Management Plan
Objective: Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership Objective: Increase public safety, and enhance the amenity and environment Objective: Reduce public and environmental nuisances from dogs and cats Objective: Promote the benefits of dog and cat ownership Objective: Ensure Council delivers effective, efficient and innovative dog and cat management services
Dogs on and off leash areas
The Law Applicable to Dogs and Cats
Corporate Goals and Strategies
Appendices
Appendix 1 – Dog and Cat Management Plan Survey
4
6
6
8
27
28
30
31
Page l 3City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
Executive Summary
This Dog and Cat Management Plan has been prepared by the City of Salisbury in response to legislative requirements and the need to adopt a planned approach to the responsibilities under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 which will guide dog and cat management over the next 5 years.
The requirement to prepare a Dog and Cat Management Plan is prescribed under the provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995. The requirements under Section 26A of the Act provide that the Plan must cover the following areas:
Each council must prepare a plan relating to 1. the management of dogs and cats within its area.A plan of management must include provisions 2. for parks where dogs may be exercised on and off-leash A plan of management must be prepared and 3. presented to the BoardA plan of management must be approved by 4. the Board before it takes effect.A council may with the approval of the Board, 5. amend a plan of management.
The Plan developed by the City of Salisbury identifies strategies and actions to implement the mission and objectives for dog and cat management, and it contains recommendations for a wide range of actions to be undertaken by the City of Salisbury.
The actions were identified from the feedback received from our community consultation which was undertaken as part of a survey of the Salisbury community. Additional issues were also identified from the operational activities undertaken in the area of Dog and Cat Management by the Inspectorial Services Division.
The Plan’s Mission is “to promote and facilitate responsible ownership of dogs and cats, animal welfare and the benefits of animal companionship, focusing on the legitimate needs of pets and their owners while respecting the rights of other members of the community and protecting the environment.”
The plan provides key objectives that will aim to:
encourage responsible dog and cat ownership,•increase public safety, and enhance the •amenity and environmentreduce public and environmental nuisances •from dogs and catsharness the benefits of dog and cat ownership; •andensure Council delivers effective, efficient and •innovative dog and cat management services
Page l 4City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
The Plan has also given consideration to the City’s corporate direction as it aims to fulfil the following corporate goals and strategies:
The objectives of the Dog and Cat Management Act are to:
Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership•Reduce public and environmental nuisance •caused by dogs and cats, andTo promote the effective management of dogs •and cats (including through the encouragement of de-sexing of dogs and cats)
Animal control has widened into a greater array of contexts and knowledge of both animal and human behaviour is now a requirement of working in the field. There is growing recognition that enforcement of laws will not, on its own, result in lasting, voluntary changes in behaviour. It needs to be supplemented by a range of non-regulatory approaches such as public education programs which include pamphlets, signage, press releases, school education programs and a growing presence online through web pages and social media outlets.
Page l 5City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
There is now considerable evidence to support our understanding of the benefits of owning pets. This implies a potentially new role for Council in harnessing the benefits of pet ownership or at least maintaining the ability of the community to continue to own dogs and cats.
In this environment, it is essential that Council take a strategic approach to managing domestic pets. This strategy 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 over the next five years.
Goal StrategiesA safe, accessible and attractive City Maximize the appeal and use of streetscapes and open
spacesSupport the health and safety of the communityEnsure community resources are accessible
A vibrant, engaged and proud community Actively support and promote the recreation and leisure needs of the communityPromote community information and learning
A high performing organisation Achieve a financially sustainable organisationDevelop and maintain a great workforceProvide excellent customer serviceEnsure effective governance
Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership,•Increase public safety, and enhance the amenity and environment•Reduce public and environmental nuisances from dogs and cats•Promote the benefits of dog and cat ownership; and•Ensure Council delivers effective, efficient and innovative dog and cat management services•
Mission Statement
To promote and facilitate responsible ownership of dogs and cats, animal welfare and the benefits of animal companionship focusing on the legitimate needs of pets and their owners while respecting the rights of other members of the community and protecting the environment.
Objectives
Page l 6City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
Link between Dog and Cat Management Plan Objectives and Corporate Plan Strategies and Goals
Dog and Cat Management Plan Objective City of Salisbury Corporate Plan Strategies City of Salisbury Corporate Plan Goal
Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership Support the health and safety of the community A safe, accessible and attractive City
Promote community information and learning A vibrant, engaged and proud community
Achieve a financially sustainable organisation A high performing organisation
Ensure effective governance
Increase public safety, and enhance the amenity and environment
Maximize the appeal and use of streetscapes and open spaces
A safe, accessible and attractive City
Support the health and safety of the community
Ensure community resources are accessible
Actively support and promote the recreation and leisure needs of the community
A vibrant, engaged and proud community
Promote community information and learning
Reduce public and environmental nuisances from dogs and cats
Support the health and safety of the community A safe, accessible and attractive City
Promote community information and learning A vibrant, engaged and proud community
Promote the benefits of dog and cat ownership Support the health and safety of the community A safe, accessible and attractive City
Promote community information and learning A vibrant, engaged and proud community
Ensure Council delivers effective, efficient and innovative dog and cat management services
Support the health and safety of the community A safe, accessible and attractive City
Promote community information and learning A vibrant, engaged and proud community
Achieve a financially sustainable organisation A high performing organisation
Develop and maintain a great workforce
Provide excellent customer service
Ensure effective governance
Dog and Cat Management Plan
Objective: Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership
There are three factors that contribute to responsible dog and cat ownership. They are the owner, the breed and the home environment.
The OwnerA pet owner has a vast range of legal, morale and humane responsibilities that they need to be aware of. They include the need to ensure that the dog or cat is registered (if required), identified, micro chipped, immunized, and desexed. Dog owners should also consider their responsibility to ensure that their dog is trained, and need to be aware of the dog’s behaviour at all times, including when the owner is away from the home. The owner is responsible for supplying food, water and shelter and that their pet is regularly exercised.
The BreedThe breed, in particular for dogs, but also for cats determines the size, temperament and demands. When selecting a pet it is important to seek appropriate advice on the breed as their suitability is affected by the home / yard it will be kept in and the family that the pet will be joining, particularly if small children are involved, and if the pet fits in with your lifestyle.
The Home EnvironmentThe Home environment is made up of the part of the home that the dog or cat will have access to. In most cases this will include an enclosed yard and possibly part of the house. Important factors for dogs are the size of the yard in relation to the breed of the dog, the adequacy of the fencing, closeness of neighbours and other dogs and access to on-leash and off-leash exercise areas. Considerations for cats and the home environment also include the ability to confine cats to yards so as not to wander onto neighbours yard and the wider environment.
Successful pet ownership has both financial and time commitments and it is therefore important that people contemplating pet ownership endeavour to match their choice of pet to their particular home and family circumstances.
Page l 8City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
RegistrationThe City of Salisbury has approximately 25000 to 26000 registered dogs with an estimated 3000 to 5000 unregistered dogs in the community. Council undertakes an annual dog registration assessment in an effort to identify unregistered dogs and encourage registration rates. The survey is accountable for directly and indirectly identifying approximately 2000 to 3000 unregistered dogs, or persons who have failed to register. Increasing the number of registered dogs enables Council to fund and deliver better services for dog owners in the community.
Council offer a variety of rebates for dog registration including micro-chipped, desexed and obedience trained dogs in an effort to encourage owners to undertake these activities. Approximately 39% of registered dogs are microchipped, and approxiatemly 2% are microchipped and trained. However training is very low at less than 1% of registered dogs. Training of dogs can help reduce many of the nuisances and improve socialisation which in turn can reduce and prevent many of the attacks on other animals and people. The cost and time commitment to training is a big deterrent, which is not offset by the registration rebates. Increasing the rebates for training or subsidising training courses is an opportunity to improve training rates.
The desexing rebate provides for a 40% discount on the registration fee and currently 60% of registered dogs are desexed and have one or more of the rebates included. Desexing helps reduce dog overpopulation and can also reduce the aggressiveness of dogs. Desexing rebates are aimed at encouraging desexing however the rebate is minimal compared to the upfront costs. However the longer term benefits and savings over the lifetime of the dog is a financial benefit. The other not as obvious benefits of desexing need to be communicated to encourage more desexing and improving public safety. This could be achieved through education and or compulsory desexing through changes to State legislation.
Enabling easier methods and customer friendly opportunities to re-register dogs is also important in improving registration rates.
Pet SelectionMany concerns with dogs and cats occur as a result of people selecting the wrong breed for their lifestyle and or the home environment that they can offer the pet. Choosing the wrong pet can result in noise and nuisance complaints which can lead to fines or costs or the loss of pets. As a result starting with the right pet will assist in preventing many concerns and nuisances in the future.
Pet NumbersA control on pet numbers is a strategy implemented by Council in an effort to minimise nuisances and concerns. Council currently has a by law limiting dog numbers to 2, however no controls are currently in place for cats. The survey responses indicated that the majority of pet owners had 2 or fewer dogs and a significant amount of cat owners had more than 2 cats.
Support existed for maintaining the bylaw to restrict dog numbers to 2, with consideration to other factors such as property size and breed of dog. There was support for restricting cat numbers to 2 or less, however other factors can be considered when assessing cats such as property size, location and type of enclosures, ability for cat to roam freely and whether it is desexed. The differences associated with multiple cat ownership allow for variations to limits and greater flexibility in assessing the limits should they be introduced.
IdentificationThe issue of cat identification was considered in the survey, and 78% supported compulsory microchipping of cats. 42% of respondents had their cat identified with a microchip. Identification promotes ownership and accountability for the actions of someone’s cat, so improving identification is essential to improve responsible pet ownership. Many of the cats handed into shelters were not identified which indicates that a large cat population is unidentified. Strategies to address cat identification would need to be considered.
Page l 9City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
Communication and EducationEnsuring people are aware of their responsibilities is also essential in preventing nuisances. Developing the right information and communicating this through the right channels is also important. Being aware of changing methods of receiving information and the right source of information will assist Council in delivering the right message at the right time, through the right media. The growing use of social media cannot be overlooked when trying to improve communication and embracing it will enable new opportunities.
Many respondents to the survey indicated that they receive information for their pets from their Vet, so partnering with other providers of animal services such as Vets and local shelters will also improve communications.
Page l 10City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
Objective: Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership
CORPORATE STRATEGY
ACTION TASK 12/13
13/14
14/15
15/16
16/17
TARGET DATE
RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
OTHER DEPTS
Key Performance Indicators
or
Key Success Factors
22 Ensure effective governance
19 Achieve a financially sustainable organisation
12 Support the health and safety of the community
17 Promote community information and learning
Encourage and promote and the registration of dogs
Offer rebates for dog registrations for concession cards, desexing, microchipping and training
Annually MEHS
TLGI
Council Increase in registration rates (unregistered dogs less than 10%)
Undertake annual Dog Registration assessment to identify unregistered dogs and encourage registrations
Annually (Sept to June)
DRAT Annual Registration Assessment undertaken
Unregistered dogs less than 10%
Identify and implement easier and innovative ways to facilitate registration renewals
Review Annually
MEHS
TLGI
CC Improved registration rates
Reduced costs and time to renew registrations
Encourage and promote responsible dog ownership
Promote the benefits of desexing of dogs Annually MEHS
TLGI
Inspectorial Services
D&CM Board
Vets
Mktg
Information is developed and made available to the community on desexing
Increase in the percentage of registered dogs that are desexed.
Review registration rebates as an opportunity to increase percentage of dogs desexed
June 2014 MEHS
TLGI
Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are desexed dogs
Investigate opportunities to subsidize and improve desexing rates with Local Vets and other agencies
June 2014 MEHS
TLGI
Board
Vets
As above
Subsidized desexing programs available in the community
Promote the benefits of micro chipping. Annually As above
D&CM Board
Vets
Mktg
Information is developed and made available to the community on microchipping
Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are micro
CORPORATE STRATEGY
ACTION TASK 12/13
13/14
14/15
15/16
16/17
TARGET DATE
RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
OTHER DEPTS
Key Performance Indicators
or
Key Success Factors
chipped
Review registration rebates as an opportunity to increase percentage of dogs microchipped
June 2014 MEHS
TLGI
Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are microchipped
Promote and provide micro chipping days for residents dogs to offer subsidized microchipping.
Annually As above
D&CM Board
Vets
Mktg
Micro chipping days conducts at least once per annum
Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are micro chipped
Promote the benefits of having an obedience trained dog
Annually As above Local Obedience clubs
Information is developed and made available to the community on training
Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are trained
Review registration rebates as an opportunity to increase percentage of dogs trained.
June 2014 MEHS
TLGI
Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are desexed dogs
Promote local training providers that meet the DCMB required training standards.
Annually MEHS
TLGI
Local Obedience clubs
Mktg
List of providers available to community via Council web site and other means
Investigate opportunities for subsidized training.
June 2014 MEHS
TLGI
Subsidized training courses identified
Increase in percentage of registered dogs that are trained
Encourage and promote suitable pet selection
Promote the Dog and Cat management web site for educational materials on dogs and cats
Annually TLGI
Inspectorial Services
D&CM Board
Web site promoted and links established from CoS web site
Links to
CORPORATE STRATEGY
ACTION TASK 12/13
13/14
14/15
15/16
16/17
TARGET DATE
RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
OTHER DEPTS
Key Performance Indicators
or
Key Success Factors
http://gooddogsa.com/
http://www.goodcatsa.com/
Promote Select an owner and select a cat for identifying suitable pets to suit lifestyle, home life and environment
Ongoing TLGI
Inspectorial Services
D&CM Board
Web site promoted and links established from CoS web site
Links to
http://selectanowner.goodownersa.com/
http://www.petnet.com.au/selectapet/choose-a-pet
Web pages and links made available at all library terminals
Promoted on Councils on hold message.
Encourage and promote appropriate pet numbers
Promote and educate dog owners on the Council by law limiting dog numbers, and the relevance of breed, property size and open space
Ongoing Inspectorial Services
% of properties with 2 or fewer dogs
Number of exemptions issued
Relevant information developed and promoted
Promote and educate cat owners on the requirements to maintain reasonable numbers of cats on the property so as to prevent nuisances.
Develop by June 13 and Ongoing
MEHS
Inspectorial Services
Relevant information developed and promoted
Review the by law restricting numbers of dogs and the requirements for assessing exemptions giving consideration to numbers, type of pet and style of housing developments
January 13 MEHS
Inspectorial Services
Development Services
Planning Issues considered and implemented into by law for dogs and cats
CORPORATE STRATEGY
ACTION TASK 12/13
13/14
14/15
15/16
16/17
TARGET DATE
RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
OTHER DEPTS
Key Performance Indicators
or
Key Success Factors
Promote pet friendly designs for new home and for renovations
July 15 and ongoing
MEHS
Inspectorial Services
Development Services
Mktg
Pet friendly design concepts provided to builders and developers
Information available online through Council web pages
Encourage and promote responsible cat ownership
Promote the desexing of cats Ongoing MEHS
Inspectorial Services
D&CMB
C.A.T.S
Vets
Increase in desexing rates (information from Vets and other agencies)
Reduction in number of Cats being taken to Shelters
Investigate additional opportunities to increase desexing rates with local vets and other agencies
June 2014 MEHS
TLGI
D&CMB
Vets
CATS Inc.
Increase in desexing rates (information from Vets and other agencies)
Subsidized desexing programs available in the community
Desexing clinics
Promote the identification and micro chipping of cats
Ongoing MEHS
Inspectorial Services
D&CM Board
Vets
Increase in return to owner rates from cats taken to shelters or vets
Increase in Microchipping rates (information from Vets and other agencies)
Promote and provide micro chipping days to offer subsidized microchipping for cats.
Annually MEHS
Inspectorial Services
D&CM Board
Vets
Mktg
Micro chipping days conducts at least once per annum
Increase in percentage of cats that are micro chipped
Educate and Inform the Community on responsible pet ownership and their rights and their responsibilities
Investigate and implement the use of social media to improve information and communication for dog and cat management and regulation.
Eg Facebook, YouTube, web pages, blogs, RSS feeds
June 14 MEHS
Inspectorial Services
Mktg Social media campaigns implemented where appropriate
Web traffic data supports active use.
CORPORATE STRATEGY
ACTION TASK 12/13
13/14
14/15
15/16
16/17
TARGET DATE
RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
OTHER DEPTS
Key Performance Indicators
or
Key Success Factors
Investigate, identify and implement interactive community information campaigns that engage the community and have active involvement in the campaigns.
June 14 then ongoing
MEHS
Inspectorial Services
Mktg Interactive campaigns implemented
Salisbury Poster Dog campaign implemented
Develop partnerships with Local Vets to improve communication with local pet owners through the distribution of information.
June 14 MEHS
Inspectorial Services
Mktg
Vets
Council information available at all Vets in the area.
Develop education and information program for responsible pet ownership, targeted at both primary and secondary school children
June 14 then ongioing
MEHS
Inspectorial Services
Mktg
D&CMB
Education campaign developed and
Review and amend Council web pages to provide easily accessible and relevant information
June 14 MEHS
Inspectorial Services
Mktg
Council web pages reviewed annually.
Provide links to other relevant agencies and web pages to promote dog and cat information
June 14 MEHS
Inspectorial Services
Mktg
Council web pages reviewed annually.
Links provided and up to date
Promote council services to ensure residents and the community are aware of Councils responsibilities and services provided
June 2013 then ongoing
MEHS
Inspectorial Services
Mktg
Council web pages reviewed annually.
Information developed on Council services and available online and hard copy
MEHS – Manager Environmental Health and Safety, TLGI – Team Leader General Inspectorate, DRAT – Dog Registration Assessment Team, D&CMB – Dog and Cat Management Board, C.A.T.S. – Cats Assistance to Sterilize Incorporated, CC – Customer Center. Mktg –Corporate Communications and Marketing
Objective: Increase public safety, and enhance the amenity and environment
Wandering at LargeDogs and cats are an important part of the community and can have a direct impact on public safety and the amenity and the environment. The public safety risks associated with dogs include wandering at large and harassing or attacking. Council investigates over 1500 wandering at large incidents and impounds approximately 1200 dogs annually, which is great demand on resources and is a significant contributor to harassments and attacks. Over 120 dog attack/harassment incidents are reported with around 80 resulting in investigations every year.
The survey of residents identified that these two issues, dogs wandering and fear from attacks or harassments, made up 47% of all concerns associated with dogs, and as a result strategies to address these issues would need to be considered.
Off leash ExerciseThe dog leashing laws imposed by the City of Salisbury has deemed all parks and reserves as on lead areas between 8.00am and 6.30pm, so as to ensure that members of the community can enjoy these areas without fear of attack or harassment from unrestrained dogs. The reduction in dog attack incidents since the introduction of these laws has been evidence of their success, and the awareness of these laws was high. The provision of off lead areas is part of the strategy to ensure that owners have a suitable location to exercise their dogs off lead, however continual review of these laws and requirements must be undertaken to ensure Council effectively balances legislative controls with the needs of the community.
Usage of the dog friendly parks indicated that some areas have higher usage than others, so further investigation needs to be undertaken to establish if additional parks are required or existing parks expanded. Lighting for parks was the highest response for improvements and subsequently this will need further investigation.
Many respondents to the survey also indicated they utilise the network of local streets and reserves for dog walking and exercise when required. This provides opportunities to maximise the network of local reserves and make pet friendly improvements to facilitate on lead activities.
Cats WanderingThe major environmental impact associated with cats was identified as their opportunity to wander at large unrestrained and the impact that they have on property, noise and spraying. The survey of residents identified that these issues were the major concerns associated with cats. A major source of cats that undertake these activities are the partially owned cats which are fed by many people however know one accepts responsibility for these cats. As a result strategies would need to address these concerns in an effort to reduce the environmental impact of cats.
Page l 16City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
Objective: Increase public safety, and enhance the amenity and environment
CORPORATE STRATEGY
ACTION TASK 12/13
13/14
14/15
15/16
16/17
TARGET DATE
RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
OTHER DEPTS
Key Performance Indicators
or
Key Success Factors
12 Support the health and safety of the community
11 Maximize the appeal and use of streetscapes and open spaces
14 Ensure community resources are accessible
15 Actively support and promote the recreation and leisure needs of the community
17 Promote community information and learning
Reduce the incidents of dogs wandering at large (WAL)
Enforce the WAL provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act, and implement measures to reduce and prevent recurrent incidents.
Annually MEHS
TLGI
Decrease in Wandering at large incidents.
Number of repeat offenders less that 1% of total incidents.
Develop and promote and review educational material to the community on preventing dogs wandering at large
Annually MEHS
TLGI
Mktg Information developed and available through multiple channels.
Decrease in Wandering at large incidents.
Number of repeat offenders less that 1% of total incidents
Develop information and education campaign to address fireworks and storm risks for dogs WAL
June 14 MEHS
TLGI
Mktg
D&CMB
Information developed and available through multiple channels.
Provide on and off leash exercise areas for dogs
Maintain and promote the City’s dog friendly parks
Annually MEHS
TLGI
Asset Services
Increase in resident satisfaction of Dog Friendly Parks
Review usage rates of DFP, to identify opportunities to increase capacity if required.
June 15 MEHS
TLGI
City Projects
Asset Services
Usage rates identified and recommendations presented to Council
Investigate the provision of additional dog friendly parks in un-serviced areas
June 15 MEHS
TLGI
City Projects
Asset Services
Review undertaken and recommendations presented to Council
Investigate the provision of additional dog friendly ―puppy‖ park in association with existing park.
June 15 MEHS
TLGI
City Projects
Asset Services
Review undertaken and recommendations presented to Council
CORPORATE STRATEGY
ACTION TASK 12/13
13/14
14/15
15/16
16/17
TARGET DATE
RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
OTHER DEPTS
Key Performance Indicators
or
Key Success Factors
Investigate the provision of lighting in the dog friendly parks
June 15 MEHS
TLGI
City Projects
Asset Services
Review undertaken and recommendations presented to Council
Promote the existing Salisbury Park lands network for pet friendly on leash activity.
June 13 then ongoing
MEHS
TLGI
Mktg
City Projects
Asset Services
Information developed and made available
Investigate and develop on lead exercise trail to support pet walking activities through Council parklands network.
June 15 MEHS
TLGI
Mktg
City Projects
Asset Services
Community Services
On lead walking trails investigated and recommendation presented to Council
Review current by law 6 requiring dogs on leads in all public places in relation to times.
June 14 MEHS
TLGI
Review undertaken and recommendations implemented.
Reduce the incidents of dog attacks
Investigate all attacks and gather relevant information and analyze data to implement strategies to prevent further attacks.
Eg: Breed, sex, desexed, source of dog, trained
Annually MEHS
TLGI
D&CMB Data gathered and analyzed
Correlating factors determined and utilized for policy development.
Develop and promote educational material to the community on preventing dog attacks in and adjacent to the home
Develop by June 14 and then Annually
MEHS
TLGI
Mktg Information developed and distributed.
Dog attack rates decreased for previous years
Develop Dog Attack education campaign highlighting the impact of Dog attacks on community, including costs, fines, impacts and injuries
Develop by June 14 and then Annually
MEHS
TLGI
Mktg Information developed and distributed.
CORPORATE STRATEGY
ACTION TASK 12/13
13/14
14/15
15/16
16/17
TARGET DATE
RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
OTHER DEPTS
Key Performance Indicators
or
Key Success Factors
Encourage responsible dog faeces disposals
Develop and or promote educational material to the community on responsible dog faeces disposal
Ongoing MEHS
TLGI
Mktg Information developed and distributed
Reduce the environmental impacts of cats
Encourage the use of cat runs and enclosures and pet friendly enclosures
June14 then Ongoing
MEHS
TLGI
Increase in properties with cats runs (consider register to capture information)
Reduction in shelter admissions from Salisbury
Cat Trap Hire rates
Develop and or promote educational material on the consequences of feeding partially owned cats and the effects of this practice, and or support the D&CMB campaign
Ongoing MEHS
TLGI
D&CMB
Mktg
Information developed and distributed
Reduction in shelter admissions from Salisbury
Promote council services to ensure residents and the community are aware of Councils responsibilities and services provided in relation to Cats
June 2013 then ongoing
MEHS
Inspectorial Services
Mktg
Council web pages reviewed annually.
Information developed on Council services and available online and hard copy
MEHS – Manager Environmental Health and Safety, TLGI – Team Leader General Inspectorate, DRAT – Dog Registration Assessment Team, D&CMB – Dog and Cat Management Board, C.A.T.S. – Cats Assistance to Sterilize Incorporated, CC – Customer Center. Mktg –Corporate Communications and Marketing
Objective: Reduce public and environmental nuisances from dogs and cats
Dog Noise and Nuisance ComplaintsOne of the major concerns with dogs is the noise and nuisance incidents. Council investigates over 250 noise and nuisance complaints per annum and the survey of residents identified that noise from dogs made up 42% of all concerns associated with dogs. Dog noise can be attributed to many factors including, environment, surroundings, temperament of the dog, boredom or anxiety, and the owner’s commitment to the dog. As a result strategies to address these issues would need to be considered. Adequate and effective investigations and the application of education, encouragement and enforcement will also help reduce the impact of nuisances and also prevent their recurrence.
Training of dogs can help reduce many of the nuisances and improve socialisation which in turn can reduce and prevent many of the attacks on other animals and people. The cost and time commitment to training is a big deterrent, which is not offset by the registration rebates. Increasing the rebates for training or subsidising training courses is an opportunity to improve training rates.
Cat Nuisances70% of respondents have been affected by cats that weren’t their own with the highest concerns being wandering onto yard, spraying or urinating on property, faeces in yard and noise, with the lowest concern being too many cats on the property. This provided support to the need to address nuisances created by cats that wander onto others properties, with supporting education programs to encourage cat owners to contain their cats and prevent them from wandering. The lesser concern with the number of cats seems to indicate that restrictions in numbers are less important if wandering cats are addressed. Providing traps and other resources to enable adequate responses to wandering cats is also important to the overall strategy.
DesexingDesexing is also known to reduce many nuisance behaviours in both dogs and cats and subsequently desexing can result in improvements throughout the community and also a reduction in unwanted pets, and in particular stray and semi owned cats.
Semi owned or Stray CatsSemi owned cats are classified as cats that are fed and partially looked after, however no one claims ownership. They tend to roam freely and enter yards where one or more property owners will feed and or care for the cat.
34% of respondents indicated they have fed or cared for a cat that wasn’t their own. With 52% indicating that they believed the cat was a stray, however 33% believed the cat was owned by someone else, but continued to provide food or care.
57% of the respondents would not claim ownership of the cat that entered the yard even though a large percentage thought the cat was a stray.
This behaviour contributes to the growing number of stray cats that wander from yard to yard and the over population of cats that are responsible for many of the nuisances.
Semi owned cat behaviours are contributory to the over population of cats as many people engage in this behaviour which provides for a food source for cats and the lack of ownership and responsibility also provides for a non desexed population that can continue to breed and provide a growing population of cats. Shelter data also supports the theory that nuisances are caused by un-owned cats as only 1% of all cats admitted are actually claimed by someone as the owner.
Addressing these behaviours is important to address cat numbers and nuisances from wandering cats. The Dog and Cat Management Board is preparing a campaign to address semi owned cats and associated behaviours and concerns. Adopting and promoting this campaign will assist Council in addressing this matter.
Page l 20City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
Objective: Reduce public and environmental nuisances from dogs and cats
CORPORATE STRATEGY
ACTION TASK 12/13
13/14
14/15
15/16
16/17
TARGET DATE
RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
OTHER DEPTS
Key Performance Indicators
or
Key Success Factors
12 Support the health and safety of the community
17 Promote community information and learning
Reduce dog noise and nuisance incidents
Investigate reports of dog noise and nuisance and implement measures to prevent recurrence
Ongoing MEHS
TLGI
Number of repeat offenders less that 1% of total incidents
Decrease in dog noise and nuisance incidents
Develop and or promote educational material to the community on identifying the causes and ways to reduce dog noise and nuisance issues
Ongoing MEHS
TLGI
Mktg
D&CM Board
Decrease in dog noise incidents
Develop and promote educational material and check list on identifying the impacts on dogs and neighbours when moving to new homes to prevent noise and nuisance and WAL
June 13 then ongoing
MEHS
TLGI
Mktg
Information developed and distributed
Promote the benefits of desexing and training in preventing dog noise and nuisance behaviors
June 13 MEHS
TLGI
D&CMB
Vets
Training Providers
Refer to previous table ―Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership‖
Promote long term noise nuisance abatement through dog behaviour training such as ―Bark Busters‖
Annually MEHS
TLGI
Bark Busters
Increase in % of complaints utilizing Bark Busters or similar programs
Number of repeat offenders less that 1% of total incidents
Reduce public and environmental health nuisances from dogs and cats
Encourage the use of cat runs and enclosures to prevent cats from wandering and causing nuisances such as:
noise,
defecating on others property and
spraying
June 13 then ongoing
MEHS
TLGI
Increase in properties with cats runs (consider register to capture information)
CORPORATE STRATEGY
ACTION TASK 12/13
13/14
14/15
15/16
16/17
TARGET DATE
RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
OTHER DEPTS
Key Performance Indicators
or
Key Success Factors
Promote the use of cat traps to enable residents to capture wandering cats
June 13 then ongoing
MEHS
TLGI
Number of traps loaned
Number of traps talen to shelters
Investigate and implement partnerships with shelters and Local Vets to enable residents to drop off trapped cats
June 13 then ongoing
MEHS
TLGI
Partnerships developed
Inform the community of their responsibilities and obligations under current legislative requirements to prevent nuisances from cats
June 14 then ongoing
MEHS
TLGI
Mktg Educational material developed and distributed
Promote the benefits of desexing in preventing cat nuisance behaviors
June 13 then ongoing
MEHS
TLGI
D&CMB
Vets
Training Providers
Educational material developed and distributed
Develop and or promote educational material on the consequences of feeding partially owned cats and the effects of this practice, and or support the D&CMB campaign
Ongoing MEHS
TLGI
D&CMB
Mktg
Information developed and distributed
Reduction in shelter admissions from Salisbury
MEHS – Manager Environmental Health and Safety, TLGI – Team Leader General Inspectorate, DRAT – Dog Registration Assessment Team, D&CMB – Dog and Cat Management Board, C.A.T.S. – Cats Assistance to Sterilize Incorporated, CC – Customer Center. Mktg –Corporate Communications and Marketing
Objective: Promote the benefits of dog and cat ownership
There is a wealth of scientific evidence to support the benefits of owning pets and their use in therapy. Evidence of a link between pet ownership and better health has been demonstrated by a range of different studies.
Dogs encourage people to enjoy the outdoors. They have been shown to stimulate conversation between strangers in public places and they improve people’s sense of security, both in the home and with their owner in public places. Pets are also wonderful companions, helping combat loneliness and social alienation in some cases. These benefits are as important for the elderly and single person households as they are for households with children.
Part of the challenge involves removing barriers to owning pets. Local government has a role to play in harnessing these benefits - not to encourage people to buy a pet but to even up the balance in the consideration of domestic animals issues and by removing unnecessary barriers to pet ownership.
Page l 23City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
Objective: Promote the benefits of dog and cat ownership
CORPORATE STRATEGY
ACTION TASK 12/13
13/14
14/15
15/16
16/17
TARGET DATE
RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
OTHER DEPTS
Key Performance Indicators
or
Key Success Factors
12 Support the health and safety of the community
17 Promote community information and learning
Promote the benefits of dog and cat ownership
Develop and or promote educational material to the community on the benefits of pet ownership
Ongoing MEHS
TLGI
Mktg
D&CMB
Information developed and distributed
Encourage and support pet friendly community events
Ongoing MEHS
TLGI
Mktg
D&CMB
Number of community events and participation
MEHS – Manager Environmental Health and Safety, TLGI – Team Leader General Inspectorate, DRAT – Dog Registration Assessment Team, D&CMB – Dog and Cat Management Board, C.A.T.S. – Cats Assistance to Sterilize Incorporated, CC – Customer Center. Mktg –Corporate Communications and Marketing
Objective: Ensure Council delivers effective, efficient and innovative dog and cat management services
The Dog and Cat Management Act requires the Council to enforce the provisions of the Act. The approach by the City of Salisbury in the first instance will be to educate and then encourage people to accept their responsibilities of pet ownership before the need to enforce the provisions of the Act.
Public places are monitored to ensure that the provisions of the Act are complied with, and dog management officers are available to respond to concerns of the community and breaches of the Act. It is council’s responsibility to make arrangements for the provision of these services that are efficient and effective and that employ Best Practice.
Page l 25City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
To ensure that the service delivery is efficient and effective Council develops annual business plans to guide and achieve operational activities and strategic directions
Maintaining best practice requires that staff and council are informed of all latest developments and up coming changes in legislation and practices. Maintaining representation at the relevant professional associations and undertaking continuous professional development ensures that Council and its staff are kept up to date with all latest developments.
Objective: Ensure Council delivers effective, efficient and innovative dog and cat management services
CORPORATE STRATEGY
ACTION TASK 12/13
13/14
14/15
15/16
16/17
TARGET DATE
RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
OTHER DEPTS
Key Performance Indicators
or
Key Success Factors
12 Support the health and safety of the community
17 Promote community information and learning
19 Achieve a financially sustainable organisation
Encourage and support the continuous professional development of staff
Attend relevant training and education packages suited to Animal Management Officers
Annually MEHS
TLGI
Council staff actively participating in training, meetings and seminars
Promote and encourage staff membership of relevant professional associations.
Annually MEHS
TLGI
Membership rates of staff at 80%
20 Develop and maintain a great workforce
21 Provide excellent customer service
22 Ensure effective governance
Provide efficient and effective dog and cat management services
Develop annual business plan to guide and achieve operational activities and strategic directions
Annually MEHS
TLGI
Business Plan Developed and implemented
Utilize effective IT solutions to improve processes and customer service
Annually MEHS
TLGI
IT solutions and improvements identified and implemented
Promote animal management services offered by Council
Promote council services to ensure residents and the community are aware of Councils responsibilities and services provided
June 2013 then ongoing
MEHS
Inspectorial Services
Mktg
Council web pages reviewed annually.
Information developed on Council services and available online and hard copy
MEHS – Manager Environmental Health and Safety, TLGI – Team Leader General Inspectorate, DRAT – Dog Registration Assessment Team, D&CMB – Dog and Cat Management Board, C.A.T.S. – Cats Assistance to Sterilize Incorporated, CC – Customer Center. Mktg –Corporate Communications and Marketing
Dogs on and off leash areas
Leashing LawsAs part of its drive to reduce the incidence of dog attacks in the Salisbury area, Council maintains and enforces a By Law requiring all dogs to be leashed in public places (including roads and footpaths) except for parks and open spaces marked with signs permitting unleashed exercise from 6.30 pm to 8 am daily.
Dog Friendly ParksCouncil provides “dog friendly parks” where owners can exercise their dogs unleashed at any time. There are nine dog friendly parks within the City of Salisbury. These fenced parks have been designed to provide interesting recreational environments including obstacle courses, lawned areas and seating for owners. Doggy litter bags along with taps and bowls are provided on site.
Page l 27City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
The Dog Park locations within Salisbury Region:
Baltimore Reserve, Oleander Drive, Parafield •GardensBolivar Road Reserve, Bolivar Road, Bolivar•Canterbury Reserve, Canterbury Drive Salisbury •HeightsDry Creek Linear Park, Park Way, Mawson •LakesGolding Oval, Corner Redhill Road and Kalina •Avenue, Para VistaHappy Home Reserve, Waterloo Corner Road •Salisbury NorthJenkins Reserve, Salisbury Park•The Paddocks, Maxwell Road, Para Hills West•Unity Park, South Terrace Pooraka•
A copy of the flyer advertising the Dog Friendly Parks is attached.
The Law Applicable to Dogs and CatsThe City of Salisbury as with other authorities administers several laws and by laws applicable to dogs and cats. The applicable legislation includes the following:
Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 and Regulations
The objects of the Dog and Cat Management Act are:
(a) to encourage responsible dog and cat ownership;(b) to reduce public and environmental nuisance caused by dogs and cats;(c) to promote the effective management of dogs and cats (including through encouragement of the desexing of dogs and cats).
The Act has prescriptive requirements for dog and cat owners, with Councils having the responsibility to enforce these requirements. Some of the areas of responsibility include:
to register dogs•to have dogs under effective control•to prevent dogs from attacking/harassing•to prevent noise nuisances form dogs•to clean up after dogs in public places•the ability to issue dog control orders •
If breaches are detected owners could face penalties and or orders. A copy of the Act is available on line at: http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au
By laws
The City of Salisbury has one by law under the Dog and Cat Management Act to address dog management issues.
This is By law 5 – Dogs, which covers the following provisions:
Limit on dog numbers•Exemptions from Limits for Kennel •EstablishmentsDog Free area•Dog on leash areas•Dog exercise areas•
Copies of the by laws are available on line at www.salisbury.sa.gov.au
Local Government Act 1999
Under the provisions of the Local Government Council has the ability to issue orders to require a person to do or refrain from doing a thing specified in the order in an effort to prevent animals, including dogs and cats, from being a nuisance or injurious to health.
A nuisance can be created form any of the following:
the numbers of animals or birds;1. the noise, dust or odour generated by the 2. presence of the animal or bird;the attraction of flies, rats, mice or other 3. vermin;the aggressive nature of the animal or bird;4. the nature and location of housing facilities for 5. the animal or bird;the animal or bird not being adequately 6. contained on the land; orthe animal or bird being allowed to wander 7. or fly from or to the land either alone or in numbers;droppings emanating from animal or bird; or8. for any other reason9.
Council has developed a policy for the implementation of the order making provisions and is available on line at www.salisbury.sa.gov.au
Page l 28City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
Public and Environmental Health Act 1987
Under the requirements of the Public and Environmental Health Act it is the duty of a local Council:
(a) to promote proper standards of public and environmental health in its area; and (b) to take adequate measures to ensure that the provisions of Part 3 are observed in its area; and (c) to take reasonable steps- (i) to prevent the occurrence and spread of notifiable diseases within its area; and (ii) to prevent any infestation or spread of vermin, rodents or other pests within its area.
The implications for dog and cat owners are the requirements to prevent the occurrence of insanitary conditions associated with the keeping of dogs and cats, which can result from excessive numbers, un-kept yards used to house pets, and improper faeces disposal. If breaches are detected owners could face penalties and or notices requiring them to amend the area of concern.
A copy of the Act is available on line at http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au
Development Act
Schedule 3 of the Development Regulations - (Acts and activities which are not development) states amongst other things that the keeping of animals (includes dogs and cats), birds, or other livestock (other than horses, sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, donkeys and wild animals) solely for domestic needs and enjoyment of the occupants of a dwelling and land appurtenant to that dwelling is not development and as such does not require a Planning Approval.
This definition does not include the operation of a cattery or dog kennels from a residential property which is viewed as a change in the use of the land and as such would require a planning consent.
Page l 29City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
Corporate Goals and Strategies
City of Salisbury
GOAL: A prosperous and progressive CityStrategies1 Promote the benefits of living and working in Salisbury 2 Encourage quality, appropriate development3 Attract and enhance business development4 Facilitate partnerships between education, research and industry5 Ensure infrastructure supports development6 Facilitate the long term supply of future industrial and commercial land7 Facilitate the delivery of an integrated transport networkGOAL: An environmentally sustainable CityStrategies8 Conserve and promote biodiversity, natural habitats and open spaces9 Minimise waste generation and effectively manage the collection, recycling and disposal of public waste10 Develop opportunities and strategies that support the sustainable use of resourcesGOAL: A safe, accessible and attractive CityStrategies11 Maximise the appeal and use of streetscapes and open spaces12 Support the health and safety of the community13 Facilitate the provision of information and communication opportunities14 Ensure community resources are accessibleGOAL: A vibrant, engaged and proud communityStrategies15 Actively support and promote the recreation and leisure needs of the community16 Celebrate community achievements17 Promote community information and learning18 Facilitate social and community programs and services
GOAL: A high performing organisationStrategies19 Achieve a financially sustainable organisation20 Develop and maintain a great workforce21 Provide excellent customer service22 Ensure effective governance
Page l 30City of Salisbury l Dog and Cat Management Plan
Dog and Cat Management Plan
2012/13 - 2017/18
Ensuring Responsible
Pet Ownership