City of Greater Geelong Domestic Animal Management Plan REVIEW.

Transcription

1 City of Greater Geelong Domestic Animal Management Plan REVIEW

2 DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLAN Prepared for the development of the Domestic Animal Management Plan Table of Contents INTRODUCTION The Domestic Animal Management Plan 3 BACKGROUND Strategic Objective 3 Key Actions 3 Guiding Principles 3 Results of 2008 Domestic Animal Management Plan 3 Dog Control Orders 4 Current Position Municipal Perspective Department of Primary Industries 4 Resourcing 4 Key Animal Statistics and Service Delivery 4 Dog Population 5 Cat Population 7 General Local Law 2005/ Dog Excrement ( ) 8 Permitted Number of Dogs and Cats (Part 7) 8 KEY ISSUES 9 What To Do Next! 9 APPENDICES Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Part 1) 10 Domestic Animal Management Plans (Part 5A) 10 Results of Domestic Animal Management Plan Dog Control Orders - Domestic Animal Management Plan COGG Dog Control Orders 13 Dog Control Maps 14 Background Paper

3 INTRODUCTION The City of Greater Geelong is preparing a Domestic Animal Management Plan (the DAM Plan) for in relation to the keeping and management of domestic dogs and cats within the municipality. Council has a legal obligation under the Domestic Animal Act (1994) (the Act) to produce the DAM Plan. The purpose of the Act is to promote animal welfare, responsible pet ownership and to protect the environment. (Appendix 1 contains an overview of the Act). The Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires the DAM Plans to be prepared by Council every four years. The first plan was adopted by the City of Greater Geelong in The City of Greater Geelong is a municipality with great lifestyle and strengths that balances pet ownership with the needs of the community and the environment. With this future plan, the City aims to: Meet its obligations under the Domestic Animals Act. Use a mix of educational and regulatory approaches to facilitate responsible pet ownership. Prioritises animal management strategies during the life of the plan ( ). This background paper has been prepared to provide the community with information on the direction, actions and achievements that has been undertaken during the past four years. The City invites pet owners, members of the community and special interest groups to complete the enclosed survey, providing feedback for the future direction of animal management with the City of Greater Geelong until The survey closes 22 June BACKGROUND The City of Greater Geelong developed the Domestic Animal Management Plan (extended by 12 months) in consultation with community, stakeholders and special interest groups. The plan was adopted by Council in June, The plan was designed to address community expectations in a balanced manner and to reduce the negative impact pets can have on the natural environment and members of the community. Strategic Objective Complementing Councils Vision of Geelong: coast, country and suburbs is the best place to live through prosperous and cohesive communities in an exceptional environment ; the objective of the DAM plan was to facilitate actions within a community that values responsible pet ownership and high standards of animal welfare. Key Actions Council s DAM Plan objectives were achieved and categorised in three key areas: 1. Responsible Pet Ownership 2. Dogs in Public Places 3. Leadership Guiding Principles The following principles that underpinned the actions of the plan with regard to dogs and cats were: The belief that pets contribute to our quality of life. A requirement to balance the needs of those who own pets and those who do not. To value responsible pet ownership. Proactive animal management and education. Ensuring the environment is protected from the negative impacts of dogs and cats. To work in partnership with others. Council to play a leadership role in animal management. Results of 2008 Domestic Animal Management Plan The strategic objectives as identified in the 2008 Domestic Animal Management Plan were addressed over the past four years. A range of activities focusing on compliance issues, policy development, education, promotion and marketing were implemented to achieve outcomes for the identified key actions. Due to the nature and complexity of some of these actions and the constraints due to several unplanned activities ie. legislative changes, several matters remain outstanding. These were: The introduction of compulsory desexing for all pets. Research partnerships to establish pet activity areas. Develop and make available information on pet selection. A snapshot overview of the outcomes achieved can be found at Appendix

4 Dog Control Orders Council adopted and implemented a range of dog control orders throughout the municipality including coastal and open space areas, public places, and areas under the control of other agencies. These dog controls provide residents with the information they need as to where and when they can walk their dog/s on and off lead and other considerations to protect community safety and the environment. Additionally, Council entered into service agreements to conduct dog patrols on land controlled by these other agencies: Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Barwon River (from Queens Park Bridge to Breakwater). Barwon Coast Committee of Management (Black Rock, Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Coast and Ocean Grove). Existing dog controls have been adopted by Government Gazette and are enforceable by Council. Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management - the land manager for the coastal towns of St Leonards, Indented Heads and Portarlington, have liaised with Council on its proposed dog control orders. Council is seeking community feedback in terms of dog controls that ensure safety, environmental protection and nuisance minimisation. (See Appendix 4 for a list and maps of the current dog controls). Department of Primary Industries The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) - Bureau of Animal Welfare for Victoria is the State Government body responsible to ensure the administration of the Domestic Animals Act including the Domestic Animal Management Plan. For each animal registration the City of Greater Geelong processes, a $2.00 levy for cats and a $3.50 levy for dogs is required to be paid to the DPI. The DPI levy contributes to the development of programs and materials used for: Promotion of responsible dog and cat ownership and animal welfare. Community education in Primary Schools. Research into domestic animal management. Administration of the Act. Current Position Municipal Perspective Population - Geelong is the largest regional city in Victoria with a current population of 225,421 and a total land area of 1250 square kilometres. Annually, the City has an average population growth of 1.51% and it is estimated by the year 2031, the population will be in excess of 303,000. With population growth, comes a likely increase in pet ownership. However, new developments tend to have reduced back yard space which will result in increase use of open space by pet owners and the community. Reduced land sizes may present other challenges, such as nuisance and disturbances etc, and there will be a need to have fair and equitable rules to manage such spaces for all users. Population Population 212, , , , , ,644 Dwellings 91,542 92,913 94,513 96,103 97, ,781 Resourcing The Animal Management team consists of seven officers who are responsible for daily patrols around the municipality including 349 reserves and parks, 1300 kilometres of footpaths and shared used paths, over 115 kilometres of creeks and trails, and a vast coast line from Avalon Beach in the north east, along the Bellarine Peninsula coastline to Breamlea in the south (approximately 100 km s). Key Animal Statistics and Service Delivery Source: population forecasts City of Greater Geelong The City of Greater Geelong has one of the largest dog and cat populations of any Victorian municipality with over 46,695 (based on 2011) registered cats and dogs. Based on DPI data it is believed that there may be considerably more animals in the community than are currently registered 11% unregistered dogs and up to 55% unregistered cats

5 Dog Population The following table provides a snapshot of animal statistics within the municipality for the past four years. It is estimated between 11 14% of dogs remained unregistered during The table also shows an estimated growth dog population until Animal Transactions Dog Registrations Registered Dogs 32,986 33,387 34,084 35,783 Aim is to register all dogs Estimate number of dogs in the municipality based on DPI/Pet 38,218 38,802 39,448 40,053 40,520 42,776 owner ratio - 18 dogs:100 people Estimated Unregistered Dogs 5,232 5,415 5,364 4,270 4,737 6,993 % unregistered 14% 14% 14% 11% 0% Dog Impounds Total Dog Impounds by Council Total Dog Impounds surrendered by Owner Total Dog Impounds by Other Total Dog Impounds Pound Outcomes Total Dogs Rehoused Total Dogs Euthanased Total Dogs Claimed by Owner Key Trends: (1) The direct relationship between dogs at large and dog incidents. (2) The gradual increase in barking dog complaints

6 Dog Incidents Menacing & Rushing Dogs Dog Attacks Dogs at Large Barking Dogs Total Dog Incidents

7 Cat Population During the past four years with a large cat population many cats/kittens were at risk of being euthanised. Of the 3227 impounded cats for 2011, 205 cats were claimed by their owner, 616 were rehoused and 2406 were euthanased, many of the euthanased cats were kittens. It is estimated that up to 55% of cats are presently unregistered with the City. Councils pound capacity (at times) becomes exhausted due to over population brought about by pet owners not claiming, desexing or microchipping their animals. Animal Transactions Cat Registrations Registered Cats 11,386 10,950 10,717 10,912 Aim is to register all cats Estimate number of cats in the municipality based on DPI/Pet 23,356 23,712 24,107 24,477 24,762 26,141 owner ratio - 11 cats:100 people Estimated Unregistered Cats 11,970 12,762 13,390 13,565 13,850 15,229 % unregistered 51% 54% 56% 55% 0% Cat Impounds Total Cats Impounds by Council N/A Total Cats Impounds surrendered by Owner N/A Total Cats Impounds by Other N/A Total Cat Impounds Pound Outcomes Total Cats Rehoused Total Cats Euthanased Total Cats Claimed by Owner

8 General Local Law 2005/2006 Within its General Local Law, Council has several clauses relating to the management of domestic animals within the municipality. These include: Dog Excrement ( ) A person: Must not permit excrement of a dog under his or her care of control to remain on a road or Council land; and Who is in charge or control of a dog on a road or Council land must have in his or her possession a dedicated scooper device or bag for the purpose of removing from the road or Council any excrement from that dog deposited on the road or council land. Permitted Number of Dogs and Cats (Part 7) Without the Need for a Permit The permitted number of dogs and cats by various land use zones are based on preserving the amenity of the area and not creating a nuisance or offensive/dangerous conditions to neighbouring or subject properties. Animal residential other rural Dogs 2 allowed 4 allowed No Permit Required Cats 2 allowed 4 allowed No Permit Required Residential area means zoned as residential under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme. Rural area means zoned as rural under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme. Other area means zoned other than as Residential or Rural under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme. The Local Law also requires dog and cat owners to maintain yards and enclosures, in a clean and sanitary manner, and to control any nuisances and disturbances to others. A permit is required to keep more than the number of listed animals. Council assesses each application on its merits to ensure that there is no impact on the neighbourhood prior to issuing permits

9 KEY ISSUES Geelong is a community with one of the largest dog and cat populations of any Victorian municipality. The DAM plan was required to meet its obligations under the Domestic Animals Act, using a mix of educational and regulatory approaches to facilitate responsible pet ownership and to prioritise animal welfare. Key challenges include: The rise in the number of dogs at large and repeat offenders. The increase in the number of dog attacks and menacing dogs. The increase in barking dogs complaints causing distress for the complainant and the owner. The number of nuisance cats. The number of euthanised cats and kittens due to non-desexing and or non-confinement to property. Pet owners not registering their dogs or cats in accordance with the Domestic Animals Act - which prevents the ability to return animals to their owners and places occumpancy pressure on the Pound. Dog control orders are not being observed by some dog owners at times in some locations. Dog owners not picking up their dogs waste or alternatively discarding used litter bags on tracks / paths. The inappropriate selection of pets, and the unsuitability of a pet to a person and/or property. The introduction of restricted breed legislation in 2011 will see the need to schedule 1400 restricted breed audits (pitbull dogs) for 2012/13. The level of unregistered dog and cat breeders causing an over population. This scenario can impact on impound and euthanasia rates and often discarded/rejected animals. Dogs causing a nuisance and not being effectively controlled in off lead areas. The City continues to work actively with the Pound provider and animal shelters to rehome suitable dogs and cats. These pets after the impound period, have been vaccinated, wormed, desexed and temperament tested, prior to being rehoused. Geelong is a growing community. As the population increases, pet ownership is also likely to grow. With an expanding population living in new communities with residential allotments, dog and cat problems/nuisances could escalate in the future if owners do not practice responsible pet ownership principles. What To Do Next! The City of Greater Geelong values your feedback on the development of the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review This is your opportunity to Have your Say for the future direction of animal management within the City. There are two ways you can provide us with your thoughts on the Domestic Animal Management Plan. Visit go to the Have Your Say section on the website and complete the survey, Domestic Animal Management Alternatively visit one of the following distribution points where you can pick up a Domestic Animal Management Plan Review pack containing a background paper and survey: Councils Customer Service Centres. Most Vets and Pet Stores. Community Centres. Barwon Heads Caravan Park. Geelong Regional Libraries. Indented Heads General Store. Breamlea Caravan Park. Bellarine Bayside Caravan Park Portarlington. Thank you for taking the time to consider the issues within this document. The City welcomes your thoughts and suggestions through the survey document. If completing the enclosed survey, please post to the City using the reply paid envelope or deliver to your local Customer Service Centre by 22 June

10 Appendices Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Part 1) 1. Purpose of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (as amended). The purpose of this Act is to promote animal welfare, the responsible ownership of dogs and cats and the protection of the environment by providing for: A scheme to protect the community and the environment from feral and nuisance dogs and cats. A registration and identification scheme for dogs and cats which recognises and promotes responsible ownership. The identification and control of dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and restricted breed dogs. A registration scheme for domestic animal businesses promoting the maintenance of standards of those businesses. Matters related to the boarding of dogs and cats. The regulation of the permanent identification of dogs, cats, horses and other animals. Payments to the Treasurer from fees received by Councils under this Act; and Other related matters. Domestic Animal Management Plans (Part 5A) 1. 68A Councils to prepare domestic animal management plans - Every Council must, in consultation with the Secretary, prepare at 4 year intervals a domestic animal management plans. A domestic animal management plan prepared by a Council must: 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. 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. Outline programs, services and strategies which the Council intends to pursue in its municipal district a. to promote and encourage the responsible ownership of dogs and cats. b. to ensure that people comply with this Act, the regulations and any related legislation. c. to minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals. d. to address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and cats. e. to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats. f. to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance. g. 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. Provide for the review of existing dog control 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. 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 Provide for the periodic evaluation of any program, service, strategy or review outlined under the plan. Every Council must Review its domestic animal management plan annually and, if appropriate, amend the plan. Provide the Secretary with a copy of the plan and any amendments to the plan; and Publish an evaluation of its implementation of the plan in its annual report

11 Results of Domestic Animal Management Plan Responsible Pet Ownership Actions Status Action Outcome Explore partnerships to increase animal pound capacity within the municipality. Review processes, policies and procedures associated with responsible pet ownership to ensure they remain relevant and current. Develop and make available information on pet selection. Develop and deliver education programs. Introduce cat confinement between sunset and sunrise. Introduce compulsory microchipping for all new pet registrations. Introduce compulsory desexing for all pets except where exemptions have been granted eg. registered breeders. Review of animal pound conducted in Recommendation is for the pound to consolidate some asset improvements at existing site with significant upgrades. Processes are reviewed regularly, ensuring best practices are implemented. Pet selection workshop held in Information available in annual newsletters. Series of education workshops held in 2009 and Cat curfew and containment of cats to owner s property was introduced in February Council has also introduced a loan cat trap program. Council holds a number of Microchipping and Registration Roadshows, annually. This matter has been delayed and will be incorporated into the DAM Plan process. 2. Dogs in Public Places Actions Action Outcome Develop Shared Pathway Charter. Develop brochure for off lead areas. Deliver education programs to communicate information about dogs in public places. Explore partnerships to establish pet activity areas. Review processes, policies and procedures related to dogs in public places and dog control and ensure they are relevant and current. Review provision of the dog excrement bag/ dispenser program. A Shared Pathway Charter has been adopted by Council which is currently being implemented throughout the Municipality. Walk Time a pocket size brochure, illustrating on and off lead walking areas was developed in 2010 and reprinted in Education has been delivered via printed handouts, marketing material, online and display banners with a strong focus on dogs under effective control. Potential sites have been identified. Funding options need to be explored. Reviews are conducted regularly in line with current legislative requirements. The City s Waste Department is conducting a review

12 3. Leadership Actions Action Outcome Implement a data collection process and measure performance. Attend seminars and briefings related to current issues/emerging trends in animal management. Conduct web based and literary searches for current issues/trends in animal management and incorporate findings into practice. Conduct an annual review of the plan. Develop a communication strategy for education programs on various aspects of responsible pet ownership. Evaluate methods of distributing information to the community to ensure the target audience is well informed and that access is user friendly and readily available. Ongoing data collection. Staff attend seminars and briefings as required. Research is conducted as required as part of this plan. Annual reviews have been conducted of the plan and a report sent to the Secretary DPI. A marketing and communication plan was implemented in June Surveys have been conducted as required. Dog Control Orders Domestic Animal Management Plan Dogs in Public Place Policy - There are over 900 open space areas spread throughout the municipality and predominantly these are off lead areas. Given the feedback of both dog owners and non-owners it was recognised that a balanced approach was required to cater for a mix of on leash and off leash opportunities for dogs and their owners. This policy with the attached maps forms Council s position in relation to on and off leash areas. Off Lead Areas In general, dogs are allowed unleaded in public parks and reserves, unless these are designated as environmentally sensitive areas. On Lead Areas Include All roads and footpaths/nature strips. Shopping centres. Jetties and piers. High use areas (for example the Waterfront Precinct in Geelong). Sporting grounds and ovals during times of organised sports (as defined by a formal booking with council which includes times booked for sports practice/training). Shared use paths or walking paths and the areas within five (5) metres either side of the abutting edge of the path (except those paths located on the Fyansford Common and the shared path on the north side of the river upstream from Queens Park Bridge to Fyansford Common). Within ten (10) metres of children s play equipment. Within ten (10) metres of picnic and barbecue areas (as defined by council provided barbecues and/or table and associated seating). Rivers, creeks and other water bodies (excluding beaches). Generally, these areas are defined as no dog areas unless designated and signposted as a swimming area for dogs. Public open space areas (includes beaches, reserves, parks and playgrounds). In recognition of the broad views that the community had expressed in relation to access to public open space by dogs and their owners; five (5) categories of controls were adopted by Council

13 COGG Dog Control Orders Category 1 (Green) - Areas where dogs are permitted off lead all year round (there may be some short term restrictions on beaches where the hooded plover is nesting, for example Buckley Park beach in Ocean Grove). Category 2 (Yellow) - Allow dogs off lead and under effective control in the mornings prior to 10.00am and in the evenings after 6.00pm (outside of daylight savings time) and after 8.00pm (during daylight savings time). Dogs would be required to be on lead during other times. Category 3 (Purple) - Allow dogs on lead in the mornings prior to 10.00am and in the evenings after 6.00pm (outside of daylight savings time) and after 8.00pm (during daylight savings time). Dogs would be prohibited at other times in designated areas as signed. Category 4 (Red) - Areas that will have dogs prohibited for reasons of: Extremely high environmental sensitivity; Where there is an Order by Council; The land management authority (not being Council) has prohibited dogs under their own rules or legislation. Category 5 (Brown) - Areas where dogs are required to be on lead all year round due to: Environmental sensitivity; Where there is an Order by Council; The land management authority (not being Council) has regulated dog access under their own rules or legislation; Designated playgrounds of compact size (refer to table below). Reserves where dogs are required to be on a lead all year road Reserve Name street Address suburb melways Ref. Milton Reserve 7 Milton Street Bell Park 441 F7 Belmont Heights Neighbourhood Park Cnr Regent St & Amundsen St Belmont 451 H10 Herd Reserve 2A Regent Street Belmont 451 J11 Iona Reserve 28A Iona Avenue Belmont 451 D12 Kindale Reserve 10 Kindale Court Belmont 465 C3 Kyle Reserve 2A Kyle Avenue Belmont 451 H9 Morris Reserve 18A Morris Street Belmont 451 G10 Stork Reserve 26A Stork Avenue Belmont 465 H1 Clunies Reserve 10 Clunies Court Corio 431 H6 Rodborough Reserve 23A Rodborough Crescent Corio 432 B6 Stradling Reserve 6 York Street Geelong 452 A1 LJ Keavy Park 25 Eureka Street Geelong West 451 G3 Bank Reserve 20 Bank Street Lara 423 A6 Fairnie Reserve 1A Fairnie Street Hamlyn Heights 441 D9 Bennett Reserve 6A Bennett Street Highton 451 B9 Cara Reserve 5A Cara Road Highton 451 D9 Ferndale Reserve 6A Ferndale Parade Highton 451 E10 Lambhill Reserve 282 Mt Pleasant Road Highton 451 A9 Thornbury Reserve 3A Thornbury Lane Highton 451 C8 Cornthwaite Reserve 2 Cornthwaite Crescent Leopold 468 G2 Ising Reserve 8 Ising Street Newcomb 452 H8 Janet Reserve 3 Janet Court Newcomb 452 J9 Lancaster Reserve 11 Nelson Avenue Newcomb 452 K10 Pitman Avenue Reserve 2-6 Silver Street Newcomb 452 J10 Tilly Reserve 7 Tilly Court Newcomb 452 J9 Wilton Avenue Reserve 25 Wilton Avenue Newcomb 452 H9 Buckingham Reserve 66 Buckingham Road Newtown 451 E6 Fairmont Reserve 21 Fairmont Road Newtown 451 E6 Maynooth Reserve 4A Maynooth Drive Norlane 431 H10 Crane Reserve 9 Crane Court Ocean Grove 483 J10 Hollywood Reserve 12 Hollywood Boulevarde Point Lonsdale 499 J2 McShane Reserve 6 McShane Court Rosewall 432 F5 Chandos Reserve 4A McGill Court St Albans Park 466 G2 Aitken Park 7 Aitken Court Whittington 466 J1 Stan Swain Childrens Playground 50 Westmoreland Street Whittington 466 H1 Vincent Park 59 Truscott Street Whittington 452 J

14 Municipal Coastline City of Greater Geelong Dog Controls in place except where indicated.

15 Barwon River Land Manager, Corangamite Catchment Authority established the dog controls. Gazetted service agreement in place for City of Greater Geelong to conduct patrols and address compliance issues. Waurn Ponds Creek and Ted Wilson Trail City of Greater Geelong, Dog Controls in place. Barwon River/Queens Park City of Greater Geelong Dog Controls in place as gazetted

16 Black Rock, 13th Beach, Barwon Coast & Ocean Grove Land Managers, Barwon Heads Coast Committee of Management, established the dog control orders. Gazetted service agreement in place for City of Greater Geelong to conduct patrols and address compliance issues. Portarlington, Indented Heads and St Leonards Land Manager, Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee (proposed and under review). Currently liaising with Bellarine Bayside seeking community feedback. Thank you for taking the time to read this background paper. The City looks forward to receiving your feedback by 22 June City of Greater Geelong PO Box 104 Geelong 3220 Australia General Enquiries: