Domestic Animal
Management Plan
2012-2016
ADOPTED BY COUNCIL ON THE 26THJUNE 2013
DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLANS
Under Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act, every Council must prepare a
domestic animal management plan, as follows:
68A Councils to prepare domestic animal management plans
(1) Every Council must, in consultation with the Secretary (of the
Department of Primary Industries), prepare at 4 year intervals a
domestic animal management plan.
(2) A domestic animal management plan prepared by a Council 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
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(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.
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Contents
DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLANS ........................................................... 2
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 5
COUNCIL PROFILE ................................................................................................... 6
PET OWNERSHIP IN THE MACEDON RANGES SHIRE ......................................... 6
2012 ANIMAL STATISTICS – MACEDON RANGES SHIRE ..................................... 7
MRSC – ANIMAL MANAGEMENT STAFFING AND OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE 8
WHAT IS ANIMAL MANAGEMENT? .......................................................................... 9
COUNCIL’S ANIMAL MANAGEMENT RELATED LOCAL LAWS (Appendix 1) ......... 9
TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS ............................................................... 10
REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION ................................................................. 10
DEALING WITH NUISANCE ISSUES ...................................................................... 14
MINIMISING THE RISK OF DOG ATTACKS AND RUSHES ................................... 18
MANAGING DANGEROUS, MENACING AND RESTRICTED BREED DOGS ........ 20
MINIMISING OVERPOPULATION AND EUTHANASIA ........................................... 21
DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES ........................................................................ 24
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF ANIMALS ......................................................... 25
MONITORING AND REVIEWING THE PLAN .......................................................... 26
APPENDIX 1 – MACEDON SHIRE RANGES COUNCIL GENERAL LOCAL LAWS
NUMBER 8, PART 4 - ANIMAL CONTROL.............................................................. 27
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INTRODUCTION
All Victorian Councils are required by the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to prepare and
implement a four year Domestic Animal Management Plan (The Plan) to guide decision
making in relation to animal management.
This four year plan builds on the previous plan and provides the framework for the planning,
development, and evaluation of animal management services and programs delivered by
Macedon Ranges Shire Council and complies with the requirements of the Domestic Animals
Act 1994.
The purposes of the Plan are to:

Document current processes and practices relating to animal management
responsibilities.

Review its animal management services, programs, procedures and policies
including local laws and orders.

Outline programs, services and strategies to:
o
Increase compliance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
o
Increase pet owners’ knowledge of the principles of responsible pet ownership
and enhancing community safety and awareness.
o
Minimise the harmful effect of domestic pets on the population of native birds,
mammals and reptiles

o
Minimise over-population and minimise euthanasia rates for dogs and cats.
o
Minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance; and
o
Encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats.
Take into account community views on animal management matters
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COUNCIL PROFILE
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has an area of 1747.4 square kilometres with an
estimated resident population of 41,860 people.
The Shire is located within an hour’s drive of Melbourne along the Calder Freeway and is
renowned for its semi-rural lifestyle including its pristine landscapes and forests, native
wildlife, unique natural features such as Hanging Rock and the charm and character of its
local townships such as Woodend, Kyneton and Malmsbury. As a semi-rural peri urban on
the fringe of suburban Melbourne, Macedon Ranges Shire has a diverse range of domestic
animals. Our climate and location attracts horse and alpaca breeding, through to the more
usual cats and dogs and includes farming and livestock industries.
These features have attracted residents and visitors since the early 1900s and continue to do
so today. The Macedon Ranges Shire is constantly growing and the most significant recent
growth has occurred in the southern part of the Shire, close to urban Melbourne.
PET OWNERSHIP IN THE MACEDON RANGES SHIRE
With Australia having one of the highest levels of cat and dog ownership in the world,
responsible pet ownership is an important part of our Macedon Ranges culture.
Council recognises that pets play an important role in the day to day lives of many people,
and strives to support pet owners and promote the health and social benefits of responsible
pet ownership. This is done in conjunction with making sure that our environment and
lifestyle is protected from any potential negative impacts of domestic animals.
Studies show that pets increase people's sense of safety, promote social interaction,
encourage people to exercise, and provide companionship. In short, pets improve the
physical and psychological health of their owners. Pets are also a great catalyst for meeting
people and help support social interaction, particularly for people living on their own.
Harnessing these benefits of animal ownership and supporting our residents to continue to
responsibly own cats, dogs and other pets is an ongoing role for Council.
The aim of the Macedon Ranges Domestic Animal Management Plan is to ensure that
people and pets can live harmoniously in our community. The plan recognises and carefully
balances the needs of pets, pet owners and those who don’t own pets
Interesting Facts
 More than 63% of Australian households own a pet, of these:
- 40% own dogs
- 26% own cats
 In about two-thirds of cases a woman is the main carer and decision-maker in relation
to the family pet(s).
 91% of pet owners report feeling ‘very close’ to their pet, reinforcing that pets are an
integral member of the family unit,
 More than 83% of Australians have had a pet at some time in their lives.
 People who own pets typically visit the doctor less often, have lower cholesterol and
lower blood pressure, and use less medication
(data from the Australian Companion Animals Council - http://www.acac.org.au/)
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2012 ANIMAL STATISTICS – MACEDON RANGES SHIRE
2012
41860
Population
1747 km2
Area
No. of EFT Authorised Officers
(Rangers/Local Law Officers)
3.6
No. of Registered Dogs
11,034
No. of Registered Cats
3,210
No. of Registered Declared Dogs
No. of impoundments (dogs),
including dogs surrendered by public
9
429
No. of dogs returned to owner
355 (83%)
No. of dogs rehoused
58 (13.5%)
No. of dogs euthanased
15 (3.5%)
No. of impoundments (cats)
including cats surrendered by public
132
No. of cats returned to owner
6 (4.5%)
No. of cats rehoused
46 (35%)
No. of cats euthanased
80 (60.5%)
No. of registered Domestic Animal
Businesses
 Breeding & rearing
3
 Pet shops
1
 Training Establishment
1
 Shelters & pounds
1
 Boarding establishments
6
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MACEDON RANGES SHIRE COUNCIL – ANIMAL MANAGEMENT STAFFING AND
OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE
CEO
Director,
Assets &
Operations
Manager,
Community Safety
Coordinator
Local Laws
Ranger/Local
Laws Officers
x 3.6 (EFT)
Coordinator
Environmental
Health
Administration
Officer x 1
(EFT)
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Coordinator
Emergency
Management
Fire
Management
Officer
Casual
Ranger/Local Law
Officers x 2
8
WHAT IS ANIMAL MANAGEMENT?
The Local Laws Unit is responsible for the animal management function, which Council
provides. Such functions include:

Managing neighbourhood issues and complaints relating to pets;

Promoting responsible pet ownership;

Investigating dog attacks;

Ensuring compliance to legislation and code of practice’s relevant to pets and
livestock;

Registration and identification of animals;

Investigating animal welfare issues;

Providing advice to pet owners and the community;

After hours animal emergencies and;

Animal welfare emergency management.
COUNCIL’S ANIMAL MANAGEMENT RELATED LOCAL LAWS (Appendix 1)
Council has in place a variety of local laws or orders that regulate pet owners, which are as
follows:
Council’s General Local Law Number 8, has local laws which manage animals and their
owners by stipulating how many dogs and cats can reside at any one property, how any
additional animals must be housed and the requirement for dog walkers to pick up their dog’s
litter when in public places. It also regulates nuisances from animals other than dogs and
cats, as the Domestic Animals Act 1994 regulates dog and cat nuisances.
Pet owners are required to obtain a yearly permit from Council to keep additional animals on
their property, which requires Authorised Officers to assess their property accordingly and
canvass neighbours for their consent also. This ensures additional animals do not affect the
amenity of the neighbourhood.
Council’s General Local Law Number 8 is due to expire on 30 September 2013, the
community will be able to have a say in relation to any changes once a proposal is made
available for comment.
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TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS
A variety of training is offered and provided to all Rangers/Local Laws Officers and to ensure
Officers are equipped to respond to demands of their roles, training is reviewed annually.
Training options include animal handling courses, investigation and statement taking
courses, animal welfare and husbandry courses, prosecution courses and meetings,
information technology training, OH&S training, conflict management training, customer
service training and industry related seminars, conferences and briefings from the
Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Bureau of Animal Welfare (BAW), Australian
Institute of Animal Management (AIAM), Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and other
relevant Associations.
OUR PLANS
Objective: Develop and maintain a training register for individual officers
Activity
When
Evaluation
Create a database to record each
officer’s completed training, along
with proposed additional training
opportunities
By
Annually review, to ensure accuracy
and to determine whether proposed
training goals have been met for
each officer
January 2014
Staff attendance at industry related
seminars and training, such as:

Breed Identification

Annual AIAM Conference

DPI/BAW/MAV Seminars
As offered
Annual review attendance with
training register
REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION
The Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires all dogs and cats over the age of 3 months to be
microchipped and registered with their residing Council.
The registration of animals provides Council’s with an understanding of the level of pet
ownership in the community and in turn this helps Council plan for services, information and
programs associated with pets in particular areas of the community.
Registration fees help fund the services provided by Council in relation to animal
management and the Bureau of Animal Welfare’s responsible pet ownership campaigns and
programs provided within the Shire.
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More importantly, it supports the quick return of pets to their owners, minimising distress to
pets associated with being held in a strange environment while waiting for collection.
Council is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership by educating and enforcing
relevant legislation to ensure the highest possible level of compliance.
Current Education Activities

Publicising the requirement to register pets over the age of three months in Shire Life,
Local papers, Council’s website and Council’s on hold phone messages;

Mailing out of animal registration renewal and reminder notices each year to currently
registered animals;

Roadside signage (A Frames);

Vehicle signage;

Microchipping days and;

Brochures made available to the public promoting responsible pet ownership.
Current Compliance Activities

A door knock audit conducted each year for animal registrations that have lapsed.

Requiring unregistered impounded animals to be microchipped and registered prior to
release.

Issuing notices and/or infringements for animals found unregistered.

Prosecuting owners of unregistered animals where infringements remain unpaid
and/or animals remain unregistered.

Investigating domestic animal business notifications of animals being sold to
residents within the Shire.

Proactive and reactive park and street patrols to follow up registration and ensure
identification is being worn.

After hours animal emergency service.
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OUR PLANS
Objective 1: Minimise the total number of properties required for the annual door
knock audit, relating to lapsed animal registrations.
Activity
Educate residents of the animal
registration renewal period by means
of advertising/media releases and
mailing of renewal notices
Ensure each property is audited and
issued infringements where animals
found to be unregistered
When
Evaluation
March-May
Yearly
Review media release types available each
year to determine most effective advertising
July –
August
Yearly
Total number of properties audited
compared to previous results.
Sept – Oct
Ensure lapsed animal registrations
have been renewed after follow up
and infringements paid. Lodge
unpaid infringements with debt
collection agency or Magistrates
Court
Seize animals still found to be
unregistered where matter found
proven in Court
Investigate the feasibility of additional
fees being added to registration
reminder notices
Yearly
Total number unregistered animals recorded
and compare with previous results
Month after
date
Provide media releases to send the strong
message for responsible pet ownership and
compliance
2014/15
Financial
year
Review the total number of reminder notices
being sent out annually and costs
associated.
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Objective 2: Increase and maintainWhen
dog and cat
registrations
Activity
Evaluation
Ensure all seized and impounded
animals are registered to their owner
prior release.
Random door knock audit for
unregistered animals throughout the
municipality
Prior to
every
release.
2014/15
Review annual registration numbers.
Review number of dogs and cats being
seized and impounded which are not
registered.
Review annual increase in registration
numbers. Review number of dogs and cats
being seized and impounded which are not
registered.
Records of number of unregistered and unidentified animals picked up during door
knocks.
Investigate the feasibility of offering
discounted fees for initial registration
of animals adopted from registered
animal shelters
Investigate the feasibility of offering
discounted fees for initial registration
of animals that get micro-chipped at
Council’s micro-chipping day
Investigate the feasibility of offering
an amnesty for unregistered animals
within the Shire and providing
discounted fees for initial registration,
prior a complete registration audit of
animals
Cross-reference Council database of
registered animals with microchip
registries to identify unregistered
animals
2014/15
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2012-2016
Review the total number of animals
rehomed and registration follow ups
required from notifications received.
Review the total number of animals microchipped and registered and compare with
previous results.
Record the total number of animals
registered during amnesty and properties
found with unregistered animals once audit
completed
Follow up on identified unregistered animals
accordingly. Evaluate the number of new
animal registrations received V number of
properties audited
13
DEALING WITH NUISANCE ISSUES
The Domestic Animals Act 1994, regulates both dog and cat nuisances relating to noise,
trespassing and wandering animals. The Macedon Ranges Shire’s Local Law also has
provisions that control animal nuisances such as limiting the number of cats and dogs that
can reside on any one property, how any additional animals must be housed and the
requirement for dog walkers to pick up their dog’s litter when in public places.
Dog Poo
Owners failing to pick up dog litter or leaving dog litterbags behind can be more offensive to
the community than littering. Unfortunately due to the nature of the offence, regulating pet
owners with compliance measures is difficult. Council heavily relies on educating responsible
pet ownership and the community reporting any witnessed instances.
Roaming cats
Cats can cause serious problems if allowed to roam outdoors, especially at night. Roaming
cats can get hit by cars, injured in fights, breed, catch and/or spread diseases, kill and injury
native wildlife or become lost.
Council’s Local Laws department offers a cat trapping program for cats trespassing on
residents properties, which create nuisances such as; noise, fighting, spraying, digging,
defecating and killing wildlife. Cat traps require a $50 deposit with a $10 weekly fee; the
deposit is refundable if the trap is returned by the due date and in working order.
Cat trapping is one of the most effective methods to reduce the number of stray, feral and
nuisance cats in a neighbourhood. Residents can hire cat traps by calling Council’s customer
service during business hours.
Barking Dogs
Dogs that bark excessively can be a source of great irritation within the community.
Where nuisances are found to be proven pursuant to section 32 of the Domestic Animals Act
1994, Authorised Council officers can issue notices to the dog owner to abate the nuisance,
issue infringements and/or have the matter heard in the Magistrates’ Court to seek an order
from the Court for the owner to abate the nuisance. Investigating such complaints can
therefore be a very long process as sufficient evidence is required to be gathered to prove
the nuisance and complainants must submit barking dog logs.
Roaming Dogs
Dogs unsecure to properties can cause severe nuisances for both pedestrian and motorists.
The Domestic Animals Act requires all dog owners to securely confine dogs to the property
at all times, unless under the effective control by the owner whilst out. E.g. On a lead.
In circumstances where repeat offenders (more than three offences) of roaming/trespassing
cats/dogs are found, and the issuing of infringements and relevant impound release fees
have not curved the behaviour, Council can pursue the matter in the Magistrates’ Court.
Council can also seek an order from the Court to require the owner to carry out works to
ensure the animal is not able to escape from the owner’s premises.
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CURRENT SITUATION
2011
2012
No. of barking dog complaints received
98
64
No. of cat traps hired
80
81
No. of roaming dog complaints received
185
234
Current Education/Promotion Activities relating to nuisance animals:
 Providing barking dog information kits;

Providing information relating to building cat enclosures;

Information provided on Council’s website;

Promoting the State Government’s ‘Who’s for Cat’s Campaign?’;

Providing information brochures from the DPI to the public;

Encouraging the de-sexing of cats and dogs to reduce wandering;

Encouraging dog owners to seek advice from professional dog trainers and trial
barking dog citronella collars.
Current Compliance Activities relating to nuisance animals:
 Investigating nuisance complaints and ensuring minimal timeframes;

Sending out barking dog formal complaint statements and barking dog logs;

Issuing notices to comply, notices of objection and infringements where necessary;

Providing cat trapping programs to residents;

Patrolling parks and streets to ensure dog owners are carrying litter devices to
remove such animal litter;

Impounding of wandering dogs.
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OUR PLANS
Objective 1: Introduce a Council Order relating to the control of dogs in public places
pursuant to Section 26 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994. (On/Off Leash
requirements)
Activity
When
Evaluation
Seek community consultation relating
to dogs in public places and
investigate the feasibility of
designated off-leash areas
2013/14
Asses public feedback and
comments to devise a plan in
relation to on and off leash areas
within the Shire
Resolve a Council Order relating to
the control of dogs in public places,
by gazetting and publicly advertising
Council Order
2014
Documentation to be finalised and
approved by Council prior
implementation
Educate dog owners out in public,
media releases and information
supplied in animal registration
renewal notices.
2014
Ensure appropriate level of
education has been provided before
enforcing new order
Erect signage in parks where
appropriate
Implement and enforce Order to
ensure compliance, roster Officer/s to
patrol streets & parks
2015
Record data relating to
notices/warnings issued V suburb to
strategise education campaigns
Decreased number of animal litter
and dog off lead complaints received
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Objective 2: Review the need to introduce a cat curfew within the Shire
Activity
Seek public consultation via website,
mail out to registered cat owners and
media releases relating to Council
implementing a 24 hour cat curfew,
Night-time curfew or no curfew
When
2014/15
Evaluation
Review feedback and number of
complaints received relating to
roaming cats over the last few years.
Outcome determines whether to
formally put forward a report to
Council or not.
Objective 3: Educate the community relating to impact domestic pets can have on
native wildlife
Activity
When
Evaluation
Liaise with local wildlife carers to
create a media release relating to
impacts cats/dogs have on native
wildlife and importance to confine
pets.
2014/15
Review feedback
Update Council’s website to list
wildlife volunteers and carers contact
details and create a page specifically
for wildlife and issues with domestic
pets.
2013/14
Wildlife volunteers feedback and
community feedback
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MINIMISING THE RISK OF DOG ATTACKS AND RUSHES
Council is committed to protecting and enhancing the safety of the community in relation to
aggressive and inappropriately behaved dogs.
Officers respond to reports relating to dog attacks/rushes and aggressive roaming dogs as a
matter of urgency 24hours a day. Dog attacks are investigated thoroughly and officers are
trained to collate all evidence relating to an attack to formulate a brief, which includes
obtaining statements, photographs, DNA evidence (where required) and vet/medical reports.
Where enough evidence exists for an alleged dog attack or rush, Council can consider a
number of possible courses of action, such as:

Issue infringement/s (where non-serious injuries are sustained or dog rushes a
person);

Declare the dog to be Menacing or Dangerous;

Prosecute the matter in a Magistrates’ Court;

Seek destruction/compensation orders by Magistrate;

Seek mediation between parties;
Responsible pet ownership is an imperative component when it comes to minimising dog
attack related incidents. Dogs that are regularly socialised with other animals and people,
securely confined to the owner’s property or kept under effective control whilst being walked;
are less likely to be the one’s causing such incidents.
Animal registration fees include a subsidy to the State Government’s Bureau of Animal
Welfare, which help funds programs such as responsible pet ownership in schools, preschools, maternal health centres, hospitals and the ‘We Are Family’ programs.
Current Education/Promotion Activities
 Providing information at Council offices and to new residents;

Promoting the effective confinement and control of dogs;

Promoting the Bureau of Animal Welfare Responsible Pet Ownership (RPO) schools
programs;

Promoting puppy socialisation and obedience training;
Current Compliance Activities
 Attendance to all stray/wandering/unsecure dog reports throughout the Shire;

After hours response to all reports of dogs attacking or showing aggression;

Investigating all alleged dog attacks and rushes;
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
Seizing and holding suspected attacking dog/s pending investigation/prosecution
outcome;

Impounding of wandering/unsecure dogs;

Issuing warnings/infringements for wandering or unsecure dogs

Seeking destruction Orders from Magistrates’ Court where necessary

Proactive patrols of parks and streets for wandering dogs

Recording data of reported dog attacks in the municipality
OUR PLANS
Objective 1: To minimise the incidence of dog attacks in the community
Activity
Collate detailed information
pertaining to dog attack related
matters to build a database to enable
Council to target
education/compliance activities in
the future for any emerging trends.
When
Ongoing
Evaluation
Evaluate data annually to determine any
emerging trends, which requires specific
education/compliance activities
Eg. Higher number of attacks reported
in an area, or:
Eg. date/time, suburb, animal type,
dog attacked animal/person, dog
unsecured/off lead, dog
unregistered, sex, entire/de-sexed
Higher number of attacks relate to
livestock
Instigate proactive education and
compliance activities against the
arising trends.
Compare number of reported dog attack
incidents pre and post campaign.
Inform the community of outcomes of
dog attacks prosecuted in Court via
media
Set key performance indicators for
Officers to complete dog attack
investigations within a 6 week
timeframe.
When
determined
As occurs
2014
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2012-2016
As occurs
Review reports annually to evaluate
percentage completed within timeframe.
19
Objective 2: Promote participation in local dog obedience clubs, socialisation with
other animals and other training.
Activity
When
Insert flyer in animal renewal notices
to promote responsible pet
ownership by encouraging the
training and socialisation of animals.
2015/16
Evaluation
Liaise with local businesses and clubs
to collate a ‘Shire List’ to create a flyer.
MANAGING DANGEROUS, MENACING AND RESTRICTED BREED DOGS
Council has six (6) declared menacing dogs and three (3) declared dangerous dogs currently
registered within the Shire. There are no restricted breed dogs registered.
Declared menacing dogs refers to a dog that has either, inflicted a non-serious bite to a
person or animal; or rushed up to a person or chased a person in an aggressive manner.
Owners of menacing dogs must abide by conditions specified by Council, being the dog is
muzzled and leashed when outside the premises of its owner at all times.
Declared dangerous dogs refers to a dog that is kept for guarding non-residential premises, a
dog that has attacked causing serious injury to an animal or person, or a dog that was
declared menacing and its owner did not comply with the imposed requirements on 2 or
more occasions.
Owners of dangerous dogs must abide by specific regulations in particular; secure
enclosures, secure perimeter fencing for guarding dogs, warning signs on premises, wearing
its prescribed dangerous dog collar at all times and being muzzled and on leash in public.
Though Council does not encourage the keeping of such classified dogs, Council however is
committed to ensure owners of any of these types of dogs are aware of their responsibilities.
Current Education/Promotion Activities
 Information provided at Council offices and website.

Consult with dog owner relating to legislation requirements and any changes/updates.
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Current Compliance Activities
 Ensuring all declared dogs are registered on the VDDR

Conducting inspections on premises housing declared dogs to ensure compliance

Dog declarations made where applicable

Prosecution/Infringements issued for any determined breach
OUR PLANS
Objective 1: Ensure declared dogs are compliant to relevant legislation and
regulations
Activity
Random property inspections of
declared dogs to ensure compliance
When
Ongoing
Evaluation
Review audit procedures as occurs
Prosecute repeat offenders or
serious breaches detected
As occurs
As occurs
After hours patrols for unregistered
guard dogs in industrial areas
As occurs
As occurs
Educate the community about what is
a declared dog
Ongoing
Review complaints received
MINIMISING OVERPOPULATION AND EUTHANASIA
Council is committed to protect and enhance animal welfare and participates in activities that
reduce the number of unwanted or unowned pets.
Overpopulation of cats is a particular issue across the state, this is primarily due to a high
occurrence of feral, stray and ‘partial owned’ cats. Many of these cats are undesexed and
carry disease (eg. feline aids), which results in unwanted litters and a poor state of health for
these animals.
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Current Education/Promotion Activities

Promoting benefits of de-sexing;

Promoting ‘Who’s for cats?’ campaign (State initiative);

Promoting appropriate pet selection;

Promoting cat enclosures and build your own cat enclosures;

Promote and encourage the Council’s cat trapping program.
Our current Compliance Activities

Cat trapping program;

Investigating unregistered breeding establishments and animal hoarding issues;

Enforcing the Local Law relating to number of cats/dogs on a property;

Assessing excess animal applications, factoring in number of entire/de-sexed
animals;
OUR PLANS
Objective 1: Encourage the de-sexing of animals
Activity
When
Evaluation
Investigate the feasibility of offering
discounted fees for initial registration
for cats and dogs that are both microchipped and de-sexed under 3
months of age
2014/15
Community consultation and
feedback
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2012-2016
Number of new animals registered in
category yearly
22
Objective 2: Identify illegally operated domestic animal breeding establishments in the
municipality and ensure compliance and/or close down.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Investigate any alleged or suspected
breeding establishment reported or
found.
As required
Evaluate number of complaints
received and properties inspected.
Conduct media campaign to raise
awareness of DAB definition for
breeding establishments and code of
practices that must be adhered too.
Promote community to report
unregistered premises. Eg. puppy
farms
Investigate advertisements of pets
for sale
2015/16
Evaluate number of complaints
received and unregistered
establishments detected.
As required
Objective 3: Educate and encourage the public to participate in a cat trapping program
Activity
When
Evaluation
Initiate media releases and advertise
Council’s Cat Trapping program to
encourage participation
2015/16
Number of cat traps hired over the
campaign period
Investigate the need to purchase
more cat traps
Number of cat traps not available
2015/16
Objective 4: Introduction of a desexing voucher scheme
Activity
When
Evaluation
Investigate the feasibility to offer
pensioners within the community a
reduced rate desexing voucher in
partnership with local vets
2015/16
Number of vets willing to participate
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2012-2016
Number of vouchers collected V
number of vouchers used
23
DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES
Our current data
Domestic Animal Businesses (DABs) are establishments such as animal shelters, pet shops,
animal breeding and/or rearing establishments, boarding and/or training facilities that are run
for profit. Registered domestic animal businesses are audited both randomly and on receipt
of complaints.
Current Education/Promotion Activities

Providing information to registered domestic animal businesses;

Promoting DPI information and codes of practices;

Advertising new legislation amendments.
Current Compliance Activities

Annual registration of DABs;

Annual and random auditing of DABs both scheduled and unscheduled;

Investigating suspected or reported unregistered domestic animal businesses;

Liaison with planning department to ensure planning conditions are adhered too;

Issuing/enforcing of infringement notices/notice to comply
OUR PLANS
Objective: Ensure domestic animal businesses are compliant with relevant legislation
and codes of practice
Activity
When
Evaluation
Audit domestic animal
businesses to ensure compliance
Annually/Randomly/As Compliance with local laws and
required
related legislation
Monitor Council’s registration
database for owners with more
than 3 fertile females
2015/16
Compliance with local laws and
related legislation
Conduct searches for
unregistered domestic animal
businesses via
internet/media/news papers
2015/16
Evaluate number of properties
inspected with number of
unregistered premises found.
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2012-2016
24
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF ANIMALS
Macedon Ranges is one of the most fire-prone municipalities in Victoria and Council has a
long history of emergency management planning. Council is committed to improving how we
plan for animals in emergency situations to provide much needed support to our community
and help to minimise the loss of pets and livestock.
This is important to ensure the safety of our companion animals but also recognises that pets
are considered part of the family and the bond between people and animals can strongly
influence decision making in times of crisis. The lack of adequate planning for the
management of animals and their welfare in emergencies can result in poor, last minute
decisions with dangerous or fatal consequences for pets and their owners.
As pets are reliant on owners for their safety in an emergency, it is essential that your
survival plan includes pets and other animals on your property. Some of the questions that
you need to answer about taking care of your pets in an emergency include:

How would I transport my pet?

Where can I go that will allow me to have my pet with me?

If I have to leave my pet behind, how can I keep him or her safe and healthy?

If we evacuate, what equipment and supplies would I need to take to keep my pet
healthy and safe?

How can I find my pet again if we get separated?
Council now has an Emergency Management Animal Welfare Plan that helps residents and
emergency personnel manage pet animals and livestock. Pet owners have a 'duty of care' to
plan and provide for the needs of their animals, the plan can assist pet owners during these
stressful events.
Pets can be accommodated at Relief Centres set up in the Shire during emergencies and at
Hot Day Out Centres that open in days or extreme and Code Red fire danger days.
OUR PLANS
Objective: To accurately plan and manage animals in emergency relief centres
Activity
Review procedures and resources for
supporting pet owners and their pets
at emergency relief centres
When
Ongoing
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2012-2016
Evaluation
Update plan as required
25
MONITORING AND REVIEWING THE PLAN
As per 68A(3) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, Council will review its Domestic Animal
Management Plan annually to assess whether any amendments are necessary in order to
ensure the plan is relevant and can be completed within the required timeframes.
The tasks and objectives outlined reflect the issues and opportunities identified in developing
this Plan. Timelines may be affected by a changing community, Council, State and Federal
Government service priorities, and the availability of Council and external funding.
In the final year of the plan, Council will undertake a major review and prepare the next
domestic animal management plan for the 2016 – 2020 period.
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2012-2016
26
APPENDIX 1 –MACEDON SHIRE RANGES COUNCIL GENERAL LOCAL LAWS
NUMBER 8, PART 4 - ANIMAL CONTROL
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2012-2016
27
APPENDIX 1 (CONTINUED)
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2012-2016
28