Domestic Animal Management Plan 2012-2017
Endorsed by:
Safer City December 2011
Subsequent Amendments:
Document Owner:
Position:
Program Manager, Safer City
Phone:
8203 7359
Contents
Executive Summary ......................................................................................... 3
Introduction ...................................................................................................... 4
Legislative and Corporate Requirements ........................................................ 4
Domestic Animals in the City of Adelaide ........................................................ 5
Key Issue 1 Identification and Registration ...................................................... 6
Key Issue 2 Faeces Management ................................................................... 7
Key Issue 3 Breeds & Behaviour to be Discouraged ....................................... 8
Key Issue 4 Animal Welfare & Safety .............................................................. 9
Key Issue 5 Dog Barking ............................................................................... 10
Key Issue 6 De-Sexing Of Cats & Dogs ........................................................ 11
Key Issue 7 Dogs in Parks Lands .................................................................. 12
Key Issue 8 Dogs in Streets / Wandering ...................................................... 13
Key Issue 9 Roaming Domestic / Stray / Feral Cats ...................................... 14
Key Issue 10 Number of Animals / Breeding Kennels ................................... 15
Key Issue 11 Community Education & Awareness ....................................... 16
Key Issue 12 Dog & Cat Management Officer Training ................................. 17
Enforcement .................................................................................................. 18
Dog Parks ...................................................................................................... 19
Community Land Management Plans ............................................................ 19
Monitoring and Review .................................................................................. 20
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Executive Summary
There is substantial evidence that suggests that domestic animals, primarily dogs
and cats provide significant benefits to not only their owners, but the community in
which they live.
Owning a pet provides opportunities for meeting other people socially, promotes
companionship and has an education value for children. It is proven that people with
pets live longer, have better cardiovascular health and less anxiety. Pets offer a
sense of security, vermin control, and often assist the elderly or those with hearing,
site or mobility impairments. If managed properly, domestic animals can strengthen a
community. Responsible pet ownership is rewarding and provides a common interest
amongst members of the community.
The Adelaide City Council faces a number of key issues in managing domestic
animals in an urban capital city environment; these are addressed in this plan. As we
understand more about the benefits of pet ownership, it is important that Council
takes a strategic approach to domestic animal management in the City of Adelaide.
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Introduction
Adelaide City Council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan provides the framework
to meet statutory responsibilities and the future direction to ensure the health, safety
and welfare of domestic animals.
City Precinct Officers provide a range of services in relation to conflict resolution,
breaches of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 and community education and
awareness. Adelaide City Council recognises the significance of animals to their
owners and as a result these issues are handled with the upmost sensitivity.
Pets bring a myriad of health and wellbeing advantages to their owners however;
they do cause the potential for conflict between neighbours and the local community.
Council aims to provide services that help regulate and control the legal
responsibilities placed on pet owners, as well as providing education and awareness
about responsible pet ownership.
This Management Plan addresses twelve key issues for effective Domestic Animal
Management in the City of Adelaide:
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Key issue 1: Identification and registration
Key issue 2: Faeces management
Key issue 3: Breeds & behaviour to be discouraged
Key issue 4: Animal welfare and safety
Key issue 5: Dog barking
Key issue 6: De-sexing of cats and dogs
Key issue 7: Dogs in parks lands
Key issue 8: Dogs in streets / wandering
Key issue 9: Roaming domestic / stray / feral cats
Key issue 10: Number of animals / breeding kennels
Key issue 11: Community education & awareness
Key issue 12: Dog and cat management training
Legislative and Corporate Requirements
Council is required to administer and enforce the provisions of the Dog and Cat
Management Act 1995 relating to dogs and cats in the City and North Adelaide.
Council’s responsibilities under the Act are to:
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Maintain a register of dogs containing the information required by the Board
(which may be kept in the form of a computer record) that is to be readily
available for public inspection; and
Ensure that the Board is provided with information contained in the register as
required by the board from time to time; and
Appoint a suitable person to be Registrar; and
Make satisfactory arrangements for issuing and replacing certificates of
registration and registration discs; and
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Appoint at least one full-time dog management officer or make other
satisfactory arrangements for the exercise of the functions and powers of dog
management officers; and
Make satisfactory arrangements for the detention of dogs seized under this
Act; and
Make satisfactory arrangements for fulfilling other obligations under this Act
Various other Acts, Council policies and By-Laws must be adhered to when
regulating domestic animals, these include:
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Local Government Act
Development Act 1993
Integrated Movement Strategy
Park Lands Management Strategy
By-law 7, Dogs
By-law 8, Cats
Domestic Animals in the City of Adelaide
Domestic animals in the City encompass a wide range of species including Dogs,
Cats, Birds, Fish, Horses and Reptiles. Dogs and Cats tend to be of most concern in
urban environments because of their size, need for exercise, potential impact on the
environment and potential to cause conflict with people and other animals.
The Adelaide City Council processes on average 700 – 900 Dog registrations every
year. In comparison to South Australian suburban Councils this is a relatively small
number. Even with this small number, the high density living arrangements of a
capital City provide many challenges for residents who own, or neighbours own pets.
In addition to the registered dogs in the City of Adelaide, the Adelaide park lands
provide ideal recreation space for people and their pets that are registered not only
with the Adelaide City Council, but with neighbouring Council’s.
The top ten most popular dog breeds in the City and North Adelaide are:
1. Maltese Cross
2. Jack Russell Terrier
3. Schnauzer Miniature
4. Labrador Retriever
5. Poodle Miniature
6. Beagle
7. Labrador Retriever Cross
8. Poodle Miniature Cross
9. German Shepherd
10. West Highland White Terrier
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Key Issue 1
Identification and Registration
Objective
To increase the number of registered and micro chipped domestic animals.
Reasoning
The identification and (where required) registration of animals is encouraged to assist
in:
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The return of wandering or injured animals to their owners.
Determining the owner of an animal involved in a conflict situation.
According to legislation it is compulsory for dogs over three months of age to be
registered. Registration can be paid anytime between 1 July and 31 August each
year. Proof of de-sexing and micro-chipping is required to qualify for rebates.
Method
Literature and information is available to ratepayers informing them of the benefits of
dog and cat registration at applicable centres including; veterinarians, dog groomers,
Council buildings and from Council Officers and Council’s website in order to
increase the number of people registering their animals.
Additionally, when registration is due council actively promotes re-registration of
domestic animals by following up with the owners of the previous years registered
animals.
Key Performance Indicator
A reduction in complaints regarding alleged unregistered dogs.
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Key Issue 2
Faeces Management
Objective
To increase the amenity of the City of Adelaide and to reduce domestic animal faecal
matter in the public realm.
Reasoning
The owners of dogs are responsible under the Dog and Cat Management Act for
removing any of their animal’s faeces from public places. Failure to remove dog
faeces is an offence for which the owners, or person responsible for the control of an
offending dog, may be expiated.
The owners of cats have no such responsibility, however cats frequently use
children’s sandpits to bury their faeces and this can present a health problem. People
with sand pits are encouraged to keep them covered when not in use and the owners
of cats are encouraged to train their cat(s) to stay inside.
Method
People observed allowing their animal to leave faecal matter will be informed of their
requirements to dispose of it appropriately and may be expiated. Additionally, people
are informed about these rules through literature available on our website and in our
Customer Centre.
To encourage owners to pick up after their animals, Council provides Dog Tidy bags
in dispensers at various locations throughout the Park Lands where dogs are
regularly exercised.
Key Performance Indicator
A reduction in the amount of faecal matter in the public realm. Indications of this are
both the number of expiation notices issued and maintaining the supply of dog tidy
bags at various locations.
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Key Issue 3
Breeds & Behaviour to be Discouraged
Objective
To minimise the risk of dog attacks and prescribed breed numbers.
Reasoning
Prescribed breeds include American Pit Bull Terrier, Fila Braziliero, Japanese Tosa,
Presa Canario and Dogo Argentina. Any person who gives away or sells, or
advertises to sell or give away such a dog is guilty of an offence.
According to the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, Greyhounds must be muzzled
and kept on a leash no more than 2 meters in length. Additionally these laws identify
certain prescribed breeds as being excluded from the off-leash freedoms applying to
other dogs.
The use of attack dogs within the City except by trained personnel such as the Police
are not supported. Where attack trained or patrol dogs are used then the provisions
of the Regulations that require Council to be notified (and a sign placed on the
premises) must be adhered to.
Method
The community is made aware of the danger and regulations relating to prescribed
breeds via available literature (for methods of distribution see Key indicator 1).
People caught selling / giving or advertising to sell / give away prescribed breeds or
training “attack dogs” are guilty of an offence under the Act.
Key Performance Indicator
Reported dog attacks minimised.
Reported prescribed breeds in the City of Adelaide minimised.
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Key Issue 4
Animal Welfare & Safety
Objective
To improve the welfare and safety of Domestic Animals and to prevent animal
cruelty.
Reasoning
Council takes animal welfare and safety very seriously. Where the welfare or safety
of any domestic animal is at risk or has been reported to be at risk, or has been or is
being mistreated, the RSPCA will be notified.
Method
The RSPCA will be informed and they will take any action they deem necessary.
Additionally literature and information is available to ratepayers informing them of
responsible pet ownership on our website and at our Customer Centre.
Key Performance Indicator
Minimise the number of referred cases of animal cruelty (to the RSPCA).
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Key Issue 5
Dog Barking
Objective
To minimise the number of noise complaints attributed to excessive dog barking.
Reasoning
Excessive dog barking can disrupt the quiet enjoyment of adjoining neighbours.
Council works with complainants and pet owners to investigate, substantiate and
address barking dog complaints. Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their
pets are kept under control, with minimal disruption to those living in close proximity.
Method
When a barking dog complaint is provided in writing to Council Authorised Officers,
they give the complainant a diary to record and monitor the barking over a period of
time. Authorised Officers will work with the owner of the barking dog to determine the
cause and give advice regarding the means of keeping it quiet and modifying the
behaviour of the dog.
Authorised Officers will handle each complaint on a case to case basis; if the issue is
not resolved then further action may be required.
Key Performance Indicator
Noise complaints attributed to barking minimised and addressed within 2 business
days.
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Key Issue 6
De-Sexing Of Cats & Dogs
Objective
To prevent an increase in the number of feral and stray animals
Reasoning
There are many advantages in de-sexing dogs and cats:
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De-sexed pets tend to live longer, healthier lives as the incidence of health
problems are reduced
Domestic animal breeding with stray animals is reduced.
Males show a significant reduction in aggressive, dominating and territorial
behaviour.
Wandering is significantly reduced.
De-sexed dogs are much easier to control and any problems are generally
easier to overcome due to reduced hormonal responses
Further, de-sexed animals that find their way into the general environment as wild
animals will not increase the population of such animals (eventually becoming feral)
with their consequential impact on native animals.
Mandatory de-sexing of pets is not a requirement of the Dog and Cat Management
Act 1995.
Method
Literature is available to ratepayers informing them of the benefits of dog and cat desexing via pamphlet distribution centres (vets, dog groomers, Council buildings) and
Council Officers in order to increase the number of people de-sexing their animals.
Council encourages pet de-sexing by providing advice, information and reduced
registration fees for de-sexed dogs; a rebate is available for the de-sexing of cats
Key Performance Indicator
An increase in the number of registered de-sexed dogs from 83% to 90%
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Key Issue 7
Dogs in Parks Lands
Objective
To encourage the appropriate use of dog exercise areas and parks.
Reasoning
Council supports the provision for dogs to be able to run, play and socialise off leash
as it is beneficial for the general physical and social needs of the animal and helps to
avoid other behavioural problems. To encourage such off-leash activity certain
specific areas will be developed with appropriate supporting facilities including
watering points, seats, bins and doggy parks.
Method
While in an off leash area; the owner must not allow the dog to rush, worry, chase,
threaten, or bite any person or animal. Owners must remain in an effective voice or
hand control of the dog so as to be able to promptly bring the dog under effective
control by placing it on a chain, cord or leash if that becomes necessary; the owner
must place and control the dog on a leash if the dog is within 50 metres of the
location of:
 An organised sporting event or, game or practice or training for a sporting
event or game;
 Children’s play equipment area;
 The location of an organised public activity, event or meeting;
 A permanent barbecue or picnic area.
The public is informed through printed literature and verbal advice on the location of
dog off leash areas and appropriate dog/owner behaviour. Additionally Council has
granted approval to build a dedicated and enclosed dog playground solely for canine
socialisation.
People breaching the above conditions may be expiated.
Key Performance Indicator
A reduction in the number of complaints of dogs wandering at large in on-leash Park
Land areas.
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Key Issue 8
Dogs in Streets / Wandering
Objective
To minimise the number of lost and wandering dogs.
Reasoning
Wandering dogs are not always lost dogs (many are abandoned) so this often makes
returning the dog to its rightful and willing owner a difficult task.
All dogs on public streets are to be leashed at all times to maintain the safety and
minimise disruption to the local community.
Method
All dogs in public streets shall be on a leash not exceeding 2 metres in length.
Dogs found wandering at large by Authorised Officers will be returned to the owner
(traceable through the registration disc/microchip) whenever possible or delivered to
the Animal Welfare League or the RSPCA. Where a dog is repeatedly found to be
wandering at large the owner will be required to secure the animal such that it is kept
under control and expiation notices may be issued.
Council will issue warnings and/or expiation notices for lost and wandering dogs as
appropriate. Every step is taken to return the dog to its owner, including placing
notices in Council’s Customer Centre.
Key Performance Indicator
A reduction in the number of dogs wandering at large on streets.
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Key Issue 9
Roaming Domestic / Stray / Feral Cats
Objective
To minimise the number of wandering cat complaints.
Reasoning
The identification and wearing of collars with a bell by cats is encouraged. Roaming
cats in the Park Lands, where they can have a devastating impact on wildlife, may be
impounded. The Dog and Cat Management Act requires those that are found with
identification be returned to their owners with a warning and advice on training their
cat to stay inside. Council Officers currently provide advice and guidance to residents
experiencing problems with nuisance cats. Education and awareness programmes
will encourage cats be kept indoors at night.
Stray or un-owned cats in the City can be harmful to other domestic animals and
wildlife as they are often born “wild”. Initiatives will be undertaken with a view to
educating and encouraging people to keep cats indoors at night.
Method
Council Officers will attempt to return the cat to its owner. If the owner cannot be
identified, the cat is either given to a shelter or euthanized. Furthermore Council
literature advocates the attaching of bells to cat collars to reduce the impact of
roaming cats on local wildlife.
Key Performance Indicator
A reduction in the number of reported roaming cat cases.
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Key Issue 10
Number of Animals / Breeding Kennels
Objective
To minimise the number of complaints regarding improper breeding kennels and
animal hoarding.
Reasoning
Adelaide City Council’s By-laws limit the number of dogs or cats being kept on any
premise, to not more than two (2) cats and one (1) dog for a small dwelling or two (2)
dogs and two (2) cats for other dwellings.
Method
The provision of breeding kennels in the City and North Adelaide is not permitted,
unless specific provision is made for:
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Controlling noise;
Proper standards of hygiene and waste disposal; and
Adequate exercise facilities
Owners of unauthorised breeding kennels will be informed on the correct procedures
to obtain a Kennel Permit. If these procedures are not followed owners may be
expiated under the Development Act 1993.
People exceeding the number of animals without permission from Council may be
expiated.
Key Performance Indicator
Complaints of an excessive number of animals in a dwelling or an improper breeding
kennel will be investigated within 2 business days.
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Key Issue 11
Community Education & Awareness
Objective
To increase community awareness of Council services relating to the management of
domestic animals
Reasoning
Responsible pet ownership has many benefits for the Adelaide City Council. Owners
who de-sex and register their pets, in doing so, ensure that they do not contribute to
the various problems associated with domestic animal ownership. Registration and
de-sexing assists in preventing outbreaks of feral animals and assist in the timely
return of lost/wandering dogs. Furthermore responsible pet owners are less likely to
abandon their pets, leading to the euthanization of the animal.
Dog obedience training is an important method to ensure pets are suitably integrated
with the community. Dog training and socialisation has the potential to reduce the
issues associated with nuisance complaints, such as boredom barking and other
behaviours. Council’s role in dog obedience and socialisation is to promote and
support existing dog obedience clubs and encourage dog owners to attend dog
obedience training.
Method
Council will provide information regarding responsible pet ownership via its website,
Customer Centre, Community Centre and libraries. Where appropriate Council will
support community events to promote healthy and responsible pet ownership
Key Performance Indicator
Ensuring literature is up to date and available at all distribution sites.
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Key Issue 12
Dog & Cat Management Officer Training
Objective
To train and update Council Officers in Dog and Cat Management.
Reasoning
It is in the best interests of every domestic animal owner that the relevant Authorised
Officers have detailed knowledge of Dog and Cat Management.
Method
Council Officers will be trained and updated by attending appropriate courses and
seminars organised by the City of Adelaide, Dog and Cat Management Board and
the Authorised Persons Association.
Key Performance Indicators
Current Authorised Officers have appropriate skills and knowledge and are kept up to
date with methods of animal handling.
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Enforcement
Legislation
The Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 prescribes the actions that can be taken by
a Dog Management Officer.
The Safer City Program is responsible for appointing Dog and Cat Management
Officers to handle all matters relating to dogs and cats in accordance with the
provisions of the Act and Council’s By-laws including:
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Investigating complaints
Reporting breaches of the Act and By-laws
Seizing and detaining dogs wandering at large
Issuing dog control destruction orders
Installing signs to adequately delineate off-leash areas
Provision of education and awareness material to encourage responsible
animal ownership
Offences
The Dog and Cat Management Act sets out a number of offences for which the
owner or person responsible for the control of a dog can be fined. These include the
dog:
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Wandering at large
Attacking, harassing or chasing a person or animal (although it may be
permissible in the defence of property).
Attacking a person lawfully entering premises.
Being in a school, kindergarten or child care centre.
Being in a shop (but not a pet shop, veterinary office or dog grooming parlour)
or a place where food and drink is sold or prepared.
Chasing a vehicle.
Defecating in a public place (unless the person with the control immediately
removes and disposes of the faeces).
Some of these requirements do not apply to Guide, Hearing & Disability Dogs.
Conflict
All instances of domestic animal conflicts will be recorded together with the
circumstances leading up to the conflict and consequently, an assessment of the
cause of the conflict, the degree of control on the animal(s) and the severity of any
injuries (if any) will be undertaken.
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Irresponsible ownership
A person who urges a dog to attack, harass or chase any other person or animal is
guilty of an offence.
Action to be taken
If a complaint is received then a Dog Management Officer may decide to issue an
expiation notice or, if the offence is more serious or repeated they may issue a dog
control or destruction order or issue a summons for the owner to appear in Court to
answer to a criminal charge.
Dog Holding Facilities
Unidentified dogs are impounded in accordance with the Act. Dogs are transported to
the Animal Welfare League at Wingfield during business hours and the RSPCA in
Morphett Street, Adelaide after hours.
Other Urban animals
While this plan mostly incorporates animal management relating to dogs and
cats, animals such horses, sheep, roosters, chickens, birds and bees impact on the
community.
Animal owners are required to keep animals in such a way as not to cause a
nuisance or hazard. Section 254 of the Local Government Act 1999 gives Councils
the power to issue orders to require animal owners to abate a nuisance or hazard
caused
Owners who keep animals also have responsibilities under the Public Health Act
2011 to ensure the property is kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
Dog Parks
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Community Land Management Plans
Suggestions from the community regarding the adequacy of the off-leash areas and
Doggy Parks will be reviewed and analysed in terms of impacts on safety for the
animal and potential for conflict with other users. The arrangement for each Park and
Square is detailed in the Community Land Management Plans for each specific park.
More information can be found at:
http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/environment/plans-policies/community-landmanagement-plans/
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Monitoring and Review
Performance Measures
For the purposes of monitoring the implementation of this Plan the following
performance measures will be used. The responsible Programs must keep adequate
records of the following performance measures:
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The number of dog registrations.
The number of animals caught with no means of identification.
The number of reported conflicts with animals.
The number of reported dog attacks and their location.
The number of warnings issued.
The number of expiations issued.
Review
This plan should be reviewed every 5 years, or as required, in consultation with the
Dog and Cat Management Board.
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Doggy Park
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