Domestic Animal Management Plan - City of Monash · direction and action plans related to animal management during the four‐year period ... Birth Number of Residents %age ... Domestic

Domestic Animal Management Plan

2013‐2017

(DRAFT FOR COMMENT)

DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLAN – 2013‐2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Subject Page

PART A

1 Introduction ………………………………………………………. 1

2 Monash in Context …………………………………………….. 5

3 Training of Authorised Officers ………………………….. 8

PART B

4 Registration and Identification …………………………… 12

5 Nuisance ……………………………………………………………. 18

6 Dog Attacks ……………………………………………………….. 23

7 Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breed Dogs 25

8 Overpopulation and High Euthanasia ………………… 27

9 Domestic Animal Businesses ……………………………… 30

10 Other Matters ……………………………………………………. 31

11 Current Situation ……………………………………………….. 36

PART C

12 Annual Review of Plan and Annual Reporting ….… 38

ANNEXURES

Annexure 1 Monash Community Survey Summary …………….… 44

Annexure 2 Activity Evaluation Flowchart ………………….…………. 48

Annexure 3 Designated Off‐leash Areas for Dogs and Reserves where Cats are prohibited ………………….. 49

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2013‐2017 (Draft) Page 1

PART A 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of Plan This Domestic Animal Management Plan (hereinafter referred to as the DAM Plan) has been prepared to provide a strategic framework to the City of Monash for policy direction and action plans related to animal management during the four‐year period to 2017. Council has a dual role of enforcing relevant State legislation and its own Local Laws together with educating our community on issues of animal management and responsibilities associated with pet ownership. The DAM Plan aims to integrate best practice in domestic animal management with Council’s priorities for actions to be undertaken during the period 2013‐2017.

1.2 Domestic Animal Management Domestic animal management detailed in this plan applies to both dogs and cats within the City of Monash. The Council is charged with responsibilities on a wide range of issues associated with these animals. Substantive issues include:

• Animal registration; • Animal identification; • Dog attacks; • Restricted breeds of dogs; • Problem barking; • Dogs wandering at large; • Dog access to public places (parks, reserves and streets); • Dog faeces management; • Impact of cats, including their confinement; • Education in responsible pet ownership; • Welfare of animals, including unwanted animals and the issue of desexing; • Health, leisure and social aspects of pet ownership. and • Training for animal management officers.

Whilst enforcement of laws relating to the keeping of dogs and cats has been the traditional form of domestic animal management in the past, the focus has shifted in more recent times to educating our community in responsible pet ownership.

This DAM Plan focuses on encouraging best practice for domestic management of dogs and cats in Monash.


1.3 Legislative Requirements for DAM Plan Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (the Act) requires:

1. Every Council to prepare a domestic animal management plan at 4 year intervals.

2. The domestic animal management plan must—

(a)set out a method for evaluating whether the animal control services provided by the Council in its municipal district are adequate to give effect to the requirements of this Act and the regulations; and

(b)outline programs for the training of authorised officers to ensure that they can properly administer and enforce the requirements of this Act in the Council’s municipal district; and

(c)outline programs, services and strategies which the Council intends to pursue in its municipal district—

(i) to promote and encourage the responsible ownership of dogs and cats; and

(ii) to ensure that people comply with this Act, the regulations and any related legislation; and

(iii) to minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals; and

(iv) to address any over‐population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and cats; and

(v) to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats; and

(vi) to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance; and

(vii) to effectively identify all dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and restricted breed dogs in that district and to ensure that those dogs are kept in compliance with this Act and the regulations; and

(d) provide for the review of existing orders made under this Act and local laws that relate to the Council’s municipal district with a view to determining whether further orders or local laws dealing with the management of dogs and cats in the municipal district are desirable; and

(e) provide for the review of any other matters related to the management of dogs and cats in the Council’s municipal district that it thinks necessary; and

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

3. Every Council must—

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

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

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


1.4 Process for Developing this Plan In preparing this DAM Plan, the following methodology has been applied:

• Existing animal management operations were reviewed including existing procedures, local laws and orders.

• The strategic content was reviewed including plans and strategies that might be relevant to animal management.

• During September to December 2012, Council’s Animal Management Officers (AMOs) were present in shopping centres and discussed animal management matters with the public. An issues paper was circulated that:

o provided a better understanding on animal management, o fostered community interest and discussion, and o encouraged community input on relevant issues.

• The Monash Community Survey was conducted by Council during November and December 2012. This survey sought coordinated community input into a new Council plan and 12 other Council plans and strategies being prepared for the 2013‐2017 period. One of those ‘other plans’ was this DAM Plan (refer to Annexure A for a summary of the feedback).

• A draft DAM Plan was prepared and following Council’s consideration, released for public consultation and community feedback.

• This Domestic Animal Management Plan is to be adopted by Council in July 2013.

1.5 Structure of the Plan This DAM Plan is presented in three parts, namely:

• Part A – Purpose, demographics, process and resources; • Part B Key Issues and Strategic Directions for the next four years; and • Part C – Annual reviews and reporting.

1.6 Domestic Animal Controls in Monash Controls on domestic animals are derived from various sources. The following summarises these controls for Monash:

1.6.1 Domestic Animals Act 1994.

Under provisions of the Act, all dogs and cats must be registered with Council by 10 April each year, or upon them reaching three months of age. The animal’s registration tag must be worn on its collar at all times.

The Act stipulates specific controls to the keeping of defined Restricted Bread Dogs. Particular provisions also apply for the control of dogs declared to be dangerous.

A Council Order made under Section 26A of the Act requires dogs to be leashed in all public places except for designated off‐leash parks (refer to Annexure 3 for locations). Conditions apply.


1.6.2 Council’s Local Law No 3

Amongst other things, this Local Law regulates the keeping of animals in Monash. It requires a special annual permit from Council to keep more than two dogs and three cats.

The Local Law also contains requirements for housing animals, controlling animal odours and removing dog excrement from the road or Council land.


2. MONASH IN CONTEXT

2.1 Key Features of Monash The municipality of Monash encompasses an area of 81.5 square kilometres. It is

located between 13 and 24 kilometres to the east of Melbourne Central Business District. The municipality is predominantly residential, but it also contains substantial industrial, commercial and recreational areas. Suburbs within Monash’s municipal boundaries are: • Ashwood, • Clayton, • Glen Waverley, • Hughesdale, • Huntingdale, • Mount Waverley, • Mulgrave, • Notting Hill, • Oakleigh, • Oakleigh East, and • Wheelers Hill. Monash also contains parts of the suburbs of: • Burwood, • Chadstone, and • Oakleigh South.

Major features of Monash include: • Monash University in Clayton; • Monash Medical Centre in Clayton; • Four private hospitals in Clayton (2), Mount Waverley and Mulgrave; • Major shopping precincts in Brandon Park, Clayton, Glen Waverley, Mount

Waverley, Oakleigh and Waverley Gardens; • Regional parks managed by Parks Victoria including Jells Park, Bushy Park,

Shepherds Bush, Scotchmans Creek Linear Park and Corhanwarrabul Wetlands; • Well positioned and maintained public parks and reserves throughout Monash

for both active and passive recreational pursuits. Adjoining municipalities are: • Boroondara, • Glen Eira, • Greater Dandenong, • Kingston, • Knox, • Stonington, and • Whitehorse.


Monash’s municipal boundaries are determined by: • Highbury Road in the north; • Dandenong Creek in the east; • Police Road/ Dandenong Road/ Westall Road/ Centre Road in the south; and • Poath Road/ Dandenong Road/ Warrigal Road in the west. 2.2 Monash’s Population The 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census recorded Monash’s population at just under 169,300 residents. This represented an increase of 4.3% since the 2006 ABS Census. The cultural diversity of Monash’s residents is amplified by the fact that 45% of Monash’s residents were born oversees. Table 1 illustrates the most significant countries of birth for Monash residents. Table 1: Most Significant Countries of Birth for Monash Residents

Country of Birth Number of Residents %age of TotalAustralia 86,509 51.0China 13,766 8.1 India 7,323 4.3 Sri Lanka 5,712 3.4 Malaysia 5,488 3.2 United Kingdom 5,017 3.0 Greece 4,545 2.7 Italy 2,935 1.7 Vietnam 2,429 1.4 Hong Kong 2,356 1.4 New Zealand 2,089 1.2 South Korea 1,999 1.2 Indonesia 1,639 1.0 Other Countries 23,327 12.4COB not identified 6,870 4.0

At least 35% of Monash residents were born in non‐English speaking countries. Other than English, the main languages spoken in Monash households are (in order): • Mandarin • Greek • Cantonese • Italian • Sinhalese • Vietnamese • Tamil • Korean • Hindi. 2.3 Housing Profile in Monash In 2011 there were 65,498 private dwellings in Monash. This represented a 4.0% increase since the 2006 Census. Of the 2011 total, 59,376 were occupied private dwellings. Table 2 shows the break‐down of these occupied private dwellings.


Table 2: Break‐down of Occupied Private Dwellings

Structure Type %age of Total

Dwelling Numbers

(approximate only)

Separate Houses 78% 46,300Semi‐detached, Row and Town Houses 12% 7,100Flats, Units and Apartments 10% 5,900Attached to Shop or Office Under 1% 500

It is of interest to note from the 2011 census that 81% of Monash occupied private dwellings were connected to the internet. 2.4 Public Open Space Monash has extensive areas of public open space well distributed and located across the municipality. Over 90% of the available open space is owned and managed by Council. These spaces provide important leisure and recreation opportunities for the public to exercise their dogs. 2.5 Registered Dogs For the 2012 calendar year, 12,995 dogs were registered with Council. This represented an increase of 7.2% on the number of dogs registered in 2011. 2.6 Registered Cats For the 2012 calendar year, 5,461 cats were registered with Council. This represented an increase of 5.2% on the number of cats registered in 2011. 2.7 Registered Domestic Animal Businesses Nine Domestic Animal Businesses (DABs) are registered in Monash. These comprise:

• Six Pet Shops; • Two Dog Trainers; and • One Boarding Kennel.

2.8 Our Plan for 2013‐2017

Objective 1: Improve communications with non‐English speaking residents on keeping pets.

Activity When Evaluation Print and circulate literature in at least the 3 most spoken non‐English languages spoken in Monash.

By 31/12/2013

Literature printed and distributed

Place pet news articles in multi‐cultural papers circulated within Monash

Ongoing Articles included in local ethnic press


3 TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS

3.1 Authorised Officers 3.1.1 Staffing

Two authorised Animal Management Officers (AMOs) are employed by Council full‐time on animal management duties. Council also has one other position of a 0.5 officer which is currently vacant. Back‐up support for these AMOs is provided by two authorised Local Laws officers, as required.

Council has three effective full‐time (EFT) administration officers who spend approximately 50% of their collective time on animal management matters (registrations, enquiries, animal enquiries and complaints).

Council’s Co‐ordinator of Local Laws spends approximately 15% of their time on animal management matters.

3.1.2 Business Hours and After Hours Service

Council’s two AMOs are rostered so that in each week there is a total of 76 hours spent between Monday and Friday and 10 hours spent between Saturday and Sunday undertaking patrolling duties to:

• any area that may be declared as an area from which dogs or cats are excluded, or must be restrained on a leash at all times;

• any area that may be declared by Council as an area where dogs may be exercised off the leash, to ensure dogs are being exercised under effective control;

• all parks, shared pathways for bicycles and pedestrians, playgrounds and barbeque areas;

• any area where the cleaning up of dog faeces is ineffective; and

• other public areas as nominated by Council or identified as deserving of routine patrols.

A full 7 days a week after‐hours service is provided to attend reported dog attacks, menacing dog incident or livestock on roads and to collect a dog or cat where the finder is not able to hold onto the animal until the next working day. After hours patrols are also conducted in response to specific complaints or requests for service.

3.2 Authorised Officer Training

As part of our animal management strategy, Council recognises the importance of authorised officers being adequately trained.

Table 4 sets out the status of training for our AMOs and training proposed during the forthcoming four year period.


Table 4: Training Status for Authorised Animal Management Officers.

Authorised Officer Training ‐ Basic Current

(2013)

Planned

(state when)

Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation

Officer 1

Officer 2

2015

2014

Certificate IV in Animal Welfare (Regulation)

Officer 1

Officer 2

2015

2014

Industry training – animal handling, animal assessment, statement taking, prosecution, computer skills

Officer 1

Officer 2

Officer 3

Completed

Completed

2014

OH&S training – dealing with aggressive customers

Officer 1

Officer 2

Officer 3

Completed

Completed

Updated annually

Customer service training – conflict resolution, telephone speak

Officer 1

Officer 2

Officer 3

Completed

Completed

Completed

Updated annually

Bureau of Animal Welfare – training and information days

Officer 1

Officer 2

Staff attend whenever possible, at least one officer to attend

Continue present arrangements

Induction program for new staff

Officer 1

Officer 2

Officer 3

Completed

Completed

Completed

Update annually

Prosecution Course

Officer 1

Officer 2

Completed


Authorised Officer Training ‐ Basic Current

(2013)

Planned

(state when)

Canine Anatomy and Identification Training Days

Officer 1

Officer 2

Current

Current

Officers to attend all future training days

OH&S training – defensive driver training

Officer 1

Officer 2

Completed

2014

Municipal Association of Victoria and Local Government Professionals – training and information days

Officer 1

Officer 2

Officer 3

Officers attend when able

Aim to have at least one officer attend

Australian Institute of Animal Management annual conference

Officer 1

Officer 2

Aim to have one officer attend annually

Investigation and Case Management

Officer 1

Officer 2

Current

3.3 Our Plans for 2013‐2017

Objective 1: Develop a training policy that clearly identifies minimum

training requirements and any additional training needs that should be undertaken by support Authorised Officers.

Activity When Evaluation Identify minimum training requirements by consultation with management and staff

By 30/09/2013

Documentation to be finalised and incorporated into an approved Council training policy by 31/12/2013

Identify additional training opportunities by consultation with management and staff

By 30/09/ 2013



Objective 2: Develop and maintain a training register for individual officers detailing completed and proposed training.

Activity When Evaluation Create a spreadsheet listing each officer’s name, and their completed training, along with proposed training

By 31/12/2013

Review spreadsheet quarterly to ensure its accuracy and to determine whether proposed training goals have been met for each officer

Objective 3: Ensure all Authorised Officers have completed their minimum training requirements within three months of appointment.

Activity When Evaluation Identify minimum training requirements for officers (e.g. OH&S, animal handling), and create document to record when officers have completed each course

Ongoing Review spreadsheet quarterly and ensure each officer has completed their minimum training requirements within 3 months of appointment

Objective 4: Offer at least one opportunity for additional training each year.

Activity When Evaluation Identify additional training opportunities e.g. prosecutions training, conflict management, communication / education technique

By 31/12 each year

Review annually how many officers undertook training that was in addition to their minimum requirements. Meet objective of providing one additional training opportunities annually

Objective 5: Ensure animal management officers’ skills continue to be updated in relation to their understanding and diagnosis of excessive barking and solutions available.

Activity When Evaluation Review current skills and identify additional training opportunities

Ongoing Audit adopted procedures and practices annually. Review numbers of nuisance complaints annually

Objective 6: Continue to improve animal management officer skills in communicating with the public on pet ownership.


Ongoing Review officer skills annually.


PART B

4. REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION

4.1 Current Situation 4.1.1 Our current data

4.1.1.1 Registrations:

Council’s registration of dogs and cats for the 2012 calendar year and the categorisation of these registrations are shown in Table 5.

Table 5 – Dog and Cat Registrations for 2012

Pet Type Fee Class Total Pets

Registered

No. of registrations in specific categories

Pets over 10 years old

Pets de‐

sexed

Pets micro‐chipped

Dogs

Reduced Fee ‐>10 years old, De‐sexed, Chipped, VCA/CCF)

10,047 3,142 7,854 7,712

Reduced Fee with Pensioner Concession

2,857 1,197 2,278 2,040

Maximum Fee –Dangerous/ Menacing/ Restricted Dog

27 14 20 27

Maximum Fee ‐ < 10 years old, no chip

19 1 1 1

Maximum Fee with Pensioner Concession

14 4 1 1

Greyhound – Current registration GRV Control Board

6 3 1 3

Guide Dog – Working or Training

25 1 11 23

TOTALS 12,995 4,362 10,166 9,808%age of Total Registrations

34% 78% 75%

Cats

Reduced Fee ‐>10 years old, De‐sexed, Chipped, VCA/CCF)

4,034 1,650 3,918 2,733

Reduced Fee with Pensioner Concession

1,426 700 1,395 883

Maximum Fee ‐ < 10 years old, no chip

1

TOTALS 5,461 2,350 5,313 3,616%age of Total Registrations

43% 97% 66%

Trends in pet registrations since 2001 are shown on Graph 1


Graph 1: Pet Registration Trends 2001 ‐ 2012

For the period from 2001 to 2011, a downward trend was experienced in both dog and cat registrations. Dog registrations returned to the 2007 level in 2012, an increase of 7% on the 2011 registrations. Cat registrations for 2012 decreased by 8% since 2007, but increased by 5% since 2011.

4.1.1.2 Locations within Monash for dogs and cats registered in Monash during 2012 are shown in Table 6.

Table 6 – Locations for 2012 Dog and Cat Registratons

Suburb Animal Numbers Registered

Dogs Cats

Ashwood 256 591

Burwood 106 208

Chadstone 250 584

Clayton 214 482

Glen Waverley 1,110 2,812

Hughesdale 252 487

Huntingdale 64 127

Monash University 4 1

Mount Waverley 1,227 2,798

Mulgrave 586 1,586

Notting Hill 83 141

Oakleigh 302 626

Oakleigh East 179 356

Oakleigh South 218 432

Wheelers Hill 614 1,779

15454 14219 12898 12126 129958179 6789 5942 5191 5461

2363321008

18840 17317 18456

2001

Registratio

ns

Year

Domestic Pet Registrations 2001 ‐ 2012Dogs Cats Total

2007 2011 20122006


4.1.1.3 Dog Breeds

It has been well established that the breed of a dog has a significant influence on its behavioural pattern. Unless properly trained, certain breeds are more likely to cause a nuisance in a residential area due to the barking or aggression of the dog.

AMOs attention to breeds of dogs registered and their inherent behavioural patterns allows officers to better focus on potentially troublesome areas.

4.1.1.4 Pet Micro‐chipping

Dogs and cats being registered for the first time are required by law to be micro‐chipped. Micro‐chipped animals allow them to be promptly returned to their owners when they stray or become lost.

In 2012, 75% of dogs and 66% of cats registered with Council had been micro‐chipped. It can be expected that the percentages of pets micro‐chipped will increase over the period of this DAM Plan due to natural attrition since 34% of dogs and 43% of cats registered in 2012 were 10 or more years old.

4.1.1.5 Pet De‐sexing

In 2012, 78% of dogs and 97% of cats registered with Council had been de‐sexed. By comparison, 84% of dogs and 98% of cats registered in 2007 were de‐sexed. Currently, Council does not have a firm policy on the mandatory de‐sexing of registered pets.

In response to question 6 in the Monash Community Survey (MCS), 69% of respondents answered ‘yes’ to the compulsory de‐sexing of newly registered cats.

While there are competing views on mandatory de‐sexing of registered pets, the survey result indicates that our citizens believe it is timely for this issue to be reviewed by Council during the currency of this DAM Plan.

4.1.2 Our Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures

Council’s Local Law No 3 relates, in part, to the keeping of animals. Amongst other things, it requires:

• an annual permit to keep more than 2 dogs and 3 cats. • animal housing to be maintained in a clean and sanitary

condition so as not to cause a nuisance. • an occupier of land on which any animal is kept to not allow

any noise or smell to emanate from the animal which interferes with the reasonable comfort or convenience of persons who occupy adjacent or nearby land.

• a person to not permit excrement of a dog to remain on a road or on Council land and to carry a bag for the purpose of removing dog excrement from the road or Council land.


Council has an Order made under Section 26A of the Act requiring dogs to be kept on a leash in all public places except for when they are in one of the 31 designated off‐leash areas listed in Annexure 3.

When a dog is being exercised off‐leash in an off‐leash area, the owner must:

• remain in effective voice or hand management of the dog so they can promptly place the dog on a lead, if that becomes necessary;

• carry a lead no longer than 1.5 metres which can bring the dog under effective control if the dog threatens any person or animal;

• not allow the dog to worry or threaten any person or animal; • always keep the dog in sight; and • bring the dog under control if it is, or is likely to be, within 20

metres of an: organised sporting or practice event that is underway; occupied children’s playground; organised public meeting; or occupied permanent barbeque or picnic area.

4.1.3 Our current Education/Promotion Activities

Council makes available to residents a pamphlet titled ‘Living with Dogs and Cats’ as a guide for both pet owners and non‐owners.

Actions in Council’s DAM Plan 2008 – 2012 included: • Following up householders that have not re‐registered their

pets; • Delivering pet registration reminders through letterbox drops; • Subsidising micro‐chipping through the RSPCA; • Improving Council’s promotional material to boost the message

on the benefits of registration and micro‐chipping; • Monitoring the impact on registration and micro‐chipping

rates; • An education campaign on the benefits of de‐sexing pets and

confinement of cats after dark; • Make appropriate breed selection and animal management

responsibility materials availability to prospective pet owners; and

• Encourage dog etiquette and obedience training.

The 2012 statistics indicate that these proactive activities actioned by Council’s AMOs during the past period are producing positive results.

In response to question 5 in the MCS, 61% of respondents voted the highest priorities for Council to be the promotion of pet registration and pet ownership together with education in ownership responsibilities. A greater focus on these issues is perceived by our citizens to still be required.


4.1.4 Our current Compliance Activities

During 2012, permit renewals were sent to all registered pet owners. Reminders were also sent to approximately 3,000 pet owners that had not renewed registration for their pet(s).

AMOs have conducted door‐knocks within the municipality to follow up both new registrations and registrations that were not renewed. Micro‐chipping agencies have also been approached to obtain records of resident pets chipped by them.

4.1.5 Summary

A total of 18,456 dogs and cats were registered in Monash during 2012, made up of 12,995 dogs and 5461 cats. The 2012 dog registrations represented a 7% increase over 2011 registrations and cat registrations increased by 5% over the same period. For dogs registered during 2012, 34% were 10 or more years old, 78% were de‐sexed and 75% were micro‐chipped. For cats, 43% were 10 or more years old, 97% were de‐sexed and 66% were micro‐chipped.

In Council’s 2012 MCS, more than two‐thirds of respondents supported the compulsory de‐sexing of newly registered cats. It is now timely for Council to form a policy on this issue.

Results from the MCS also indicated that the promotion of pet registration and pet ownership together with education in ownership responsibilities are considered high priorities for Council to focus on.


Objective 1: Improve the accuracy of Council registration database by

cross‐referencing with micro‐chip registry data. Activity When Evaluation

Improve accuracy of Council pet registration database by contacting micro‐chip registries to obtain details of dogs and cats in the municipality that are micro‐chipped. Check that all animals are also listed on Council’s pet registration database, and follow up those that are not.

By 30/06/2014

• Demonstrate Council’s pet registration database can be accurately cross referenced with micro‐chip registries

• Demonstrate an increase in

numbers of pets registered with Council following microchip registry cross‐referencing exercise.


Objective 2: Increase dog and cat registration numbers by 1% each year.

Activity When Evaluation Ensure all seized and impounded animals are registered to their owner prior to release.

Prior to every release.

• Review annual increase in registration numbers.

• Review number of dogs and cats being seized and impounded not registered to their owner.

Targeted door knocking of 15% of the municipality each year to check for unregistered and un‐identified dogs and cats

Annual door knocks for the months of May and June each year to pick up missed registrations


• Review number of dogs and cats being seized and impounded not registered to their owner.

• Records of number of unregistered and un‐identified animals picked up during door knocks.

Objective 3: Consider policy for compulsory de‐sexing of newly registered

cats. Activity When Evaluation

Prepare case for compulsory de‐sexing of cats and place before Council for deliberation.

By 30/06/2014

Success in having the policy adopted

Objective 4: Improve promotion of pet registration and responsible pet

ownership. Activity When Evaluation

Increase publicise and door‐knocks in high growth areas and areas of low registrations per capita

By 30/06/2014

Increases in registrations per capita in targeted areas.

Objective 5: To explore the option of life time registration tags and savings.

Activity When Evaluation Explore the options of life time tags

By 30/11/14

To explore the costs and savings of life time Animal registration tags.


5. NUISANCE


Statistics for nuisance‐type resident issues recorded for 2012, as against those recorded in 2007, are shown in Table 7. Table 7 – Resident Service Requests and Complaints

Nature of Request/ Complaint Year %age 2007 2012 Increase Decrease

Dog & cat complaints 1,658 1567 5%Dogs ‐ Barking 209 200 4%Dogs ‐ Faeces N/A 25 Dogs ‐ Impounded 1,118 847 24%Dogs ‐ Euthanaised 86 93 8% Cats ‐ Nuisance 249 240 4%Cats ‐ Impounded 817 800 2%Cats ‐ Euthanaised 394 486 23% Animal Infringement Notices Issued

154 156 1%

When comparing 2012 and 2007 statistics, the following variations were noted:

• dog and cat requests and complaints have decreased by 5.5%; • impounded animals have decreased by 17%; and • dogs and cats euthanaised have increased by 21%.


Council’s Local Law No 3, section 87 requires persons walking dogs to remove the dog’s excrement from a road or Council land.

Section 114 requires structures housing animals and the area within 3 metres of the structure to be maintained:

• in a clean, inoffensive and sanitary condition; and • so as not to cause any nuisance.

Section 116 requires an occupier of land on which any animal is kept to not allow any noise or smell.

The three main nuisance types in Monash have been identified as:

5.1.2.1 Barking Dogs

Barking dog complaints can be extremely time‐consuming for Council staff to deal with. Council takes the view that, at least in the first instance, education and prevention are more effective ways of dealing with these matters rather than enforcement. However, not all barking dog complaints can be prevented since barking is hereditary for dogs.

Respondents to question 5 in the MCS voted as their third highest priority, with a 37% vote, the reduction in annoyance caused by


barking dogs. A review in our approach to effectively reduce barking dog annoyances is proposed during the currency of this DAM plan.

Council is already applying a three‐step procedure for dealing with barking dog annoyances.

Step 1 encourages aggrieved residents to speak to the offending dog’s owner as early as possible:

• before involving Council; and • before the excessive barking becomes an entrenched habit of

the dog; and • before complainants are literally at their wits end and make the

complaint to Council.

Mediation between the two parties is encouraged where their issues cannot be resolved through initial discussion.

Since residents affected by barking dogs cannot be predetermined, Council provides this message on its website.

Step 2 is implemented when Council is required to become involved physically. AMOs treat each complaint on a case by case basis. Initially, AMOs need to determine the subjective matter of whether the level of noise is excessive and whether it constitutes an offence under the Act. Because the nature, severity and repetitiveness of barking can vary considerably with each dog, it is difficult to have an overall definition of excessive barking (e.g. a set number of barks per minute or hour).

Reliable data is required in each case to determine if an ongoing problem exists. AMOs issue complainants with diaries to complete each time the offending dog barks to allow the most appropriate course of action to be determined in addressing the nuisance. Other factors need to be considered also such as loudness of bark, location of dog on the property (e.g. it may occur right beside a complainant’s bedroom) or whether it occurs every time someone visits the complainant’s house.

Step 3 is enacted when sufficient information has been collated to resolve the nuisance. No standard resolution resolves the range of nuisances that can occur. As an example, getting a second dog can reduce the nuisance in some cases but aggravate the problem in other cases.

AMOs assist dog owners with suggestions to reduce problem barking. In some cases, a dog’s behaviour is so ingrained that professional advice from the RSPCA or a qualified animal behaviourist may need to be obtained.

Step 4 is invoked when all else fails to resolve the problem. It involves commencement of the formal process for the matter to be placed before the Court.


Council will continue to review our practices so that they remain current best practice.

5.1.2.2 Nuisance and Feral Cats

The biggest nuisance with cats in Monash is caused by stray and feral cats. Unrestrained and undisciplined cats are encouraged to remain in an area by residents feeding them. These cats generally raid the natural habitat and upset the amenity of an area and take refuge in that area.

Council hires out cat traps and proactively set traps in areas of the municipality where nuisance and feral cats are known to be of concern.

5.1.2.3 Dog Faeces

Existing Council local laws require dog owners to remove their dog’s faeces from public places. Owners are encouraged to carry bags with them and dispose of faeces when they return home. Community and peer pressure on dog owners to remove their dog’s faeces from public places has been successful in reducing the incidents of faeces complaints. Council is only in a position to act on such incidents when observed by an AMO during patrols or a witness comes forward and provides sufficient information to locate an offender and to give evidence in a court of law, if required.


Council publishes a monthly news bulletin for its residents in which topical articles on animal management and current animal issues are regularly included.

Research has shown that face to face contact with residents is far more effective than written or documentary approaches. Accordingly, regular patrols conducted by AMOs in Council parks and reserves during which a high level of verbal contact with animal owners present occurs and sound pet ownership advice is offered to them. Such face to face contact can be time consuming, but in most cases it is considered the most effective method.

A mix of face to face contact together with written and documentary approaches will continue to be adopted to ensure messages are conveyed to the widest resident audience. Where considered appropriate, signs have been erected in parks to remind dog owners of the rules applicable when visiting a park.


AMOs regularly patrol the municipality and speak to owners of dogs and cats that may be causing a nuisance.

Respondents to question 5 in the MCS voted that a reduction in the number of wandering cats should be Council’s fourth highest priority with a 35% vote.


Increased patrolling by AMOs was voted respondents fifth highest priority with a 32% vote.

Council will continue to engage best practice in its animal management activities.

5.1.5 Summary

Council has been successful in reducing the numbers of dog and cat nuisance complaints by 5% since 2007. Impounded animals have reduced by 17% while the number of dogs and cats euthanaised has increased by 21%.

Respondents to Council’s 2012 community survey voted the reduction of annoyance from barking dogs as their third highest priority and a reduction in the number of wandering cats their fourth highest priority.

Council’s focus in recent times has been on barking dogs, wandering cats and dog faeces removal from public places. These will continue to be high priorities for AMOs over the currency of this DAM Plan.


Objective 1: Reduce and minimise the amount of nuisance cat complaints to council by education and enforcement of nuisance provisions of the Domestic Animals Act.

Activity When Evaluation Purchase more cat traps to continue with the highly successful programs of catching nuisance and feral cats.

2014 Number of cat traps hired, waiting lists and numbers trapped

Assist residents with dealing with cat trespass / nuisance problems by purchasing an additional five cat cages and provide them to local residents for trapping nuisance cats

By 30/06/2015

• Number of traps purchased • Numbers hired out • Number of cats impounded

Objective 2: Reduce and minimise the amount of nuisance dog complaints to council by education and enforcement of nuisance provisions of the Domestic Animals Act.

Activity When Evaluation Use barking dog complaint/investigation policy/manual

Annually Updated with current legislation and best practice

Provide dog poo disposal bins in parks and bag dispensers

2016 The needs and wants of dog owners and the needs at reserves

Review and increase designated off‐leash exercise areas

2017 Ongoing

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

2014 Annually with best practice.


information packs each year

Objective 3: Make it an offence to feed stray animals. Activity When Evaluation

Introduce a Local Law to make it an offence to feed stray animals

2015 Success in having Local Law implemented


6. DOG ATTACKS


Statistics for dog attacks in Monash recorded for 2012, as against those recorded in 2007, are shown in Table 8. Table 8 – Recorded Dog Attacks in Monash

Nature of Attacks Year %age change2007 2012

Dog attacks registered 85 53 38% reductionDog attacks referred to the Magistrates Court

51 9 82% reduction

These statistics show that there was a 38% reduction in the number of reported dog attacks when compared with those reported in 2007. These statistics are only for those dog attacks registered with Council. It is known that not all dog attacks that have occurred are reported. Accurate statistics on dog attacks, their causes and circumstances are not available due to different reporting regimes.

An 82% reduction was recorded for the number of dog attacks referred to the Magistrates Court. In part, this reduction would be due to Council now having the ability to issue fines rather than taking all dog attack cases to Court, as was the case in 2007. 6.1.2 Our Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures

Reported dog attacks receive the highest priority from AMOs. Dogs that have attacked may be declared dangerous with restrictions placed on the animal’s containment and housing within their owners property and on their movement outside of that property. Where serious injury results from a dog attack, AMOs endeavour to have the dog seized and where appropriate, euthanaised.

To reduce the risk of dog attacks, AMOs regularly patrol the public domain for wandering or at‐large dogs and dogs or their owners that are not complying with animal management requirements. The risk of dog attacks is also minimised by dogs being required to be leashed within 20 metres of any public occupied children’s playground or play equipment, occupied picnic area or organised sporting event.


Where appropriate, dog owners are encouraged to implement one or a number of the following processes to reduce dog attacks:

• match dog breed choice with a dog owners life style; • have dogs de‐sexed to reduce their aggression or desire to wander at

large; • implement early socialisation and training for the dog; • provide suitable conditions for confining the dog at its home;


• provide environmental enrichment at its home to relieve pent up energy, and

• regularly exercise the dog.

AMOs also focus on owners and the public in general in promoting the important principles of dog bite avoidance. This is promoted through information brochures and the Council’s website.


Properties recorded as housing dogs involved in previous attacks are inspected annually.

AMOs routinely:

• maintain street and reserve patrols; • promptly respond to complaints (usually within 30 minutes of

receipt); and • use declaration/destruction powers with consistency.

6.1.5 Summary Statistics for dog attacks show a significant reduction over the period of the last DAM Plan. AMO’s priority in handling dog attacks, promoting de‐sexing of pets, advising on the suitability of appropriate dog breeds for domestic pets and stronger legislation controlling dog breeds are all assisting in reducing the incidents of dog attacks. A continuation of these approaches is proposed for the currency of this DAM Plan.


Objective 1: Reduce and minimise the risk of dog attacks in the community. Activity When Evaluation

Publicise key dog attack prevention messages (e.g. confinement of dogs to property, leash laws etc) through media articles, mail outs, website info, targeted patrols during peak dog attack times etc (see BAW for example of campaign). Promote ‘Responsible Pet Ownership’ and ‘We Are Family’ programs through Schools and kindergartens by writing to Principals at the start of the year

By 30/06/2015

• Compare number of reported dog attack incidents pre and post campaign.

• Conduct community survey pre and post campaign, to measure any changes in knowledge about dog attack prevention.

• Record type and number of education materials distributed.

• Numbers of campaign patrols conducted.

• Number of media articles published.

Review dog attack enforcement and investigation policy

By 30/06/2014

olicy needs to be in‐line and up to date with legislation


7. DANGEROUS, MENACING AND RESTRICTED BREED DOGS

7.1 Current Situation

7.1.1 Our current data

Definitions for dogs fitting one of these three classifications are:

7.1.1.1 A Dangerous Dog is either:

• a dog declared as dangerous by the Council (i.e. it has caused injury to a person or animal); or

• a dog kept as a guard dog for the purpose of guarding non‐residential properties or a dog trained to attack or bite a person or thing when accompanied by a person.

7.1.1.2 A Menacing Dog is a dog declared menacing by the Council because it has:

• rushed at or chased a person; or • has been declared a menacing dog under a law of another

State.

7.1.1.3 A Restricted Breed Dog is a dog of a breed whose importation into Australia is prohibited under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulation 1956.

Statistics for dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs registered in Monash for 2012 compared with registrations in 2007, are shown in Table 9.

Table 9 – Registered Dangerous, Menacing or Restricted Breed Dogs Dog Classification Year %age change

2007 2012Dangerous Dogs 11 11 NilMenacing Dogs 13 9 31% reductionRestricted Breed Dogs 12 15 25% increaseTOTALS 36 35 3% reduction

These statistics indicate a 31% reduction in declared menacing dogs and a 3% reduction in the total number of dangerous, menacing or restricted breed dogs registered when compared with 2007 statistics. Tighter controls on the classification and keeping of these dogs have assisted Council in monitoring these animals.


Undisciplined and/or inadequately trained dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs in public places pose the largest risk to the public and AMOs.

The State‐wide tightening of legislation for restricted breed dogs during 2012 should progressively reduce numbers of these dogs during the currency of this DAM Plan.



Fact sheets are provided to the owners of these dogs informing them of their obligations and responsibilities in owning such dogs. 7.1.4 Our current Compliance Activities

During the course of a year at least two inspections are conducted on each property that contains a restricted breed or declared dangerous dog. In line with State Government legislation, Council deems the control of dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs as a very serious matter.

Random door knocks are conducted throughout the municipality annually to identify these types of dogs. AMOs also conduct routine street and park patrols and promptly respond to complaints from residents or reports to the DPI hotline.

7.1.5 Summary

Whilst there has been a 31% reduction in menacing dogs in Monash since 2007, the number of restricted breed dogs has increased by 25%. The increase of numbers of restricted breed dogs is as consequence of the change in the current legislation which came into effect on the 30th of September 2011. Current Council protocols for these dog breeds, together with our plans for the currency of this DAM Plan, are considered appropriate for the management of these dog categories.


Objective 1: Identify and register all Declared Dogs in the municipality.

Activity When Evaluation Review policies on when to declare a dog

By 30/06/2014

Policy needs to remain current with legislation.

Cross‐reference micro‐chip database information with current Council registration database for potential restricted breed dogs.

By 30/06/2014

Cross referencing with Councils registration database.

Inspect all industrial properties in the municipality for dogs housed or kept for guarding purposes

Annually as part of door knock process

Number of dogs identified as not registered

Educate the community about what is a declared dog

By 30/06/2014

Objective 2: Effectively inspect and audit all declared dog premises annual

to ensure they are following the keeping requirements. Activity When Evaluation

Conduct inspections By 01/06 annually

Review of inspection reports and updates to the registration database.


8. OVER‐POPULATION AND HIGH EUTHANASIA


Statistics for animals impounded in Monash and euthanaised during 2012 compared with those recorded for 2007 are shown in Table 10.

Table 10 – Animals Impounded and Euthanaised Animal Year %age change

2007 2012Dogs Impounded 1,118 847 24% reductionCats Impounded 817 800 2% reductionDogs Euthanaised 86 93 8% increaseCats Euthanaised 394 486 23% increase

These statistics indicate a reduction of 24% for dogs and 2% for cats impounded over the four‐year period. By comparison, an increase of 8% for dogs and 23% for cats euthanaised over the same period.


Council’s Local Law No. 3 (refer to section 4.1.2 in this document for more detail) effectively controls overpopulation of animals in Monash.

No orders are currently in place for overpopulation or high euthanasia. The statistics in Table 10 above indicate manageable impounding and euthanasia trends in Monash.


Council has available a range of information to the public on responsible pet ownership, such as the “Who’s for Cats Program “and “Are you a Cat Owner” brochure. Campaigns are to be placed in ethnic papers and the Monash Bulletins.


The euthanaising of animals is a last resort for Council to take. In conjunction with the RSPCA, all reasonable efforts are made to locate the owner, house or re‐home impounded animals. Only after alternatives to house or re‐home a stray dog or cat have been exhausted will euthanaisia be considered.

8.1.5 Summary

Overpopulation of cats and dogs in Monash is effectively controlled by Council’s Local Law No. 3. All reasonable attempts are made to contact an impounded dog or cat’s owner. If this fails, alternatives to house or re‐home the animal are exercised. Euthanasia for impounded animals is always the last resort.



Objective 1: Reduce 5% of registered dogs and cats that are currently entire and not part of a Domestic Animal Breeding Business each year.

Activity When Evaluation Discount de‐sexing days or ongoing subsidised de‐sexing for pets of low income earners via agreements with local vet clinics and /or organisations such as the National De‐sexing Network and /or AVA / MAV

Ongoing • Number of animals de‐sexed as part of the scheme.

• Cost to run scheme. • Any changes in the longer term re proportion of de‐sexed animals on pet registration database, proportion of impounded pets that are de‐sexed etc

Objective 2: Raise awareness about semi‐owned cat population

Activity When Evaluation Implement “Who’s for Cats?” education campaign in local area. Utilise the following resources (available from BAW): • "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

• Promotions to encourage people to take full ownership of cats e.g. discount de‐sex/micro‐chip/vaccinate offers, free products

• Increase focus on promoting the benefits of de‐sexing

Ongoing • Measure number and type of education materials distributed

• Record number of campaign queries received by Council

• Record 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 3: Identify and close down all illegally operating Domestic Animal

Breeding establishments in the municipality Activity When Evaluation

Undertake education campaign to promote awareness about definition of breeding DABs, and COP requirements for businesses:Advertisements in local classifieds. Website information. Follow up people advertising pets for sale (eg in local papers or on local noticeboards), to determine if they are a DAB and are registered with Council.

Ongoing Compare number of Council registered breeding establishments before and after campaign

Audit every DAB each year for compliance. Enforce compliance with minimum requirements

Annually Number of audits conducted and summary of outcomes (including any DABs closed due to non compliance)


9. DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES

9.1 Current Situation


Nine Domestic Animal Businesses (DABs) are registered in Monash. These comprise of:

• Six Pet Shops; • Two Dog Trainers; and • One Boarding Kennel.

9.1.2 Our Orders, Local Laws and Council Policies and Procedures

The Act and associated regulations specifically regulate DABs. Comprehensive codes of practice developed from those regulations require no additional policies or procedures from Council.


At every stage of the process, Council advises and if necessary educates, DAB operators on any changes to legislation or on any new codes of practice that relates to their businesses.


At least two compliance inspections of DABs are conducted annually by AMOs. In addition, spot checks on DABs are carried out throughout the year. Should public complaints relating to DAB animal management practices be received, they are promptly responded to.

9.1.5 Summary

The nine DABs registered in Monash are sufficiently monitored with spot checks and compliance inspections. Accurate registers of DABs are maintained.

9.2 Our Plans for 2013‐2017 Objective 1: Maintain an up‐to‐date register of all Domestic Animal

Businesses in the municipality. Activity When Evaluation

Review all DABs in the municipality and ensure they continue to be registered with Council.

Review DAB half‐yearly

Numbers of DABs that are found non‐compliant.

Objective 2: Maintain DAB compliance.

Activity When Evaluation Conduct compliance inspections on DABs

Half‐yearly Numbers of DABs that are found non‐compliant.


10. OTHER MATTERS

10.1 Emergency Management 10.1.1 Our current data

Like all municipalities in Victoria, Monash has its own Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) for handling natural disasters and emergencies. The purpose of the MEMP is to provide a coordinated response and then recovery to support an emergency‐affected community. This plan, coordinated through the Victoria Police by a Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator, sets out the procedures to be followed when Council and community resources are required in the case of an emergency.

Monash is generally a low risk area however storm, flood damage, major transport emergency or chemical spillage may require an appropriate and prompt response. It is important for residents to know how the MEMP operates and what to do in an emergency.

Under the MEMP, many services can be called in to help including the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). The DPI and DSE have developed the Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan (VEAWP) which is a guideline in responding to an animal welfare emergency.

10.1.2 Our current Council Policies and Procedures

The MEMP has been produced pursuant to Section 20(1) of the Emergency Management Act 1986 to assist in the management of animals during an emergency. In dealing with an animal welfare emergency the issues to be considered are:

• Minimising numbers of pets taken to emergency relief centres; • Establishing temporary holding facilities; • Treating injured animals; • Disposal of dead animals; • Feed/water supplies; • Identifying holding areas; • Provision of cages and leads; • Rounding up animals; and • Trauma counselling for animals.

Monash has personnel appointed and trained to respond to any such emergencies. 10.1.3 Our current Education/Promotion Activities

Monash City Council ensures that emergency relief and recovery components of MEMPs detail local arrangements and providers for relevant animal welfare services including:


• Liaison with relevant animal welfare agencies and organisations to enable effective and timely delivery of Council’s animal welfare services; and

• Developing information for the public and media relating to the management of animals impacted by the emergency.


Council responds to all emergency situations as a matter of urgency. Currently the coordinator of Local Laws and Animal Management undertake continual reviews of the operational requirements involved in emergency management and recovery.

10.1.5 Summary

Many emergencies pose a risk to animal welfare. Simultaneously, owners and carers of animals may be under great stress during an emergency. The primary responsibility and duty of care remains with the person in charge of the animal. However, the Council does have a role and responsibility to play if an emergency is to occur and our tasks are outlined in Council’s MEMP.

10.2 Public Education Program


Our partnership with DPI allows us to implement programs into schools which focus on the importance of responsible pet ownership. One of the programs currently implemented throughout Monash is the ‘We Are Family’ program. This program focuses specifically at the parents of children in the 0 to 4 age bracket, the most at risk to dog attack requiring hospitalization. The program is based around a DVD featuring Katrina Warren and a 32 page information booklet. It is basically a risk management program for kids and dogs.

10.3 Legislation 10.3.1 Our Current Data

Changes were introduced in the Primary Industries Legislation Amendment Act 2012 in 2012. Included in the changes were:

• Changes the age from 17 years to 18 years that a minor can be deemed the owner of a dog or cat. It limits the ownership, access to and control of a restricted breed dog to persons over the age of 18 years.

• Requiring that a veterinarian must now personally examine an animal and include any reason why their health is liable to be significantly prejudiced if it is de‐sexed.

• Removal from the Act the provision making dogs and cats implanted with a prescribed permanent identification device (micro‐chip) eligible for a reduced registration fee. It remains mandatory for newly registered dogs and cats to be micro‐chipped unless they have an exemption letter from a veterinarian.


10.3.2 Puppy Farm Legislation Changes

Amendments were made in 2012 to the Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1986 primarily addressing the issue of ‘illegal puppy farms’.

In summary, the changes were:

• Significantly increased penalties in relation to cruelty by DABs; and • Changing the definition of a breeding establishment requiring registration

to a DAB. Registration is now required if an establishment has:

three or more fertile female dogs; or three or more fertile female cats; and the bred dogs or cats are sold (whether for profit or not).

These changes do not affect the number of de‐sexed animals an owner may have. Exceptions are establishments that belong to an applicable breeding organisation. Breeders who belong to one of these organisations are regarded as DABs if they have 10 or more fertile female dogs or cats.

Community Foster Care Networks are defined in the Act and are exempt from the requirements of becoming a DAB, in recognition of the role they play in re‐homing pets.

To allow traceability of sellers of pets, it is an offence to advertise the sale of a dog or cat unless the micro‐chip identification number of the animal is included in the advertisement or notice. A registered DAB may use its Council DAB registration number as an alternative.

Council and RSPCA Inspectors have been given the power to seize animals from non‐compliant and unregistered breeding premises and issue infringement notices in relation to breeding premises.

Animals seized from a breeding DAB will be forfeited and re‐homed or given away to shelters or community foster care networks, and will only be destroyed on humane grounds under certification from a veterinary practitioner.

• New powers exist to allow a Court to ban or impose conditions:

on the ownership of dogs or cats; or an operating or working in a DAB; or for the recovery of costs from owners,

to cover the care and maintenance of animals seized. The legislation has created an "Animal Welfare Fund" allowing certain organisations to apply for funding from the Minister.


10.3.3 The Crimes Act and Domestic Animals Act Changes

A new version of the Act commenced in 2011. Owners can now be jailed for up to 10 years if their dog kills someone, or for up to 5 years if their dog endangers someone's life, if their dog is a:

• restricted breed dog (registered or unregistered); • dangerous dog declared due to attack; • attack trained dog; • guard dog; or • declared menacing dog.

The Act has been amended to:

• Increase the amount payable for wide range of penalties in relation to restricted breed dogs;

• Prohibit the sale, transfer or giving away of restricted breed dogs (limited exemptions exist in cases involving death of an owner or the dog being surrendered for destruction);

• Create a new provision requiring a restricted breed dog to wear a collar (to be prescribed at a later date in the regulation). This provision will not take effect until the regulation is prescribed.

10.3.4 Restricted Breed Dog Legislation

Changes to the Act were introduced in 2011 to the Domestic Animals Amendment (Restricted Breeds) Act 2011. This restricted breeds legislation requires the registration and keeping of restricted breed dogs to be limited to those dogs that were:

• in Victoria prior to 1 September 2010; and • registered (as any breed) prior to 30 September 2011.

The declaration process and the rights of the owner to appeal through VCAT remained unchanged.

In addition, an 'approved standard' was published in the Government Gazette on 1 September 2011 providing for AMOs to declare a dog as a restricted breed dog if that dog falls within the 'approved standard'. The standard provides a descriptive and diagrammatic tool for AMOs and the general public on what dogs constitute a restricted breed.

Within the "Approved Standard", American Staffordshire Terriers are not considered Restricted Breed Dogs if the owner has one of the following certificates stating that the dog is an American Staffordshire Terrier:

• a pedigree certificate from the Australian National Kennel Council; • a pedigree certificate from a member body of the Australian National

Kennel Council;


• a pedigree certificate from a national breed Council registered with the Australian National Kennel Council; or

• a certificate signed by a veterinary practitioner (as per Victorian Government Gazette on 10 February 2012).

10.4 Our Plans for 2013‐2017 Objective 1: Maintain accurate information in Council’s MEMP

Activity When Evaluation

Review that the personnel and information contained in the MEMP remains current.

Quarterly The number of changes necessary at each review

Objective 2: Maintain awareness of Monash’s MEMP


Promote awareness of the MEMP to all parties who have a role in its operation.

Annually Participants knowledge of their role in the MEMP


11. CURRENT SITUATION 11.1 Matters that are Current

11.1.1 Off‐Leash Areas for Dogs and Prohibited Areas for Cats

11.1.1.1 Our current data

There are 31 off leash areas for dogs located throughout Monash. These locations are listed in Annexure 3. A lack of clarity on usage of off‐leash areas and different expectations of the rights and responsibilities of different user groups cause some conflict amongst users from time to time. Shared pathways for both pedestrians and cyclists pass through some off‐leash areas. This can also cause conflict over user rights.

In response to question 2 in the MCS, 57% of respondents believed there are adequate numbers of off‐leash areas in Monash. Only 11% of respondents felt there were too few.

Question 3 in the MCS asked how off‐leash areas could be improved to which 43% responded that more facilities should be provided. The three highest responses were for:

• More bins and bags for doggy poo to be provided; • A means of reminding owners of their responsibilities; and • Having more off‐leash areas fenced.

Five designated environmentally sensitive areas where cats are prohibited are also listed in Annexure 3.

11.1.1.2 Our current Council Policies and Procedures

Owners have the following obligations when exercising their dogs in off‐leash areas:

• To remain in effective voice or hand management of the dog so that the dog can promptly be placed on a lead if it becomes necessary;

• Carry a lead no longer than 1.5 metres which can bring the dog under effective control if the dog threatens any person or animal;

• To not allow the dog to worry or threaten any person or animal; • To always keep the dog in sight; • To carry a bag, receptacle or other means of picking up and removing

from the public place any of the dogs faeces; • Bring the dog under control if it is, or is likely to be, within twenty

metres of: An organised sporting or practice event that is underway; An occupied children’s playground; An organised public meeting; or An occupied public barbeque or picnic area.


11.1.1.3 Our current Education/Promotion Activities

Council’s brochure titled ‘Living with dogs and cats’ provides a guide for both dog owners and non‐owners on the use of off‐leash areas. Council will explore the options of Animal expos and Community Information sessions.

11.1.1.4 Our current Compliance Activities

Off‐leash areas for dogs are regularly patrolled by AMOs. Dog owners found as not complying with the conditions of use for these areas are reminded of their responsibilities.

11.1.1.5 Summary

A majority view of respondents to the MCS believed there were sufficient off‐leash areas for dogs available within the municipality. Suggestions on how these areas could be improved were to provide bins and bags for dog faeces, install reminders of dog owner’s responsibilities when using these off‐leash areas and installing better fencing around these designated areas.

11.2 Our Plans for 2013‐2017

Objective 1: Improve dog owner’s knowledge on the usage of off‐leash areas.


Enclose a copy of the ‘Living with cats and dogs’ brochure with each dog registration renewal notice and new registrations

Include with the 2014 renewal notices

Monitor improvements in dog owner compliance

Investigate the display of appropriate signage at off‐leash areas advising users of conditions for usage

During 2014

• Cost‐effectiveness of the supply and installation of signs

• Ongoing reports of park patrols

Objective 2: Improve amenity of dog off‐leash areas.


Investigate the practicability of supplying bins and faeces bags at strategic locations in off‐leash areas

During 2016

Cost‐effectiveness of the installation of bins and supply of bags

Investigate the practicability of additional fencing of off‐leash areas to improve their usage

During 2017

Practicability and cost‐effectiveness of installing additional fencing at each off‐leash area


PART C

12. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLAN AND ANNUAL REPORTING

12.1 Statutory Requirements for Review and Reporting Section 68A(3) of the Act states:

Every Council must –

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

(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.

12.2 Process for Review and Evaluation A review of this DAM Plan will be conducted annually. The review will evaluate the activities listed under each objective in this plan to determine whether they have successfully been activated, are in progress or otherwise. In each case, action or none action should be commented on.

The Activity Evaluation Flowchart in Annexure 2 is provided to assist this process.

The annual evaluation of this DAM Plan will be:

• Published in Councils’ Annual Report; and • Provided to the Department of Primary Industries’ Secretary together

with any amendments to the plan.

12.3 Summary of Objectives and Activities for 2013‐2017 The objectives and activities in this plan are repeated hereunder for ease of review. Objective 2.8.1: Improve communications with non‐English speaking residents on keeping

pets. Activity When Evaluation

Print and circulate literature in at least the 3 most spoken non‐English languages spoken in Monash.

By 31/12/2013

Literature printed and distributed

Place pet news articles in multi‐cultural papers circulated within Monash

Ongoing Articles included in local ethnic press

Objective 3.3.1: Develop a training policy that clearly identifies minimum training requirements and any additional training needs that should be undertaken by support Authorised Officers.

Activity When Evaluation Identify minimum training By Documentation to be finalised and


requirements by consultation with management and staff

30/09/2013 incorporated into an approved Council training policy by 31/12/2013

Identify additional training opportunities by consultation with management and staff

By 30/09/2013


Objective 3.3.2: Develop and maintain a training register for individual officers detailing

completed and proposed training. Activity When Evaluation

Create a spreadsheet listing each officer’s name, and their completed training, along with proposed training

By 31/12/2013

Review spreadsheet quarterly to ensure its accuracy and to determine whether proposed training goals have been met for each officer

Objective 3.3.3: Ensure all Authorised Officers have completed their minimum training requirements within three months of appointment.

Activity When Evaluation Identify minimum training requirements for officers (e.g. OH&S, animal handling), and create document to record when officers have completed each course

Ongoing Review spreadsheet quarterly and ensure each officer has completed their minimum training requirements within 3 months of appointment

Objective 3.3.4: Offer at least one opportunity for additional training each year.

Activity When Evaluation Identify additional training opportunities e.g. prosecutions training, conflict management, communication / education technique

By 31/12 each year

Review annually how many officers undertook training that was in addition to their minimum requirements. Meet objective of providing one additional training opportunities annually

Objective 3.3.5: Ensure animal management officers’ skills continue to be updated in relation to their understanding and diagnosis of excessive barking and solutions available.


Ongoing Audit adopted procedures and practices annually. Review numbers of nuisance complaints annually

Objective 3.3.6: Continue to improve animal management officer skills in communicating with the public on pet ownership.


Ongoing Review officer skills annually.

Objective 4.2.1: Improve the accuracy of Council registration database by cross‐referencing

with microchip registry data. Activity When Evaluation

Improve accuracy of Council pet registration database by contacting micro‐chip registries to obtain details of dogs and cats in the municipality that are micro‐chipped.

By 30/06/2014

• Demonstrate Council’s pet registration database can be accurately cross referenced with micro‐chip registries


Check that all animals are also listed on Council’s pet registration database, and follow up those that are not.

• Demonstrate an increase in numbers of pets registered with Council following microchip registry cross‐referencing exercise.

Objective 4.2.2: Increase dog and cat registration numbers by 5% each year.

Activity When Evaluation Ensure all seized and impounded animals are registered to their owner prior to release.

Prior to every release.


• Review number of dogs and cats being seized and impounded that are not registered to their owner.

Targeted door knocking of 15% of the municipality each year to check for unregistered and un‐identified dogs and cats

Annual door knocks for the months of May and June each year to pick up missed registrations


• Review number of dogs and cats being seized and impounded that are not registered to their owner.

• Records of number of unregistered and un‐identified animals picked up during door knocks.

Objective 4.2.3: Consider policy for compulsory de‐sexing of newly registered cats.

Activity When Evaluation Prepare case for compulsory de‐sexing of cats and place before Council for deliberation.

By 30/06/2014

Success in having the policy adopted

Objective 4.2.4: Improve promotion of pet registration and responsible pet ownership.

Activity When Evaluation Increase publicise and door‐knocks in high growth areas and areas of low registrations per capita

By 30/06/2014

Increases in registrations per capita in targeted areas.

Objective 4.2.5: To explore the option of life time registration tags and savings.

Activity When Evaluation Explore the option of life time tags By

30/11/2014 To explore the costs and savings of life time registration tags.

Objective 5.2.1: Reduce and minimise the amount of nuisance cat complaints to council by education and enforcement of the nuisance provisions of the Domestic Animal Management Act.

Activity When Evaluation Purchase more cat traps to continue with the highly successful programs of catching nuisance and feral cats.

2014 Number of cat traps hired, waiting lists and numbers trapped

Assist residents with dealing with cat trespass / nuisance problems by purchasing an additional five

By 30/06/2014

• Number of traps purchased • Numbers hired out • Number of cats impounded


cat cages and provide them to local residents for trapping nuisance cats

Objective 5.2.2: Reduce and minimise the amount of nuisance dog complaints to council by education and enforcement of the nuisance provisions of the Domestic Animal Management Act.

Activity When Evaluation Use barking dog complaint/investigation policy/manual

Annually Updated with current legislation and best practice

Provide dog poo disposal bins in parks and bag dispensers

2016 The needs and wants of dog owners and the needs at reserves

Review and increase designated off‐leash exercise areas

2017 Ongoing

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

2014 Annually with best practice.

Objective 5.2.3: Make it an offence to feed stray animals.

Activity When Evaluation Introduce a Local Law to make it an offence to feed stray animals

2015 Success in having Local Law implemented

Objective 6.2.1: Reduce and minimise the risk of dog attacks in the community.

Activity When Evaluation Publicise key dog attack prevention messages (e.g. confinement of dogs to property, leash laws etc) through media articles, mail outs, website info, targeted patrols during peak dog attack times etc (see BAW for example of campaign). Promote ‘Responsible Pet Ownership’ and ‘We Are Family’ programs through Schools and kindergartens by writing to Principals at the start of the year

By 30/06/2015

• Compare number of reported dog attack incidents pre and post campaign.

• Conduct community survey pre and post campaign, to measure any changes in knowledge about dog attack prevention.

• Record type and number of education materials distributed.

• Numbers of campaign patrols conducted.

• Number of media articles published.

Review dog attack enforcement and investigation policy

By 30/06/2014

Policy needs to be in‐line and up to date with legislation

Objective 7.2.1: Identify and register all Declared Dogs in the municipality.

Activity When Evaluation Review policies on when to declare a dog

By 30/062014

Policy needs to remain current with legislation.

Cross‐reference micro‐chip database information with current Council registration database for potential restricted breed dogs.

By 30/062014

Cross referencing with Councils registration database.

Inspect all industrial properties in the municipality for dogs housed or kept for guarding purposes

Annually as part of door knock

Number of dogs identified as not registered


processEducate the community about what is a declared dog

By 30/062014

Objective 7.2.2: Effectively inspect and audit all declared dog premises annual to ensure they

are following keeping requirements. Activity When Evaluation

Conduct inspections By 01/06 annually

Review of inspection reports and updates to the registration database.

Objective 8.2.1: Reduce 5% of registered dogs and cats that are currently entire and not part of a Domestic Animal Breeding Business each year.

Activity When Evaluation Discount de‐sexing days or ongoing subsidised de‐sexing for pets of low income earners via agreements with local vet clinics and /or organisations such as the National De‐sexing Network and /or AVA / MAV

Ongoing • Number of animals de‐sexed as part of the scheme.

• Cost to run scheme. • Any changes in the longer term

re proportion of de‐sexed animals on pet registration database, proportion of impounded pets that are de‐sexed etc

Objective 8.2.2: Raise awareness about semi‐owned cat population

Activity When Evaluation Implement “Who’s for Cats?” education campaign in local area. Utilise the following resources (available from BAW): • "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

• Promotions to encourage people to take full ownership of cats e.g. discount de‐sex/micro‐chip/vaccinate offers, free products

• Increase focus on promoting the benefits of de‐sexing

Ongoing • Measure number and type of education materials distributed

• Record number of campaign queries received by Council

• Record 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 8.2.3: Identify and close down all illegal operating Domestic Animal Breeding

establishments in the municipality. Activity When Evaluation

Undertake education campaign to promote awareness about definition of breeding DABs, and COP requirements for businesses:

Ongoing Compare number of Council registered breeding establishments before and after campaign


Advertisements in local classifieds.Website information. Follow up people advertising pets for sale (eg in local papers or on local noticeboards), to determine if they are a DAB and are registered with Council. Audit every DAB each year for compliance. Enforce compliance with minimum requirements

Annually Number of audits conducted, and summary of outcomes (including any DABs closed due to non compliance)

Objective 9.2.1: Maintain an up‐to‐date register of all Domestic Animal Businesses in the municipality.

Activity When Evaluation Review all DABs in the municipality and ensure they continue to be registered with Council.

Review DAB half‐yearly

Numbers of DABs that are found non‐compliant.

Objective 9.2.2: Maintain DAB compliance.

Activity When Evaluation Conduct compliance inspections on DABs

Half‐yearly Numbers of DABs that are found non‐compliant.

Objective 10.4.1: Maintain accurate information in Council’s MEMP


Review that the personnel and information contained in the MEMP remains current.

Quarterly The number of changes necessary at each review

Objective 10.4.2: Maintain awareness of Monash’s MEMP


Promote awareness of the MEMP to all parties who have a role in its operation.

Annually Participants knowledge of their role in the MEMP

Objective 11.2.1: Improve dog owner’s knowledge on the usage of off‐leash areas.


Enclose a copy of the ‘Living with cats and dogs’ brochure with each dog registration renewal notice and new registrations

Include with the 2014 renewal notices

Monitor improvements in dog owner compliance

Investigate the display of appropriate signage at off‐leash areas advising users of conditions for usage

During 2014

• Cost‐effectiveness of the supply and installation of signs

• Ongoing reports of park patrols

Objective 11.2.2: Improve amenity of dog off‐leash areas.


Investigate the practicability of supplying bins and faeces bags at strategic locations in off‐leash areas

During 2016

Cost‐effectiveness of the installation of bins and supply of bags

Investigate the practicability of additional fencing of off‐leash areas to improve their usage

During 2017

Practicability and cost‐effectiveness of installing additional fencing at each off‐leash area



ANNEXURE 1

MONASH COMMUNITY SURVEY SUMMARY A section of Council’s community consultation in November and December 2012 related to domestic animal management. In summary, outcomes from the survey are summarised herein.

Question 1 Do you own a Pet? – 166 of those who responded said that they do. Of these,

• 66% owned at least one dog; and • 49% owned at least one cat.

Question 2 The City of Monash has 31 off‐leash parks. Do you think this number is adequate? ‐ 387 responses were received.

• 57% of respondents considered there was an adequate number of off‐leash parks in Monash at present

• 11% of respondents thought there were “too few” • 14% of respondents thought there were “too many”.

The following comments were received:

Num

ber

%age of

respon

dents

• Comments why they thought more off‐leash parks were justified: o expressing 'conditional' agreement for more off‐leash

parks: – provided that owners were able to control their dogs and share safely with other park users.

o thought that it was important that parks are accessible from all suburbs.

o specific locations were suggested for new off‐leash parks.

o Council should promote the location of these off‐leash parks more effectively.

19

5 5 5 4

5%

• Not agreeing with more off‐leash parks being created. 33 9%

• Current parks needed more facilities for dogs and their owners.

5 1%

• Could not fairly say if current number was adequate. 9 2%

• Thought the question was flawed ‐ they needed to know the total number of parks across the City first.

3 1%


Question 3 Could off‐leash areas be improved? ‐ 95 respondents made suggestions.


Num

ber

%age of

respon

dents

• Have more off‐leash areas 8 7%

• More facilities within, in particular: 49 43%

o More bins & bags for doggy poo. And means to remind owners of this responsibility 32

o Water for drinking or play 7

o Better information & signs 6

• Have more off‐leash areas fenced 27 24%

• More monitoring in these areas 9 8%

• Better Promotion 6 5%

• Dog training opportunities in these areas 4 3%

• Other 11 10%

Question 4 – How else could Council better meet the needs of pets & pet owners in Monash?


Num

ber

%age of

respon

dents

• Free doggy bags & bins for doggy bags 19 12%

• Offer education & training 17 11%

• special fenced areas or more Off‐leash area/s 11 7%

• organize & promote get togethers, activities or special events for pet owners 8 5%

• Dog water/drinking dishes in Public places 6 4%

• Subsidize checks & vet care 5 3%

• Reform Registration 5 3%

• Promote & support walking of dogs 4 3%

• Improve Relationships with pet owners 2 1%

• If picked up/impounded 2 1%

• Improve protection against dangerous dogs 2 1%

• Pet cemetary please 1 1%


• Clearer rules 1 1%

• learn from other Councils… 1 1%

• Facilitate establishment of better kennels/cateries locally 1 1%

• Don't know as I don't have a pet 24 16%

• Open up this discussion 2 1%

• All Ok at present 10 7%

• No special responses should be provided 3 2%

• Council should increase advice, restrictions & enforcements on pet owners ‐ 29 19%

Question 5 What do you think should be Council’s priorities in the new Domestic Animal Management Plan? ‐ 375 responses were received.

The top five priorities recommended were:

Num

ber

%age of

respon

dents

1. Promoting the registration of pets 230 61%

2. Educating about/promoting responsible pet ownership 230 61%

3. Reducing annoyance from barking dogs 140 37%

4. Reducing the number of wandering cats 131 35%

5. Patrolling by rangers 120 32%

Summary of other suggestions for the DAM Plan Number

• Promote/pursue desexing 5

• Restrictios on dangerous breeds of dogs 5

• Promote pet ownership & re‐homing of unwanted & abandoned pets 5

• Problems resulting from dog poo left in public places 5

• Other ways of helping pet owners 5

• Promote a 24/7 help & support line 2

• Tackling the problem of too many irresponsible cat owners 3

• Ensuring dogs kept on leads when out 2

• Investigate/tackle cruelty/abuse of pets 2

• None of the priorities listed are worthwhile 2

• All strategies listed are a good idea 1

• Other 2


Question 6 Some Councils have introduced compulsory de‐sexing of cats, particularly to reduce the population of stray and unwanted cats. Do you think it should be compulsory for all cats registered with Council to be de‐sexed? ‐ 384 responses were received.

• 69% said “yes” to de‐sexing of newly registered cats • 19% said “no” • 13% “did not know”


Num

ber

%age of

respon

dents

Yes (Total) 53 65%

• Yes, provided those with good reason are exempted e.g. breeders 24

• Yes, it's very important & a responsible option 15

• YES and also dogs 6

• Yes provided exemptions are clearly explained & accepted 3

• Yes as there will be environmental impacts if we do not do this 3

• Yes provided it is not painful for cats. 1

• Yes, and make it free 1

No (Total) 15 18%

• No ‐ Council should avoid making things "compulsory" 5

• No ‐ Try alternative approaches 5

• Not fair for people who like cats, not a real problem 3

• No because it's cruel for cats 2

Respondents who were unsure about desexing 14 17%

• It would be very difficult to achieve, because 8

• But do agree that it's a problem 4

• There maybe unintended consequences 2


ANNEXURE 2

ACTIVITY EVALUATION FLOWCHART

Has the activity been

completed?

ACTIVITY

Was the objective achieved successfully?

If this activity is repeated, are any

changes recommended?

Is the activity still to be carried out?

Is it intended to repeat this activity?

DESCRIBE THE LEVEL OF SUCCESS OR PROGRESS IN ACHIEVING THE OBJECTIVE.

IF APPROPRIATE, STATE WHY ACTIVITY WAS NOT ACHIEVED OR WAS ABANDONED.

YES

YES

YESYES

YES NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

State why not

State what should change

State why not


ANNEXURE 3

DESIGNATED OFF‐LEASH AREAS FOR DOGS AND RESERVES WHERE CATS ARE PROHIBITED

1. Dogs are permitted off their leash at the following 31 designated areas within

Monash.

Suburb Ref. No. on Map

Reserve Melway Reference

Designated Area

Ashwood

1

Ashwood, Jingella & Holmesglen Reserves

69 C9 Parts of areas bound by High Street Road, Winbirra Parade, rear of Jingella Avenue, Power Avenue, Warrigal Road and Gardiners Creek known as Ashwood, Jingella & Holmesglen Reserves

2

Electra Reserve 61 A11 Area bounded by High Street Road, Huntingdale Road, rear boundaries of Cudgee & Condah Courts & Teck Street and Electra Avenue known as Electra Reserve

Burwood 3 Gardiners Reserve 81 A4 Area south of Highbury Road & west of

Gardiners Creek to Sixth Avenue known as part of Gardiners Reserve

Chadstone 4 Batesford Reserve 69 H1 Area bounded by Batesford Road & Power

Avenue known as Batesford Reserve

5 Caloola Reserve 69 G5 Area west of Drummond Street known as Caloola Reserve

Glen Waverley

6 Bogong Reserve 71 A2 Area bounded by Montclair Avenue, Bogong

Avenue & Riley Court known as Bogong Reserve

7 Capital Reserve 62 G12 Area bounded by Capital Avenue & rear

boundaries of Lomond Drive/Tweed Court & Westlands Road known as Capital Reserve

8 Dick Mason Playing Field, Napier Park Reserve

71 H2 Area off Torwood Avenue & rear boundaries of properties backing onto Napier Park known as Dick Mason Playing Field

9 Glen Waverley North Reserve

62 B11 Area bounded by Mulgrave & Madeline Streets and Chesterville Road known as Glen Waverley North Reserve

10 Hinkler Reserve 71 E2 Area off Hinkler Road known as Hinkler Reserve

11 Waverley Road, north side, opposite Jells Road

71 J5 Open space area between Glen Waverley Public Golf Course access road & 913 Waverley Road

12 Whites Lane Retarding Basin

71 D7 Area off Watsons Road & Whites Lane forming the Whites Lane stormwater retarding basin

Hughesdale 13 Argyle Reserve 69 C9 Area between Poath Road & Kinrade Street known as Argyle Reserve

Mount Waverley

14 Damper Creek Reserve

61 D10 Area between Stephensons Road & High Street Road known as Damper Creek Reserve

15 Federal Reserve 61 D9 Area off Federal Street known as Federal

Reserve


Suburb Ref. No. on Map

Reserve Melway Reference

Designated Area

Mount Waverley (cont.)

16 Heany Street Reserve 70 C2 Area between Waverley Road & Beverley Grove known as Heany Street Reserve

17 Mount Waverley Reserve

61 G12 Area off Charles & St Albans & Fleet Streets known as Mount Waverley Reserve

18 Powerlines Reservation 1

70 C4 Linier area under the powerlines from west side of Pamela Street to east side of Smyth Street

19 Powerlines Reservation 2

70 K6 Linier area under the powerlines from Janice Street to Ivanhoe Street

20 Tally Ho Reserve 61 J9 Area off Bennett Avenue known as Tally Ho Reserve

Mulgrave 21 Freeway Reserve 71 D12 Area between Monash Freeway & Wellington Road known as Freeway Reserve

Mulgrave 22

Gladeswood Reserve 81 A4 Area between Grantham Terrace & Gladeswood Drive known as Gladeswood Reserve

23 Southern Reserve 80 F5 Area between Police Road & Rupert Drive known as Southern Reserve

Notting Hill 24 Carlson Avenue Reserve

70 D9 Area between Clayton Road & Carlson Avenue known as Carlson Avenue Reserve

Oakleigh

25 Jack Edwards Reserve 69 H9 Area off Edwards Street known as Jack Edwards Reserve

26 Scotchmans Run Reserve

69 J9 Area south of Estelle Street & east of Stamford Road known as Scotchmans Run Reserve

Oakleigh East 27

Princes Highway Reserve

70 B10 Area south of Dandenong Road & west of Greta Street known as Princes Highway Reserve

Wheelers Hill

28 Columbia Park 71 H11 Area between Columbia Drive & Jells Road known as Columbia Park

29 Hertford Crescent Reserve

71 G8 Area of public open space between Hertford Crescent & Redleaf Way

30 Lum Reserve 71 F11 Area off west of Lum Road & south of Earlwood Drive known as Lum Reserve

31 Mulgrave Reserve 81 B1 Area to west of Garnett Road known as Mulgrave Reserve

2. Cats are prohibited from the following 5 designated environmentally sensitive areas.

Suburb Reserve Melway Reference

Designated Area

Burwood Gardiners Creek Reserve (east of creek)

60 J8 Area east of Gardiners Creek bounded by Highbury Road, Montpellier Road & Chandler Grove known as part of Gardiners Creek Reserve

Mount Waverley

Damper Creek Reserve

61 D10 Linier area between Stephensons Road & High Street Road known as Damper Creek Reserve

Fairway Reserve 70 E5 Area north of Monash Freeway between Forster Road & Fairway Avenue known as Fairway Reserve

Valley Reserve 70 F2 Area bound by Waimarie Drive, Bond & Bruce Streets known as Valley Reserve

Portsmouth Street Reserve

61 F2 Area of public open space on south‐east corner of Portsmouth Street & Charles Street


CITY OF MONASH

DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

2013‐2017

LOCATIONS OF OFF‐LEASH AREAS

FOR DOGS

Denotes Off‐Leash Area. Refer to Schedule for Location

1

12

10

9

8

7

6 16

15

14

13

5

3

21

20

19 18

17

4

2

26

25 24

23 22

31

28

29

11

30 27

21

SPRINGVALE RO

AD

BLACKBURN

ROAD

CLAYTON RO

AD

HUNTIN

GDALE RO

AD

WARRAG

UL RO

AD

POATH

ROAD

STEPHEN

SONS RO

AD

JACKSONS RO

AD

JELLS ROAD

LUM RO

ADGALLAG

HERS RO

AD

HIGHBURY ROAD

HIGH STREET ROAD

WAVERLEY ROAD

FERNTREE GULLY ROAD

WELLINGTON ROAD

CENTRE ROAD

POLICE ROAD

MONASH FREEWAY

Documents

Domestic Animal Management Plan - City of Monash · direction and action plans related to animal management during the four‐year period ... Birth Number of Residents %age ... Domestic