Domestic Animal Management
Plan 2013-2017
mvcc.vic.gov.au
Responsible
pet ownership
Domestic Animal Management Plan 2013 – 2017
Legislative Context
2
Introduction
4
Moonee Valley at a glance
4
Domestic animal statistics
5
Department overview
6
Our Key Actions
7
1
Officer Training and Development
7
2
Identification and Registration
10
3
Encouraging Responsible Pet Ownership
12
4
Dog Attacks
15
5
Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breed Dogs
17
6
Overpopulation and High Euthanasia
19
7
Domestic Animal Businesses
21
8
Annual Review of Plan and Annual Reporting
23
Page 1
Legislative Context
Domestic Animal Management Plans
Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, states the following with regards to
domestic animal management plans:
68A
Councils to prepare domestic animal management plans
(1)
Every Council must, in consultation with the Secretary (of the
Department of Environment and 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)
(iv)
cats; and
to minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals; and
to address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs 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)
Page 2
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)
report.
Page 3
publish an evaluation of its implementation of the plan in its annual
Introduction
As outlined, the Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires all Victorian Councils to prepare
a 4 (four) yearly Domestic Animal Management (DAM) Plan. The legislation
stipulates the requirements that a DAM Plan must meet, as well as outlining the
programs, services and strategies that Council intends to pursue in relation to
domestic animal issues.
The primary focus of the Plan is the management of companion animals, namely
dogs and cats, their owners and the concerns of the wider community while
addressing a range of legislative issues relating to animal management within
Moonee Valley.
It is well understood that animal management entails more than just the collection of
animals. Animal management officers play an important role in promoting responsible
pet ownership throughout the municipality and to help promote a positive
environment for domestic animals.
This plan is designed to improve the provision of animal management services by
maintaining the traditional Local Government role while responding to new and
emerging animal management issues.
Moonee Valley at a glance
The City of Moonee Valley is located in Melbourne’s north-west suburbs covering 43
square kilometres, located between four and thirteen kilometres from Melbourne’s
CBD.
Around 113,500 residents or 45,000 households call Moonee Valley home. The
community is culturally and linguistically diverse, with more than a quarter of the
population born overseas.
The City of Moonee Valley includes the suburbs of Aberfeldie, Airport West, Ascot
Vale, Avondale Heights, Essendon, Essendon North, Essendon West, Flemington,
Keilor East, Moonee Ponds, Niddrie, Strathmore, Strathmore Heights and
Travancore. The municipality has a varied range of residential lot sizes and
residential density, including a high concentration of flats and units.
Moonee Valley has 1,987,049 square metres of open space which incorporates 166
parks, gardens and reserves; and waterways that link major parks and open spaces
across the City.
Moonee Valley’s open spaces are used by all members of the community, including
both pet owners and non pet owners, for shared activities. There are nine parks
within the Municipality that are designated ‘off leash’ areas where dogs are able to
play and exercise with the owner’s supervision without a leash. These areas have
been specifically chosen for a number of reasons including location, facilities and
environmental significance. Some of these open spaces are also specifically utilised
as areas for dog training sessions.
Page 4
Domestic animal statistics
A comparative analysis of the key animal management statistics taken at the start and
at the end of our last DAM plan is provided in the tables below:
Dogs
2009
2012
Number of registered dogs
8,468
10,356
Number of registered dangerous dogs
6
4
Number of registered guard dogs
6
4
Number of registered restricted breed dogs
1
2
Number of registered menacing dogs
1
4
Number of dogs impounded
447
419
Number of dogs impounded that are returned to 229
owner
299
Number of dogs rehoused to a new home
41
53
Number of dogs euthanised
77
42
Cats
2009
2012
Number of registered cats
3,672
3,776
Number of cats impounded
459
426
Number of cats impounded that are returned to 19
owner
28
Number of cats euthanised
424
361
Number cats rehoused
16
18
Request for Service/complaints
2009
2012
Dog – attack, rush or bite
50
105
Dog – barking
182
215
Dog – soiling
15
14
Dog – at large
179
419
Page 5
Dogs seized by Council (a result of an attack or 2
dangerous nature)
11
Animal (dog and cat) pick ups carried out by the Lost 627
Dogs Home (after 4pm)
445
Animal nuisances
38
19
Infringements
131
473
Registered domestic animal businesses
2009
2012
Pet shops
0
3
Day care Centres
0
1
Department overview
A vertical slice of Council’s organisational structure, including the Local Laws (Animal
Management) team is as follows, from top:







Chief Executive
Director Corporate Services
Manager Governance and Local Laws
Coordinator and Local Laws
Team Leader Local Laws
Local Laws Administration
Local Laws Animal Management Officer, Project Office Local Laws, Local Laws
Animal Officer
The Local Laws work team is a part of the Governance & Local Laws Department
within the Corporate Services Group.
Council’s Local Laws team is overseen by a Coordinator (Parking Control & Local
Laws), and comprises a Team Leader, and two full time Local Laws Officers (Animal
Management Officers), a Local Laws Project Officer and a Local Laws Administration
Officer.
Page 6
Our Key Actions
1
Officer Training and Development
Question
What does the Domestic Animal Act 1994 stipulate?
Answer
68(A)(2)(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
Objective to ensure that all staff involved in animal management has the knowledge
and skills necessary to effectively carry out their work.
Current Training:
Officers
Description
Team Leader
Workplace behaviours
Trim training (electronic document management system)
Investigations and enforcement workshop
Managing difficult customers (level 2)
Enforcement officer media training
Business writing skills
Interpreting breed standards – DEPI
Animal handling – The Lost Dogs Home
Officer 1
Workplace behaviours
Trim training (electronic document management system)
Investigations and enforcement workshop
Managing difficult customers (level 2)
Enforcement officer media training
Business writing skills
Breed Identification – DEPI
Animal handling – The Lost Dogs Home
Certificate IV in Government (Statutory Compliance)
Certificate IV in animal control and regulation
Officer 2
Currently vacant
Project Officer
Workplace behaviours
Trim training (electronic document management system)
Word accessibility
Investigations and enforcement workshop
Managing difficult customers (level 2)
Enforcement officer media training
Business writing skills
Breed Identification – DEPI
Animal handling – The Lost Dogs Home
Page 7
Officer Training and Development Proposed Program
1.1
Develop a training policy that clearly identifies minimum training requirements
and any additional training needs that should be undertaken.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Identify minimum training
requirements by consultation
with management and staff.
October
2013
Documentation to be finalised
and incorporated into
approved Local Laws training
register.
Identify additional training
opportunities with accredited
training organisations by
consultation with management
and staff.
November
2013
Documentation to be finalised
and incorporated into
approved Local Laws training
register.
1.2
Develop and maintain a training register for individual officers detailing
completed and proposed training by 2013.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Create a register to record
completed and future proposed
training.
October
2013
Review quarterly, to ensure
accuracy and determine
whether proposed training
goals have been met.
1.3
Ensure all Authorised Officers have completed their minimum training
requirements within 12 months of appointment.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Identify minimum training
requirements (e.g. OH&S,
animal handling) and update
document to record when
officers have completed each
course.
Within 12
months of
appointment
Quarterly, review register and
ensure each officer has
completed minimum training
requirements within 12
months of appointment.
Page 8
1.4
Offer at least 2 opportunities for additional internal training each year.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Identify additional training
opportunities eg. prosecutions
training, conflict management,
communication/education
technique.
Annually
The number of training
sessions offered, and the
actual number undertaken by
officers.
Page 9
2
Identification and Registration
Question: What does the Domestic Animal Act 1994 stipulate?
Answer: 68A(2)(c)(v)
Outline programs, services and strategies to encourage
the registration and identification of dogs and cats
- also address 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)
Objective: to ensure that Council is promoting and encouraging the registration and
identification of domestic animals.
What does Council have in place?
General Purposes Local Law
Clause 51 of Council’s General Purposes Local Law 2008 deals with the keeping and
housing of animals and specifics the maximum number of dogs or cats allowed on a
property or in a flat.
Council Policies and Procedures



Registration fees are determined by Council during its annual budget process.
Seizure and impounding of unregistered and/or unidentified dogs and cats.
Enforcement protocols associated with issuing notices to comply, infringement
notices and filing charges for prosecution regarding breaches of the Act.
Our current Education/Promotion Activities



Ongoing campaign utilising various media outlets.
Provide de-sexing vouchers to low income residents.
Promotion of responsible pet ownership through annual microchipping day, park
patrols and public engagement at Council festivals and community events.
Current Compliance Activities



Issue reminder notices; follow up phone calls; conduct property visits and then
initiate prosecution action against non compliant owners.
Issue Notice to Comply to owners with unregistered animals.
Check all injured and deceased animals for registration tag or microchip to be
able to inform animal owner.
Page 10
Identification and Registration Proposed Program
2.1
Update the council registration database by cross-referencing with pet shop dog
and cat sales notifications data.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Check the registration details of
all notifications of dogs and cats
sold at pet shops and follow up
those that aren’t registered.
Quarterly
Create and utilise the animal
sales database to perform a
check to ensure that dogs and
cats being sold to Moonee
Valley residents are being
registered with Council.
2.2
Increase dog and cat registration numbers each year.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Targeted door knocking of nonrenewed pets each year.
No later
than July,
annually
Cross reference animal
registration number pre and post
door knock.
Investigate the possibility of
enhancing online payment
options.
January
2014
Liaise with external suppliers
and internal departments for
feasibility and cost
effectiveness.
Investigate the possibility of an
electronic renewal process for
animal owners that elect to
receive non paper renewals and
notifications.
December
2014
Liaise with external suppliers
and internal departments for
feasibility and cost
effectiveness.
2.3
Monitor and regulate excess animal permits.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Create and maintain a database
to record all excess animal
permits issued.
October
2013
Satisfactory completion.
2.4
Annually
Undertake annual audit to verify
total permits issued.
Conduct a feasibility study on the merits of lifetime tags.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Investigate the merits or
otherwise of introducing lifetime
tags for dogs and cats.
October
2014
Liaise with external suppliers
and internal departments for
feasibility and cost
effectiveness.
Page 11
3
Encouraging Responsible Pet Ownership
Question: What does the Domestic Animal Act 1994 stipulate?
Answer: 68A(2)(c)(vi)
Outline programs, services and strategies to minimise the
potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance
- also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)
Objective: to ensure that Council is minimising the incidents of nuisances involving
domestic animals.
What does Council have in place?
Cat Curfew
Council has introduced a Cat curfew that requires all cats to be kept on their property
between sunset and sunrise.
General Purposes Local Law
Clauses 51, 54 and 55 of Council’s General Purposes Local Law 2008 deal with the
keeping of animals; animal excrement and noise respectively.
Council Policies and Procedures


Council offers a free cat trapping program.
Operational procedures to assist officers in dealing with animal nuisance
complaints.
Our current Education/Promotion Activities


Council educates and enforces people not picking up after their dog through our
park patrols and resident feedback.
Various communication methods are used to educate residents and visitors such
as: attendance at community events; distribution of information kits and
advertising on Council website, community billboards, local paper and Valley
View.
Our current Compliance Activities




Patrolling parks and streets to ensure dog owners are carrying litter devices.
Issue Notice to Comply and infringements where necessary.
Investigate nuisance complaints adhering to set timeframes.
Encourage the use of de-sexing vouchers to reduce the number of stray cats.
Page 12
Encouraging Responsible Pet Ownership Proposed Program
3.1
Improve and update information regarding nuisance issues.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Encourage residents to report
animal nuisances (including
feral strays) to enable Council to
assist in resolving complaints
and improve the general
amenity.
Ongoing
The number of complaints
received.
Review Council website and
social media for effective ways
of connecting with animal
owners.
Bi-annually
The number of times that
relevant pages on Council
website were visited.
Assist residents in dealing with
cat trespass / nuisance
problems by purchasing
additional cat cages, to better
meet community demand.
October
2013
The number of cats impounded.
Investigate new and effective
options for disposal of animal
excrement.
December
2013
Report for Council
consideration.
3.2
Decrease the timeframe of nuisance investigations from point of lodgement to
resolution.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Review barking dog
investigation
December
The average number of days
taken, to resolve barking dog
complaints.
2013
procedure and effect changes
to facilitate timely resolutions
and encourage neighbourhood
cooperation prior to Council
involvement.
3.3
The implementation of a new
barking dog procedure.
Promote responsible pet ownership service available.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Make information kit covering all
aspects of being a responsible
pet owner readily available to
residents, pet shops and
breeders.
October
2013
The number of information kits
distributed.
Page 13
Investigate new and effective
options to assist those residents
who are unable to temporarily
care for their animal.
December
2013
Implementation of a viable and
effective service model.
Investigate the possible
introduction of a dog only park.
December
2014
Consultation with public and
relevant Council departments.
Page 14
4
Dog Attacks
Question: What does the Domestic Animal Act 1994 stipulate?
Answer: 68A(2)(c)(iii)
Outline programs, services and strategies to minimise the
risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals
- also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)
Objective: to ensure that Council is minimising the risk of attacks by dogs on
individuals and other animals.
What does Council have in place?
Council Order
Council created an Order under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, (effective from 1
July 2011) directing that dogs must be under effective control in certain locations.
General Purposes Local Law
Clause 51 of Council’s General Purposes Local Law 2008 deals with the number of
dogs and cats allowed on a property.
Council Policies and Procedures


Seize dogs involved in serious attacks.
Housing requirements and increased registration fees for dogs declared
dangerous/menacing.
Our current Education/Promotion Activities




Patrolling.
Use of educational signage in shared open space.
Promote responsible pet ownership at community events such as festivals,
resident meetings, groups and schools visits.
Educate owners whose dogs have behavioural issues.
Our current Compliance Activities





Accurately record and maintain records of all dog attacks.
Actively prosecute owners of dogs involved in serious attacks on people or
animals.
Issue infringements, Declarations and Notices to Comply.
Enforce and promote on leash requirements under Council’s Order.
Distribute educational material to promote responsible pet ownership including
interactions with dogs in and around the home.
Page 15
Dog Attacks Proposed Program
4.1
Improve awareness of safety around dogs to help minimise number of dog
attacks.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Targeted education campaigns
in areas where high numbers of
dog attacks have been
recorded.
Ongoing
The number of dog attacks
reported.
4.2
Improve reporting of rushes and dog attacks.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Improve information on the
website and brochures for
reporting dog rushes and
attacks.
July 2014
The number of dog rushes and
attacks reported.
Page 16
5 Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breed
Dogs
Question: What does the Domestic Animal Act 1994 stipulate?
Answer: 68A(2)(c)(vii)
Outline programs, services and strategies 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
- also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)
Objective: to ensure that Council has strategies, programs and services to identify
and ensure compliance by dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs.
What does Council have in place?
Council Policies and Procedures




Process for updating registration database to ensure correct identification of
dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs.
Process associated in declaring a dog dangerous or menacing.
Procedure for identifying restricted breed dogs.
Procedure associated with recording details of dangerous dogs on the Victorian
Declared Dog Registry.
Our current Education/Promotion Activities


Providing education and compliance information to owners of declared dogs
(housing and legal requirements).
Advertisement of the Dangerous Dog Hotline 1300101080.
Our current Compliance Activities






Annual inspections of all registered declared dogs.
Photographs of dogs taken at time of inspection to confirm identity and update
registration.
Record all Department of Primary Industries notifications of suspected restricted
breed dogs on database.
Maintain registration details of all declared dogs and ensure microchip details are
held.
Seize all suspected restricted breed dogs.
Dog declarations made where applicable.
Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breed Dogs Proposed Program
5.1
Ensure owners of declared dogs comply with relevant legislation and
Regulations.
Activity
Page 17
When
Evaluation
Undertake annual property
inspections of declared dogs.
Annually
Compliance with regulations
met.
Maintain register of all breaches
detected during inspection and
undertake prosecutions where
applicable.
Annually
Cross reference register with
prosecution notification to
ensure all matters are
accurately recorded.
Create auditing procedure to
assist in managing the
inspection of dangerous,
menacing and restricted breed
dogs.
February
2014
Ensure inspections meet
legislative requirements.
5.2
Investigate and identify suspected unregistered Restricted Breed Dogs.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Conduct regular audit on
identified incorrectly registered
dogs, unregistered restricted
dangerous and menacing breed
dogs.
Annually
The number of unregistered
restricted breed dogs identified
and seized.
Page 18
The number of matters referred
to VCAT.
6
Overpopulation and High Euthanasia
Question: What does the Domestic Animal Act 1994 stipulate?
Answer: 68A(2)(c)(iv) Outline programs, services and strategies to address any overpopulation and high euthanasia rates for dogs and cats
- also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)
Objective: to ensure that Council has strategies, programs and services to address
any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and cats.
What does Council have in place?
Council Order
Council has introduced a Cat curfew that requires all cats to be kept on their property
between sunset and sunrise.
General Purposes Local Law
Clause 51 of Council’s General Purposes Local Law 2008 deals with the keeping and
housing of animals and specifies the maximum number of dogs and cats.
Council Policies and Procedures


Process in place for the impoundment of stray animals.
Cat trapping program.
Our current Education/Promotion Activities







Promotion and education of Council’s Cat Curfew Order.
Promotion of de-sexing voucher scheme.
Reduced registration for animals registered before the age of 3 months.
Information booths for public education including promotion of “Who’s for cats
campaign”.
Attendance at Council festivals to promote responsible pet ownership.
Ensure that Council’s animal pound contractor has in place a dog and cat rehoming/adoption program to assist in the reduction of euthanasia rates.
Educational signage in areas where stray/feral nuisance complaints are high.
Our current Compliance Activities



Investigate all reported cases of animal hoarding.
Investigate any suspected backyard breeders.
Provide cat traps free of charge.
Page 19
Overpopulation and High Euthanasia Proposed Program
6.1
Promote de-sexing of animals.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Promotion of AVA/MAV desexing voucher scheme.
Ongoing
The number of vouchers issued.
6.2
The number of de-sexed
animals.
Promote adoption of stray and unwanted pets.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Investigate the possibility of
February
offering free first year registration 2014
for animals adopted from
shelters and pounds.
Budget paper prepared for
consideration of initiative, if
deemed appropriate.
Promote the adoption programs
of the Cat Protection Society,
Lost Dogs Home and the
RSPCA.
The number of stray and
unwanted pets adopted via
identified adoption programs.
6.3
Ongoing
Promote reduction of euthanasia rates.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Council to continue to seek a
reduction of euthanasia rates
with the Lost Dogs Home
Ongoing
The number of euthanised
animals reported to council
Page 20
7
Domestic Animal Businesses
Question: What does the Domestic Animal Act 1994 stipulate?
Answer: 68A(2)(c)(ii) Outline programs, services and strategies which the Council
intends to pursue in its municipal district to ensure that people comply with this Act,
the regulations and any related legislation
- also addresses 68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(d),(f)
Objective: to ensure that Council has strategies, programs and services to address
any domestic animal businesses.
What does Council have in place?
General Purposes Local Laws
Clause 51 of Council’s General Purposes Local Law 2008 deals with the keeping and
housing of animals and specifies the maximum number of dogs and cats.
Council Policies and Procedures



Domestic Animal Businesses (DAB) must be registered.
Process for registering new businesses.
Procedure associated with annual inspections and OH&S Standards.
Our current Education/Promotion Activities


Invite DABs to be involved in Council’s animal related community events.
Update businesses with relevant DAB information.
Our current Compliance Activities





Annual audits.
Monitoring advertising sites.
Inspection of multiple animal registrations.
Comparison between previous year’s registration totals and renewals.
Infringements issued to non compliant businesses.
Page 21
Domestic Animal Businesses Proposed Program
7.1
Identify and register all Domestic Animal Businesses in the municipality.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Identify and inspect all
businesses that should be
registered DABs in the
municipality.
Bi-annual
The number of non-registered
DABs.
7.2
Promote Domestic Animal Business requirements.
Activity
When
Evaluation
Update website with relevant
information (code of practice,
forms, legislative amendments
etc).
February
2014
Increase in compliance of
audited businesses.
Page 22
8
Annual Review of Plan and Annual Reporting
Question: What does the Domestic Animal Act 1994 stipulate?
Answer: 68A(3) Every Council must—
(a)
review its domestic animal management plan annually and, if appropriate,
amend the plan
(b)
provide the Department of Primary Industries’ Secretary with a copy of the
plan and any amendments to the plan
(c)
publish an evaluation of its implementation of the plan in its annual report.
Objective: to ensure that Council reviews its DAM plan on an annual basis and
provides appropriate reporting in its Annual Report.
Page 23
Hearing Assistance 133 677
Moonee Valley City Council
9 Kellaway Avenue | PO Box 126 Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
Telephone 03 9243 8888 | Facsimile 03 9377 2100
Email council@mvcc.vic.gov.au | Website mvcc.vic.gov.au