Domestic Animal Management Plan - City of Kingston · This plan is designed to improve the...

Domestic AnimalManagement Plan

2016-2021

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DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2016-2021

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About the Plan

1. Introduction 5

2. Training of Authorised Officers 8

3. Registration and identification 11

4. Nuisance 16

5. Dog attacks 23

5. Dangerous, menacing & restricted breed dogs 28

6. Overpopulation and high euthanasia 31

7. Domestic animal businesses 35

8. Other matters 38

9. Annual review of plan and annual reporting 41

Attachment 1 Officer Training Register

Attachment 2 Example of Evaluation Template of Objective

Contents

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UnderSection68AoftheDomesticAnimalsAct,everyCouncilmustprepareadomesticanimalmanagementplan,asfollows:

68A Councils to prepare domestic animal management plans

1. EveryCouncilmust,inconsultationwiththeSecretary(oftheDepartmentofPrimaryIndustries),prepareat4yearintervalsadomesticanimalmanagementplan.

2. AdomesticanimalmanagementplanpreparedbyaCouncilmust:

a. setoutamethodforevaluatingwhethertheanimalcontrolservicesprovidedbytheCouncilinitsmunicipaldistrictareadequatetogiveeffecttotherequirementsofthisActandtheregulations;and

b. outlineprogramsforthetrainingofauthorisedofficerstoensurethattheycanproperlyadministerandenforcetherequirementsofthisActintheCouncil’smunicipaldistrict;and

c. outlineprograms,servicesandstrategieswhichtheCouncilintendstopursueinitsmunicipaldistrict:

i. topromoteandencouragetheresponsibleownershipofdogsandcats;and

ii. toensurethatpeoplecomplywiththisAct,theregulationsandanyrelatedlegislation;and

iii. tominimisetheriskofattacksbydogsonpeopleandanimals;and

iv. toaddressanyover-populationandhigheuthanasiaratesfordogsandcats;and

v. toencouragetheregistrationandidentificationofdogsandcats;and

vi. tominimisethepotentialfordogsandcatstocreateanuisance;and

vii.toeffectivelyidentifyalldangerousdogs,menacingdogsandrestrictedbreeddogsinthatdistrictandtoensurethatthosedogsarekeptincompliancewiththisActandtheregulations;and

d. provideforthereviewofexistingordersmadeunderthisActandlocallawsthatrelatetotheCouncil’smunicipaldistrictwithaviewtodeterminingwhetherfurtherordersorlocallawsdealingwiththemanagementofdogsandcatsinthemunicipaldistrictaredesirable;and

e.provideforthereviewofanyothermattersrelatedtothemanagementofdogsandcatsintheCouncil’smunicipaldistrictthatitthinksnecessary;and

f.providefortheperiodicevaluationofanyprogram,service,strategyorreviewoutlinedundertheplan.

3. EveryCouncilmust:

a. reviewitsdomesticanimalmanagementplanannuallyand,ifappropriate,amendtheplan;and

b.providetheSecretarywithacopyoftheplanandanyamendmentstotheplan;and

c. publishanevaluationofitsimplementationoftheplaninitsAnnualReport.

AboutthePlan

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TheDomesticAnimalManagementPlan(DAMP)catersfortheneedsofcompanionanimals,theirownersandaddressestheconcernsofthegeneralpublicinanequitableandcompassionatemanner.

Theaimofthisplanistofacilitateco-existenceofpets,petownersandthegeneralpopulationwhilstaddressingthewelfareandlegislativeissuesrelatingtoanimalmanagementinurbanareas.Thisplanalsoaimstopromoteresponsiblepetownershipandenhancetheexperienceofanimalownershipwithinthecommunity.

ThepreparationofthePlanisinlinewiththeDomesticAnimalsAct1994(DAA)whichrequiresallVictoriancouncilstohaveafouryearplaninplaceforthemanagementofdogsandcatswithintheirarea.

Itisnowwellrecognisedbythecommunityandgovernmentsalikethatthereismoretoanimalmanagementthanmerelycollectingstraydogsandenforcingoffencesagainstthelaws.Notsowellrecognisedistherolethatlocalgovernmentplaysinprotectingandpromotingresponsibleanimalownershipinthecommunityandtheenvironment,bothessentialtomaintainingsustainablecommunitiesandahealthyenvironment.

ThisplanisdesignedtoimprovetheprovisionofanimalmanagementservicesbymaintainingthetraditionalLocalGovernmentrolewhilstexpandinguponCouncil’scapacitytorespondtonewandemerginganimalmanagementissuesandimplementingidentifiedtreatments.

ThePlanintegratesthedevelopingexpertiseindomesticanimalmanagementwithinVictoriaandAustralia.Furthermore,thePlanincorporatesCouncil’sinvestigationsofitsownlocalneedstoproduceaprogramofactiontobeundertakenoverthenextfouryears(2016-2021).Relevantissuesincludethoseprescribedunderrelevantlegislationandlocallawsaswellasthegenerallyunderstoodnotionofresponsiblepetownership.

The aim of the plan Theprincipleaimofthisplanistocreateanenvironmentwherepeopleandpetscanpeacefullyandsafetyco-existwithinthecommunityandwherepetowner’sactivitiesandthoseoftheirpetsdonotadverselyaffecttherestofthecommunityorenvironment.

% Encouragestatutorycomplianceandpromoteresponsiblepetownershipthrougheducationandenforcement;

% Supportandfacilitatethebenefitsofanimalownershipandcompanionship;

% Increasepublicsafetyandgeneralamenitybyreducingnuisancescausedbydogsandcats;

% Increasepublicsafetybyensuringcompliancebyownersofdeclareddangerousandrestrictedbreeddogs;

% Provideforthewelfareofcatsanddogs;

% Reducethenumberofunwantedanimalsbredandeuthanized;and

% EnsurethatCouncilfulfilsitslegislativeresponsibility.

Current programs and services - service levelswhethermakingdecisions,advocatingonbehalfofothersorenablingandfacilitatingnetworks,Councilplaysacrucialleadroleinthefieldofdogandcatmanagement.

CurrentservicesandprogrammesaligntotheDomesticAnimalsAct1994(DAA)andarebasedprimarilyonenforcementactivitiesratherthancompliancethrougheducationandconciliation.Servicedeliveryisprioritybasedandbasedonresourceavailability.

1. Introduction

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A snapshot of the City of KingstonLocatedinMelbourne’ssoutheast,theCityofKingstonisoneofVictoria’smostdynamicanddiversemunicipalities.Itcombinessubstantialresidentialareas,significantopenspaceandastrongindustrialsector,includingoneofthelargestandmostconcentratedmanufacturingregionsinAustralia.

TheCityisboundedbytheCityofMonashandtheCityofGlenEiratothenorth,theCityofGreaterDandenongtotheeast,theCityofFrankstontothesouthandtheCityofBaysideandPortPhillipBaytothewest.ThemunicipalitycoversthesuburbsofMoorabbin,Highett,Cheltenham,Clarinda,OakleighSouth,Braeside,Mentone,ClaytonSouth,DingleyVillage,Heatherton,Parkdale,Mordialloc,Aspendale,AspendaleGardens,Edithvale,Chelsea,ChelseaHeights,Bonbeach,CarrumandPattersonLakes.

TheCityofKingstonspans91squarekilometerswithanestimatedresidentpopulationofover153,079residents.TheDAMPhasbeenpreparedspecificallyfortheneedsofthemunicipality,whichischaracterisedbythefollowing:

• Themunicipalitycomprisessubstantialresidentialareas;

• Extensivemarketgardens;

• OneofthelargestandmostconcentratedregionsofmanufacturingbusinessesinmetropolitanMelbourne;

• IncludesSouthlandandothermajorshoppingdistricts;

• Some13kilometresofforeshorefromMentoneinthenorthtoCarruminthesouth;

• TheMoorabbinAirportiscentrallylocatedwithinthemunicipality;

• TheMordiallocCreek,PattersonRiverandPattersonLakessystemisauniqueenvironmentwhichhasalargeamountofinfrastructureandishometohundredsofmooredmotorboatsandyachts;

• Landfillsitesandquarryland;

• Themunicipalityboasts11GolfCourses,andhassomemajoropengreenspace;

• NaturalenvironmentsincludingBraesideParkandKarkarookParkmanagedbyParksVictoria;and

• Edithvale-SeafordWetlandsmanagedbyMelbourneWater.

Animal management staffing and operational structure

General Manager Planning & Development

Manager Compliance & Amenity

AdministrationCoordinator

OperationsCoordinator

AdministrationOfficers

10 Local LawsOfficers

Team Leader ProsecutionsCoordinator

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Program/Service Service Level

Identificationandregistration • Microchipping

• Websiteinformation

• Promptreactiveenforcement

• Mandatoryregistrationofanimalspriortoreleasefrompound

Identificationandregistrationdoorknockcampaigns Annualregistrationrenewaldoorknock

Domesticanimalcomplaints ResponseASAP(prioritisebyrisk)

Dangerousdogscomplaints ResponseASAP(highpriority)

Routinestreetpatrols • Dailyonweekdays

• Monthly(roads/streets,foreshores,parksandreserves)

Poundservices(outsources)hours • 10am–6pmweekdays

• 9am–1pmweekends

Educationandmicrochipping • 1annualpetexpoandmicrochippingday

Domesticanimalbusinessregistrations • ConductedannuallyinMarchandApril

• Randominspectionalsoconducted

Dangerous/restrictedbreeddoginspections • ConductedannuallyinMarchandApril

• Randominspectionalsoconducted

Desexingvoucherprogram AvailableatCustomerServiceCentres

Dogson/offleash • Orderinplacerestrictingdogsofleashindesignatedareas

• 29dogoffleashareas

• 4dogagilitycourses

Prohibitedareasfordogs Orderinplacedesignatingprohibitedareassuchasareasoftheforeshoreduringdesignatedtimes

Prohibitedareasforcats 1xdesignatedprohibitedareainWaterwaysEstate

1xnighttimecurfewinplace

Prosecutionfornon-compliance Inhouseprosecutionsteamenforcesnon-compliancethroughthecourtsystems

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DAASection68(A)(2)(b)OutlineprogramsforthetrainingofauthorisedofficerstoensurethattheycanproperlyadministerandenforcetherequirementsofthisActintheCouncil’smunicipaldistrict.

ContextThefollowingdataoutlinesthedemographicmakeupofKingston,forwhichourOfficersprovideAnimalManagementServices:

• In2015theCityofKingstonhadanestimatedresidentpopulationofover153,079

• Councilareacovers91.3squarekilometres;

• 15,068Registereddogs;

• 5,601Registeredcats;

• 21Registereddomesticanimalbusinesseswhichinclude:

-10PetShops

-7BoardingEstablishments

-4DogTrainingestablishment

Full time Authorised Officers• 1xManager(wholeadsthreeteamswithintheCompliance&AmenityDepartment)

• 1xLocalLawsTeamLeader(leadsLocalLawsteaminanimalmanagementandcompliancewithStateandlocallegislation)

• 1xProsecutionsCoordinator

• 1xLocalLawsOperationsCoordinator

• 10xRanger/LocalLawsOfficers

• 1xLocalLawsOfficer(SchoolCrossings)

• 1xLocalLawsOfficer(ForeshoreandAudits)

Our Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures• Learning&DevelopmentPolicy-Councilreferencenumber10/49046

• Learning&DevelopmentUtilisationPolicy–Councilreferencenumber09/112542

• EmployeeEngagementPolicy–Councilreferencenumber09/63338

• OperationalproceduresincludingOHSStandardOperatingProcedures(SOPs)areavailabletoguideOfficersintheperformanceoftheirduties.ThesearelistedonCouncil’sfilestoragesystem.

2. TrainingofAuthorisedOfficers

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Current and planned trainingAllAuthorisedOfficersarerequiredtohaveasetstandardoftrainingqualificationspriortobeingemployedwiththeCityofKingston,tomeettherequirementsofthepositiondescriptionforaRanger/LocalLawsOfficer.EachOfficermustsuccessfullycompletetraininginanimalhandling,investigationtechniquesandlawenforcementincludingstatementtakingasaminimum.Formalpost-secondaryqualificationsareanemploymentrequirementsuchastheDiplomaofJusticeorotherrelatedindustrycourse.

CouncilmaintainsatrainingregisterdetailingallqualificationsandtrainingcoursescompletedbyeachAuthorisedOfficer.EachyearaformaltrainingreviewisundertakenpriortocreatingeachOfficer’sannualperformanceanddevelopmentplan.

Kingstonisdedicatedtobuildingaworkforcethathasaccesstotherightlearninganddevelopment,providingemployeeswiththeknowledgeandskillsnecessarytocontributetotheorganisation’ssuccess.

Thislearninganddevelopmentprogramprovidesemployeeswiththeopportunitytoaccesslearningsolutionsthatwillnotonlyincreasetheirknowledgeandskillbase,butwillcontributetotheirongoingdevelopmentandcareerprogression.

EachyearanumberofprogramsareofferedtoallemployeesthroughthisannualLearningandDevelopmentCalendarwhichiscategorisedintofivekeyareas.ThesefivekeyareasmakeuptheKingstonLearningandDevelopmentModel.

Theseareasare:

Thismodelassistseveryonetounderstandwhatcategoriesofdevelopmentareonoffer.Bycategorisinglearningintokeyareasallowsfortargetedemployeedevelopment.Targeteddevelopmentoccursonlythroughdefiningdevelopmentopportunitiesthroughtheorganisationstraininganddevelopmentprocessandthenprovidingspecificdevelopmentfortheseopportunities.

Refer Attachment 1 – Authorised Officer Training Register

SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LEADERSHIP HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING

COMPLIANCE & INDUCTION

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Our plans• AllnewstaffarerequiredtohavecompletedtheminimumofCertificateIVinJusticeorequivalent;

• IdentifyrequiredtrainingforAuthorisedOfficersandsourceappropriatetraining;

• AllstafftobeprovidedwithCouncil’sLearningandDevelopmentCalendar;

• AllstafftoreceiveemailsofferingopportunitiestoundertaketrainingusingCouncil’sonlinelearningcentre;

• ReviewtheLocalLawstrainingregisterevery3monthstoensureappropriatetrainingisbeingundertaken;and

• EnsurethatallAuthorisedOfficershavetheopportunitytoattendRSPCA,BureauofAnimalWelfareandindustryrelatedtrainingdaysandworkshops/seminarsthroughouttheyear

Objective 1: ImplementtrainingguidethatclearlyidentifiesminimumtrainingrequirementsandanyadditionaltrainingneedsthatshouldbeundertakenbyallAuthorisedOfficersby2020

Activity When Evaluation

IdentifyminimumtrainingrequirementsbyconsultationwithCouncil’sPeopleandCultureteam,managementandstaff

Annually DocumentationtobefinalisedandincorporatedintothecurrentapprovedLocalLawstrainingregisterbyNovember2017

IdentifyadditionaltrainingopportunitiesbyconsultationwithCouncil’sPeopleandCultureteam,managementandstaff

Annually No.additionaltrainingsessions,recordsfinalisedandincorporatedintothecurrentapprovedLocalLawstrainingregisterannually

Objective 2:Maintainatrainingregisterforindividualofficersdetailingcompletedandproposedtrainingby2018


Maintainthecurrentspreadsheetlistingeachofficer’sname,andtheircompletedtraining,alongwithproposedtraining

Quarterly QuarterlyreviewofspreadsheetbyOperationsCoordinator,toensureitsaccuracyandtodeterminewhetherproposedtraininggoalshavebeenmetforeachofficer

Objective 3: EnsureallnewAuthorisedOfficershavecompletedtheirminimumtrainingrequirementswithin12monthsofappointment.


Identifyminimumtrainingrequirementsfornewlyappointedofficers(e.g.OH&S,animalhandling),andrecordoncurrentLocalLawstrainingregister

Within12monthsofappointment

QuarterlyreviewspreadsheetbyOperationsCoordinatorandensureeachofficerhascompletedtheirminimumtrainingrequirementswithin12monthsofappointment

Objective 4: Offeratleasttwoopportunitiesforadditionalinternaltrainingeachyear.


Identifyadditionaltrainingopportunitiese.g.conflictmanagement,communication/educationtechniques,notetaking,statementtaking

Annually Reviewhowmanyofficersundertooktrainingthatwasinadditiontotheirminimumrequirements.Meetobjectiveofproviding2additionalinternaltrainingopportunitiesannually

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DAA68A(2)(c)(v)Outlineprograms,servicesandstrategiestoencouragetheregistrationandidentificationofdogsandcats-alsoaddresses68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)

Current situationOur current data

• StateGovernmentLegislationrequiresalldogsandcatstoberegisteredwithCouncilat3monthsofage.

• 2014/2015registrationperiodtherewere15,068Registereddogs

• 2014/2015registrationperiodtherewere5,601Registeredcats

Councilhasrespondedtopreviousconsultationandincludedseveralsuggestedanimalmanagementactivitiesinthepreviousplanandthecurrentplan.Thisincludesimprovededucationprograms,proceduralchangeswhereregisteredpetsfoundwanderingclosetohomearereturnedandsecuredwherepossibleratherthanimpoundingandimprovementstoourlostandfounddatabaseservice.

CouncilhaspreviouslyconsideredgivingauthoritytoveterinaryclinicsandDomesticAnimalBusiness(DABs)toacceptregistrationsonCouncil’sbehalf.Thispathwasnotpursuedandanalternativeoptionputinplace.AllveterinaryclinicsandDABsareprovidedwithCouncilregistrationformstoprovidetopetownerstofacilitateregistration.

Paymentoptionshavebeenimprovedandonlineregistrationpaymentsisnowavailable.

ConsultationBasedonacommunityconsultationsurveyin2016,resultsindicatethatthereisalargepercentageofourpopulationthatareawareoftheextentoftheanimalmanagementservicesweprovide.

• 92%ofthosecompletingthesurveyindicatedthattheywereawareoftheforeshoreregulations.

• 91%ofthosecompletingthesurveyindicatedthattheiranimalsarecurrentlyregistered.

• 96%ofthosecompletingthesurveyindicatedthattheiranimalsweredesexed.

Our Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and ProceduresKingstonEnforcementProtocols-Educationandenforcementstrategyassociatedwithissuingnoticestocomply,infringementnoticesandfilingchargesforprosecutionregardingmanagementofdogsandcats.

OperationalproceduresincludingOHSStandardOperatingProcedures(SOPs)areavailabletoguideOfficersintheperformanceoftheirduties.ThesearelistedonCouncil’sdocumentmanagementsystem.

CouncilintroducedthefollowingOrderunderDomesticAnimalsAct1994:

Asof1January2009allcatsanddogsbeingregisteredforthefirsttime(newregistrations)mustbedesexedfromtheageofthreemonths.ExemptionsincludeanydogorcatregisteredwiththeCityofKingstonbefore1January2009andanimalsexemptundertheDomesticAnimalsAct1994.

Exemptionsincludethefollowing:

• Adog/catthatisownedbyapersonorbodythatconductsadomesticanimalbusinessregisteredwithCouncil.

• Wherethedog/catisusedforbreedingpurposesinconnectionwiththatbusiness.

• ADangerousDogthatiskeptforguardingnon-residentialpremises

• ADangerousDogthathasundergoneprotectiontraining

• Adog/catthatisthesubjectofwrittenVeterinaryadvicethatthehealthofthedog/catisliabletobesignificantlyprejudicedifitisdesexed

• Adogorcatthatisownedbyapersonwhoisacurrentmemberofan*applicableorganisationandtheanimalisregistered

3. Registrationandidentification

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withthatorganisation(proofmustbeprovidedofbothownersanddog/catmembershipatthetimeofregistration)

*ApplicableOrganisations:

- AustralianNationalCatsInc.;

- DogsVictoria;

- FelineControlCouncil(Victoria)Inc.;and

- TheGoverningCounciloftheCatFancyAustraliaandVictoriaInc

Local Laws

• LocalLaw48KeepingofAnimals

• LocalLaw52AnimalsandAmenity

• LocalLaw55LittersofAnimals

Council policies and procedures:

• Councilwillreviewanimalregistration/renewalformsannuallyandamendasnecessary;

• AnimalregistrationfeeswillbeconsideredanddeterminedbyCouncilduringtheannualbudgetprocess;

• Kingstondoesnothaveapolicyontheregistration/refusalofregistration/renewalofregistrationofdangerousandrestrictedbreeddogs;

• FeesaredeterminedbyCouncilannuallyandarestructuredinlinewiththeAct;

• RegistrationofDangerousDogsandMenacingDogsarecalculatedonacostofservicebasis;

• CouncilAuthorisedOfficersareguidedbytheKingstonEnforcementProtocolsPolicyandtheAct-seizureandimpoundingofunregisteredand/orunidentifieddogsandcats,enforcementstrategyassociatedwithissuingnoticestocomply,infringementnoticesandfilingchargesforprosecution;and

• CouncilAuthorisedOfficerswillattendVCAThearingstohearappealsofdogand/orcatownersasrequired

Our current education/promotion activities• Placeinformationinlocalpapersusingmediareleasestoadviseofregistrationperiodandrequirements;

• RewardsProgramtorecogniseresponsiblepetownershipandcompliance–FreeChristmasSantapetbagsforrandomlyselectedownersofregistereddogsandcats;

• Registration/renewalofregistrationinformationlistedonCouncil’swebsiteincludingadvisingwhenthedatethatregistrationisdue,howtoregister,registrationfeestructure,whatdocumentsarerequiredtobeproduced/supplied;

• RegistrationformavailablefordownloadonCouncil’swebsite;

• RegistrationperiodandinformationlistedinKingstonYourCity;

• Includeregistrationinformationandformsinkitsprovidedtonewresidents;

• Provideposterstolocalveterinarians,petshopstoadvertisePetExpoevents;

• ProvidediscountedmicrochippingatPetExpoevents;

• EnsurethatinformationisprovidedonCouncil’swebsitetoclearlyidentifythedifferencebetweenregistrationandmicrochipping;

• ConductcatappreciationcompetitionsatCouncil’sPetExpoevents;

• Displaysignageinresidentialareasduringannualregistrationaudit;

• ReportthroughtheDAMPstatisticsonthenumberofimpoundedanimalsreunitedwiththeirownerstopromoteidentification;and

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• Includeregistration,identificationandrenewalinformationinCouncilnewsletters,inCouncildisplays,inCounciltelephone‘on-hold’message

Our current compliance activities• Issueannualanimalregistrationrenewalnotices;

• Followuprenewalnoticeswithremindernotices;

• DedicateoneOfficertoundertakedoorknockaudittargetingpropertiesthatdidnotregisterafterreceivingrenewalnotices,usuallydoneinAugust,SeptemberandOctober;

• Undertakerandomdoorknockauditsthroughoutyearwhenunregisteredanimalsdetected;

• Issue7dayregistrationnoticestopetownersthroughoutnonauditperiodwhenfindingunregisteredanimals;

• Issueinfringementnoticesforfailingtore-register/register;

• Issuelifetimeregistrationtags;

• Checkregistrationdetailsofalldogsencounteredonthestreets,parksandforeshore;

• Conductenforcementpatrolsalongtheentireforeshoreareaincludingthefootpaths,clifftopsandsandedareasinordertoeducateforeshoreusersinthecorrectusageoftheindividualareasandtoenforcetherestrictions;

• Checkthatregistereddogsarewearingcurrentandcorrectregistrationtags;

• Whendealingwithanimalcomplaintsalwayscheckregistrationdetails;

• AuthorisedOfficerstobeequippedwithmicro-chipscanners;

• ProvideallAuthorisedOfficerswithelectronictablettobeabletocheckanimalregistrationandownerdetailswhilstonpatrol;

• ProvideCouncil’soncalldepotafterhoursemergencystaffwithmicro-chipscannerandinstructstaffonhowtousescanner;

• Checkallinjuredanddeceasedanimalsforregistrationtagormicro-chiptobeabletoinformanimalowner;

• Updateanimalregistrationdatabasewhennotifiedofdeceased,movedorsoldanimals;

• Ensurethatallseizedorimpoundedanimalsareregisteredpriortoreleasetotheowner;

• Reviewanimalregistrationfeesannuallyduringbudgetprocess;

• EnsurethatcorrectStateGovernmentlevyischargedonanimalregistrations;

• Providedomesticanimalbusiness’swithanimalregistrationformsandinformationrelatingtoanimalownersresponsibilitiesundertheDomesticAnimalsAct1994;and

• Auditalldog/catsalenotificationsreceivedfrompetshopstoensureownersregistertheirpurchasedanimals

SummaryOverthenextfouryearsCouncilwillbeseekingtoraisetheawarenessoftherequirementforcatsanddogstoberegisteredinthemunicipality.Thiswillbedonethroughcommunityeducation,randomregistrationchecksduringpatrols,undertakenbyAuthorisedOfficersandcheckingregistrationdetailsofallanimalssightedduringvisitstoresidential/commercialproperties.

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Our plansObjective 1: UpdatetheCouncilregistrationdatabasebycrossreferencingwithpetshopdogandcatsalesnotificationsdata.


Updatethecouncilpetregistrationdatabasebycheckingtheregistrationdetailsofallnotificationsofdogsandcatssoldatpetshopsandfollowupthosethataren’talreadyregistered

Quarterly DemonstratethatalldogsandcatsbeingsoldtoKingstonresidentsarebeingregisteredwithCouncil

DemonstrateincreaseinnumbersofpetsregisteredwithCouncilfollowingthereceiptofpetshopsalesnotifications

Objective 2: Promoteawarenessofdogandcatregistrationbyensuringproceduralprocessesfollowedandannualactionsimplemented.


Sendoutregistrationremindernoticestothosepetownerswhohavefailedtore-registertheirpetsarereceivingarenewalnotice

AnnuallyinMay Numberofanimalsre-registeredafterreceivingtheregistrationremindernotice

UndertakingannualanimalregistrationDoorKnockProgram-targeteddoorknockingofthemunicipalityeachyeartocheckforunregistereddogsandcats

Annually-August,SeptemberandOctober

Reviewannualincreaseinregistrationnumbers.Recordofnumberofunregisteredandun-identifiedanimalsdetectedduringdoorknocks.Infringementsissuedforunregisteredanimals

Ensureallseizedandimpoundedanimalsareregisteredtotheirownerpriortoreleasefromthepound.

Priortoanimalbeingreleasefrompound.

Reviewimpoundingandreleaseformstoconfirmallunregisteredanimalswereregisteredpriortoreleasefromthepound.

Conductcommunitypeteventstopromoteanimalregistrationandopportunitiestoregisterpetsoutsidenormalbusinesshours

Throughouttheyear • Numberofprogramsprovided

• Numberofregistrationsprocessedatevents

• Numberofanimalsmicro-chipped

PromoteawarenessofthebenefitsofanimalregistrationthroughCouncil’swebsiteandothermediaoutlets.

Throughouttheyear • Numberofprogramsprovided

• Communitysurvey

• InformationonpenaltiestobeprovidedonCouncil’swebsite

Askpuppy/kittenschoolsandobediencetrainerstopromoteregistrationandidentification–providethemwithappropriateresourcestodoso.

Ongoing Registrationformsprovidedandrequested

Promotetheservicesprovidedfromregistrationfees

Ongoing InformationprovidedonCouncil’swebsite

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Objective 3: Issueanimalinfringementnoticestoallownersofpetsthatarefoundtobeunregisteredafterreceivingaregistrationrenewalandremindernotice.


Issueanimalinfringementnotices Throughouttheyear

Numberofinfringementnoticesissuedandtheregistrationoftheseanimals

Objective 4: Monitorandregulateexcessanimalpermits


Maintainanelectronicregister(Pathway)torecordallpermitsissuedandensureallanimalsregistered

Ongoing • Electronicdatabasemaintained

• Reviewregistrationrecordsagainstpermitsystemeachyear

• Excessanimalpermitsandregistrationsuptodate

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DAASection68A(2)(c)(vi)Outlineprograms,servicesandstrategiestominimisethepotentialfordogsandcatstocreateanuisance-alsoaddresses68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)


Thefollowingstatisticsarebasedonthe2014/15financialyear.

• Councilinvestigated72dogbarkingcomplaints;

• Councilinvestigated528dogwanderingatlargecomplaints;

• Councilinvestigated224catwanderingcomplaints;

• Councilissued295infringementsforcontraveningCouncil’sOrderpursuanttoSection26oftheDomesticAnimalsAct1994(thisincludesoffencessuchasdoginaprohibitedarea,dognotundereffectivecontrol,failingtocleanupdogfaeces,failingtocarryalitterremovaldevice)

• Councilimpounded457dogs

• Councilimpounded213cats

• Totalanimalsimpounded721includingsmallanimalsandlivestock.

Consultation

Thereappearstobeapolarisedviewandopinionastodogsbeingexercisedoffleadinonleadareas.Council’sinfringementstatisticsindicatethatthereisareductioninthistypeofoffence.

• 75%ofresidentssurveyedutilizetheoffleashareasinparksorreserves.

• 51%ofresidentssurveyedbelievetherearenotenoughdogoffleashareaswithinKingston.

• 49%ofresidentssurveyedbelieveKingstonhasenoughdogoffleashareas.

Althoughahighpercentageofresidentssurveyedsupportedoffleashareas,Councilreceivednumerouscommentsstronglyopposingoffleashareas.Thereappearstobeconsiderablepolarisationregardingdogaccesstoopenspaceswithinourmunicipality.Councilhaspreviouslyundertakenpublicconsultationregardingdogaccesstoparksandourforeshore.InresponsetocommunityfeedbackCouncilintroducedbalanced,equitableaccessandaCouncilOrderregardingdogcontroltoassistinminimisinganynuisancesthatmayoccur.AccesstoopenspacewithinKingstonislimitedinsomeareas,reducingtheopportunitiesforoffleashspacesunderthecurrentassessmentcriteria.

Residentsalsorespondedthatmostoffleashareasaretoosmall.IthasalsobeensuggestedthatCouncilconsiderfencingoffmoredogoffleashareasandprovidemorevisiblesignageandfreedoglitterbags.

Councilhasconsideredtheprovisionofdogpoodisposalbinsinparksandbagdispensersandhaschosentopromote‘beprepared’whereownersarerequiredtocarrylitterremovaldevicesatalltimeswhilstoutexercisingtheirdog.Theonusisontheownertotakeresponsibilityfortheirdog’sexcrement.Tocompensatefornotprovidingdogpoobagdispensers,Councilprovidesfreebiodegradablebagsatallcustomerservicecentresandfree“PoochPouches”toallregistereddogownerstopromotecomplianceandResponsiblePetOwnership(RPO).

Communityconsultationindicatesthatresidentscontinuetobeinconveniencedbythefailureofsomedogownerstocleanupaftertheirdogswhilstinpublicplaces.AlthoughCouncilhasprogramsinplacethereisastrongcallforcontinuededucationcombinedwithincreasedenforcement.

Inconsultationwithourcommunity,rewardsprogramshavebeenimplementedtorecogniseownersforresponsiblepetownership,complianceandpromptresponseandresolutionofnuisances.

Councilhaspreviouslyrevieweddogaccesstoenvironmentallysensitiveareas,foreshoreandlocalparks.Ordersareinplacewhichreflectstheoutcomeoftheconsultationandassessment.

4. Nuisance

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Our Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and ProceduresCouncilintroducedthefollowingOrdersunderDomesticAnimalsAct1994:

Asof1January2009allcatsanddogsbeingregisteredforthe1sttime(newregistrations)mustbede-sexedfromtheageofthreemonths.ExemptionsincludeanydogorcatregisteredwiththeCityofKingstonbefore1stJanuary2009andanimalsexemptundertheDomesticAnimalsAct1994.

From1stNovember2010pursuanttoSection25oftheDomesticAnimalsAct1994allownersofacatarerequiredtokeepthatcatsecurelyconfinedtotheowner’spropertyandnotallowthatcattowanderatlargeoutsidetheowner’spremisesbetweensunsetandsunrise.ThetimeofsunsetandsunrisewillbedeterminedbytheBureauofMeteorology.TheOrdercoversallareasofthemunicipality.

From1December2010theCityofKingstonintroducedanOrderundertheprovisionsofsection26(2)oftheDomesticAnimalsAct1994.

1. Dogs must be on leashes

Theownerofthedogmustkeepattachedtothedogachain,cordorleashandheldbytheownerwheninanypublicplacenotdesignatedasanoffleasharea,schoolgrounds,railwayland,orshoppingcentreswhereanagreementpursuanttoSection26(2A)oftheDomesticAnimalsAct1994isinplaceinthemunicipality.

2. Owners must be equipped to remove dog faeces

Theownerofadogmustnotallowanypartofthatdog’sexcrementtoremainonanypublicplace,schoolground,shoppingcentreorrailwaylandinthemunicipality.Theownermustcarryalitterremovaldevicetopickupandremoveallofthedog’sfaecesandmustproducethelitterremovaldeviceuponrequestofanAuthorisedOfficer.

3. Owner’s obligations

3.1Adogmaybeexercisedoffachain,cordorleashinadesignatedoffleashareaprovidedtheowner:

a. Carriesachain,cordorleash,sufficienttobringthedogundereffectivecontrolifthedogbehavesinamannerwhichthreatensanypersonoranimal;

b. Remainsineffectivevoiceorhandcontrolofthedogandwithinconstantsightofthedogsoastobeabletopromptlyplacethedogonachain,cordorleashifthatbecomesnecessary;and

c. Doesnotallowthedogtoworry,causeanuisanceorthreatenanypersonoranimal.

3.2Ifadogisoffachain,cordoraleashinadesignatedareaitmustbebroughtundereffectivecontrolbymeansofachainorcordoraleashifthedogisorlikelytobewithin20metresof:

a. Thearenaorgroundofanorganisedsportingorpracticeevent

b. Achildren’splayequipmentarea

c. Aprincipallocationofanorganisedpublicmeetingorevent

d. Apermanentbarbecueorpicnicarea.

4. Meaning of words

Inthisorder

‘Owner’hasthesamemeaningastheDomesticAnimalsAct1994;and

‘Designatedoffleasharea’meansanyreserves,orpartofareserve,declaredbyresolutionoftheCouncil.

‘Litterremovaldevice’meansanapparatusdesignedfororabletobeusedforthepurposeofremovingdogexcrementandincludesapaperorplasticbag.

‘PublicPlace’meansanyreserves,orpartofareserveandRoad(asdefinedintheLocalGovernmentAct1989).

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Pursuant to Section 26 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994

a. NodogaccesswillbeallowedinorontotheForeshoreReservesandareasfrom1Novemberto31Marchbetween10.00a.m.and7.30p.m.

b. TheNodogZoneboundariesinthenortherndistrictbeamendedtoincludetheentireforeshoreboundedbytheMordiallocCreek,NepeanHighway,BeachRoadandthenorthwesternboundaryoftheBayStreetcarpark.

c. A24hourdogoff-leashareawillcommencefromthenorthernforeshoremunicipalboundaryadjacenttoCharmanRoad,Mentoneextendingsouthalongtheforeshoreapproximately450meterstotheforeshoreentrypointoppositePlummerRoad,Mentone.Thedogoffleashareawillbeonthesandareaonly.

d. Thesandareasoftheforeshorereservebeoffleashbetweensunriseand10.00a.m.between1stNovemberand31MarchwiththeexceptionoftheMordiallocNoDogZone.

e. OutsidetheMordiallocNoDogZonethesandareasoftheforeshorereservebeoffleashbefore11.00a.m.andafter3.00p.m.between1Apriland31October.

f. OutsideoftheMordiallocNoDogZonedogsmustremainonleashinorontheforeshorereservebetween11.00a.m.and3.00p.m.between1Apriland31Octoberunlessinadesignatedoffleasharea.

g. Notwithstandingclauseb)ofthisorder,dogsbepermittedonleashonlyatanytimeontheconcretepathwaywhichpassesalongtheedgeoftheMordiallocNoDogZoneassigned.

h. OutsideoftheMordiallocNoDogZonedogsmustremainonleashinorontheforeshorereservebetween7.30p.m.andsunrisebetween1Novemberand31Marchunlessinadesignatedoffleasharea.

Notethatforthepurposesofthisorder,sandareameans:

i. NorthoftheMordiallocNoDogZone-allareasoftheforeshorewhichareexclusivelysandunderfoot(i.e.excludesconcretepathways,maintainedgrassareas,vegetatedareasandclifftops)

ii. SouthofMordiallocNoDogZone-theentireforeshorereserveincludingvegetatedareas.

Pursuant to Section 26 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994

Designatedthefollowingreservesorpartsthereof,asoffleashreserves:

• Aspendale GardensNurtenParadeReserve

• AspendaleBrownsReserve,GlenStreetReserve,IlukaReserve

• BonbeachSportsReserve-oval#5

• CarrumRoyDoreReserve

• ChelseaBicentennialPark

• ChelseaHeightsAmarooParkReserve

• CheltenhamKingstonHeathReserveF6landbetweenFarmRdandCentreDandenongRd,DerringLaneReserve,LePagePark,SnowdonDrReserve,SirWilliamFryReserve-(NWcnrofBayandNepean)

• DingleyVillageChadwickReserve,SwallowReserve

• ClaytonSouthNamatjiraPark,HeathertonPark,BaldHillPark

• HighettHighettReserve

• MentoneSouthernRoadReserve,RegMarlowReserve

• MoorabbinMoorabbinReserve,GRBrickerReserve

• MordiallocGeorgeWoodsReserve,KevinHayesReserve

• OakleighSouthDalesPark,MavisHutterReserve

• ParkdaleWalterGaltReserve

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Local Laws




COUNCIL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

• KingstonEnforcementProtocols-Educationandenforcementstrategyassociatedwithissuingnoticestocomply,infringementnoticesandfilingchargesforprosecutionregardingmanagementofdogsandcats;

• OperationalproceduresincludingOHSStandardOperatingProcedures(SOPs)areavailabletoguideOfficersintheperformanceoftheirduties.ThesearelistedonCouncil’sdocumentmanagementsystem;

• Procedureregardingnoisenuisancecomplaintsfordogsand/orcats(s.32);

• Procedureforsurrendereddogsand/orcatsbyowners(s.33A);

• NuisanceCatTrappingProcedure;and

• ProcedureforAfterHoursAnimalEmergencyService

Our current education/promotion activities• ProvideinformationonCouncil’swebsiteandlocalmediarelatingto:

- Therequirementsofdogsbeingconfinedtotheirowner’sproperty

- Council’sorderrequiringalldogstobeonleashthroughoutthemunicipalityunlessinanareadesignatedandsignedasanoffleasharea

- Dogaccesstotheforeshore

- DogSocialisation,Exercise&Trainingandlistlocalserviceproviders

- Howtoavoiddogattacks

- Whattodoifyourdogisinvolvedinanattackanddetailthesignsofaggressionindogs

- Reasonswhydogsbarkandmakeavailableabarkingdogstatementforresidentstodownloadandcomplete-

- Supervisingdogswithchildren

- ProvidelinksonCouncil’swebsitetoanimalrelatedorganisations

- Responsiblepetownership

- Catconfinementincludingvariousmethodsfortheconstructionofcatenclosures

- Residentsrightsaboutwanderingcats

- CatandDogdesexing

- Publichealthissuesrelatingtocatsanddogs

- Cattrapping

- promoteoffleashareasanddogexercise/agilityparks;

• Promotethevariousresourcesavailabletoensurethecorrectchoiceofapetsuchas‘SelectaPet’websiteprogramtoassistprospectivedogownerstochooseanappropriatecat/dogtomeettheirlifestyleandcircumstances.Thiswillhelpreducenuisancescreatedanddogattacks;

• Uselocalmediatodisseminateinformationtoresidents,thisincludesnewspapers,KingstonYourCityandlocalradio;

• Provideawiderangeofbrochures;

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• Utilisethe‘Who’sforCats?’literatureandposterstopromoteawareness;

• Distributebrochurestoresidentswhenrequestedandwheninvestigatingcomplaints;

• LiaisewithEnvironmentalHealthteamincasesofanimalhoarding;

• Rewardsprogramtorecogniseandrewardownersobservedcomplyingwithlegislation(freetreats,showbags);

• Promotetheareasdesignatedforexercisingdogsandtheneedforregularexercisetopreventbehaviouralandhealthproblems;

• EnsureCouncilstaffprovidesaproactiveservicetothecommunitytoensurethatthepublicarewellinformedandawareofcurrentpetmanagementissues;

• ProvideinformationsheettoownersofimpoundedanimalsatthetimeofreleasetopromoteRPOandreductioninnuisancebehaviour;

• Providefree“PoochPouches”toallregistereddogownerstoenablethemtocarrylitterremovalbagsontheirdogslead;

• Providefreesamplebiodegradabledoglitterremovalbagsatallcustomerservicecentresandlibraries;and

• Conductannualtargeted“StoopandScoop”Campaignaimedatraisingawarenessandcompliance,reducingdoglittering.

Our current compliance activitiesAll nuisance

• RecordallnuisancecomplaintsonCouncil’sCustomerComplaintManagement(CRM)systemtotrackresolutions,repeatoffendersandensureOfficersfollowsettasksandprocedures;

• InvestigateallreportedallegednuisancecomplaintswithinspecifiedCRMtimeframes;

• Ensurenuisanceinvestigationtimeframesareasshortaspossibletoreducecomplainants’frustration;

• ReviewCouncilOrders,LocalLaws,Councilpoliciesandproceduresrelatingtonuisanceonaregularbasiswith

• AnimalManagementOfficers(AMOs)andSeniorOfficer/s;

• Offertowithdrawinfringementand/orsuspendDeclarationifownerattendsrelevanttrainingtoaddressspecificnuisanceorgeneralresponsibledog/catownershipcourse;

• Reportoutcomesofallprosecutions(andregularupdatesonnumberofinfringements)regardingeachareaofnuisancetolocalmediatoraiseawarenessinthecommunityofthebenefitsofpreventingdogandcatnuisance;

• Ensurenoticestocomply,noticesofobjection,infringements,prosecutionsareinlinewithCouncilKingston

• EnforcementProtocolsPolicy,legislationandoperationalprocedures;

• Limitthenumberofcats/dogsthatcanbepermittedtobekeptonapremises,promoteandenforceCouncil’sExcess

• AnimalPermits,monitorcomplianceofpermitconditionstopreventnuisancesandanimalhoarding;and

• Requirenon-compliantownerstoundertakearesponsibledogownershipcourseand/orowneranddogtoundertakebasicdogtrainingcourse

At large and trespass (see ‘all nuisance’ and the following)

• Patrolpublicplacestocheckfordogsorcatsatlargeorinprohibitedpublicareas;

• Increasepatrolsduringholidayperiods/attimeswhennativeprotectedfaunaarebreeding/etc.;

• IntroducedanOrderforacatcurfewbetweensunsetandsunriseinpublicplaces;

• IntroducedanOrderassociatedwithrestraintofdogsinpublicplaces;

• Providecatcagesfreetolocalresidentsfortrappingcatstrespassingontheirproperty;

• PurchaseadditionalcatcagesandensurecompliantwithPreventionoftheCrueltyofAnimalsAct1986(POCTA)

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Regulationsonconfinementtraps;

• Undertakecattrappingprogramtotrapwildcatsinresponsetocomplaintsorwherecatcoloniesareidentifiedinpublicplaces;

• Impoundallcatsanddogsatlarge;and

• Ifpossible,returnwanderingregisteredpetstoownersfreeofchargeiffoundintheimmediatevicinityoftheirregisteredaddressthenimpoundandenforceforrepeatoffences

Barking dogs (see ‘all nuisance’ and the following)

• OperationalProcedureinplacetoensureOfficersinvestigateallallegedbarkingdogcomplaintswithingiventimeframesincludingtheprovisionofnoiselogsheets,noiseactivateddigitalrecordingdevicestohelpgatherevidence,provisionofeducationalmaterial;

• Utiliseavailableeducationalkitsandinformationtoassistininvestigationsofcomplaints;

• Encouragecomplainanttocontactownerofbarkingdogandadvisethemoftheirconcernsasfirststeptoresolvingissue;

• Provideresidentsloan/hireofanti-barkcollars(citronella)throughCustomerServiceCentresandprovideinformationtoownersregardingrequirementsunderPOCTARegulation19forelectroniccollars;and

• Note:barkingdogscanalsobeconsideredunreasonablenoiseunderSection48AoftheEnvironmentProtectionAct1970,accordingtotheEPApublication‘AnnoyedbyNoise?’

Dog faeces (see ‘all nuisance’ and the following)

• OrderwasintroducedUnderSection26requiringthecompulsorycollectionanddisposalofdogpoobyowner/personinchargeofthedog.ThiswaspreviouslyaLocalLawdatingbackpreamalgamation.Ourcommunitysupportthisregulation;

• ItisaproceduralrequirementthatAuthorisedOfficersaretoaskalldogownerswhoarefoundwalkingtheirdogsinpublictoproduceaLitterRemovalDevice;

• InfringementsissuedforfailingtocarryaLitterRemovalDevice;and

• Infringementsissuedforfailingtocleanupafteryourdog

SummaryKingstoncurrentlyhasanelectronictrackingsystemtorecordcomplaintsandinfringementsissued.AdditionalstatisticaldatawouldassistCounciltomoreeffectivelymonitorcompliancetoassisttoimprovethecommunities’compliance.

Ourprogramstodatehaveresultedinareductionofanimalsimpoundedeachyearreducingnuisances.Therearestillopportunitiestoaddresscommunityconcernsandtargetprogramsspecificnuisancesinourmunicipalitysuchasreductionindogdroppingsandbarkingdogs.

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Our plans• Promoteawarenessofthenuisancescausedbybarkingdogs

• EnforcecomplianceofCouncil’sOrders–dogsonleash,undereffectivecontrol,catnightcurfew

• Improvecomplaintresolutiontechniques

Objective 1: Promoteawarenessandminimisecatnuisancesinthecommunity.


Maintainanelectronicregister(Pathway)torecordallpermitsissuedandensureallanimalsregistered

Ongoing • Numberofinfringementsissued

• Numberofcomplaintsreceived

Provideeducationmaterialaboutcatenclosuresandnuisanceissuestocatownersinregistrationinformationpackseachyear.

Ongoing Numberofbookletsdistributedandinformationavailableonwebsite

Assistresidentswithdealingwithcattrespass/nuisanceproblemsbypurchasinganadditional10cattrapsandprovidethemtolocalresidentsfortrappingnuisancecats

Juneeachyear • Numberoftrapspurchased

• Numberofcatsimpounded

Objective 2: Improvecomplaintresolutionofreportedanimalnuisancesandpromoteresponsiblepetownership.


EncourageresidentstoreportanimalnuisancestoenableCounciltoassistinresolvingthecomplaint,improveanimalwelfareandimprovethegeneralamenity

Ongoing • Numberofcomplaintsreceived

• Informationonwebsiteonhowtoreportcomplaints

Reviewthebarkingdogcomplaint/investigationprocedureandmodifytofacilitatetimelyresolutions,encouragecivilresolutionpriortoCouncilinvolvement

November2018 Dogbarkingcomplaintsreviewedeachyear

Allownersofdogstoberequestedtoproducelitterremovaldevices.Infringementstobeissuedinlinewithoperationalprocedures.

Ongoing Numberofinfringementsissued–monitoredtodeterminenumbersreducingandcomplianceimproving.

Reviewandidentifyopportunitytoincreasedesignatedoff-leashexerciseareaswheresitesareavailabletopromotedogtrainingandsocialisationincludingopportunityforadditionaldogexercise/trainingequipment

Ongoing Numberofoffleashareasreviewed

Includeinformationregardingconfinement,barking,dogsatlargeetcinnewregistrationinformationpacks

Ongoing Packsavailableandnumberdistributed

Provideadvicetopetownersonappropriatepetcareduringholidays,fireworksandthunderstorms

Ongoing • Informationplacedonwebsite

• KYCarticles

• Includedinnewownerspack

ImprovecompliancesignagealongtheLong-beachwalkingtrackandincreasepatrolsinthisareatoincreasecomplianceofdogsonleadandreducenuisances

Ongoing • Signageinstalledandmaintained

• Numberofinfringementsissuedandreducednumberofoffences

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DAASection68A(2)(c)(iii)Outlineprograms,servicesandstrategiestominimisetheriskofattacksbydogsonpeopleandanimals-alsoaddresses68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)


Thefollowingstatisticsarebasedonthe2014/15financialyear.

• Numberofreporteddogattacks–141(includesallegedattackandrushoffences)NumberofDeclaredDogs–18(Dangerous/RestrictedBreed/Menacing)

• Numberofseriousdogattacksprosecuted–3

• Numberofinfringementsissuedforminordogattacks–15

Consultation

• 4%ofresidentssurveyedhavecontactedCouncilaboutdogattacks

• 10%ofresidentssurveyedareconcernedaboutdogaggressioninpublicplaces

• 95%ofresidentssurveyedhavenothadanissuewithdogattacks.

Our Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and ProceduresFrom1December2010theCityofKingstonintroducedanOrderundertheprovisionsofsection26(2)oftheDomesticAnimalsAct1994requiringalldogstobeonleashexceptindesignatedoffleashareas.ThisOrderisdetailedinfullinthisplanunderthesectiontitledNuisances.

TheCityofKingstonintroducedanorderdesignatingreservesorpartsofreservestobeoffleashareasandplacingrestrictionsondoguseontheforeshore.ThisOrderisdetailedinfullinthisplanunderthesectiontitledNuisances.

LocalLaws




Council policies and proceduresKingstonEnforcementProtocols-Educationandenforcementstrategyassociatedwithissuingnoticestocomply,infringementnoticesandfilingchargesforprosecutionregardingmanagementofdogsandcats.


CouncilAuthorisedOfficerswillattendVCAThearingstohearappealsofseizeddogownersasrequired.

Allreportsofdogrush,dogattacksordogbitesfullyinvestigatedusingCouncil’sdogattackinvestigationsprocedure.

AllAuthorisedOfficerswhoseizedogsfoundatlargeornotsecuredtoowner’spremisesmustuploadaphotographandparticularsaboutthedogandwhereitwasfoundonCouncilsLostandFoundAnimalsFacebookpage.

ThedogisthenenteredintoaLost/FoundRegisterwhichismaintainedbyCouncil’spoundcontractor.ThisRegisterisutilisedfortheimmediatenotificationofownersoflostandfoundanimals.WhenanidentifieddoghasbeenseizedbyanAuthorisedOfficer,anoticeofseizureissenttothelastknownaddressoftheownerofthatanimalwithin4daysafterthedogorcatisseized.Councilcurrentlyhasacontractwithapoundfacilitywhereownersofimpoundeddogsand/orcatsarenotifiedandareabletocollecttheanimalatthePoundfacility.

5. Dogattacks

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Our current education/promotion activities• Reviewandincreasedesignatedoff-leashdogexerciseareaswherepublicspacebecomesavailable;

• PromoteResponsiblePetOwnershiptonewandexistingdogownerstopromotedogtrainingandsocialisation;

• Promotethevariousresourcesavailabletoensurethecorrectchoiceofapetsuchas‘SelectaPet’websiteprogramtoassistprospectivedogownerstochooseanappropriatecat/dogtomeettheirlifestyleandcircumstances.Thiswillhelpreducenuisancescreatedanddogattacks;

• Promotionoftheneedfordogstobeundereffectivecontrol,atalltimes,includingtheneedtoensuredogscanbeeffectivelycontainedand/orfencedontheirownpropertytoensuretheycannotescape;

• Raiseawarenessofriskofdogattacksinthehome,inthestreetandinparksandhowtoreducetheserisksthrough:

- distributionofbrochures,factsheetsandothermaterialdevelopedbytheBureauofAnimalWelfareand/orCouncil,regardingdogattacks

- activelypromotingtheBureauofAnimalWelfareResponsiblePetOwnership(RPO)SchoolsPrograms(pets.dpi.vic.gov.au)whichaddresslivingwithdogsandminimisingriskofdogattacks,andthe‘WeAreFamily’‘frompregnancytopre-school’Program(www.dpi.vic.gov.au/pets/environment-and-community/we-are-family).AssistinpromotingtheadvantagesoftheseprogramsvialetterfromCEO/Mayortohospitals,principals,liaisonwithmaternalhealthofficer,etc.ProvideinformationonRPOprogram,visitsandwebsite,viaCouncilwebsiteandothermaterialsdistributedbyCouncil

-distributeinformationthroughourCouncilpublication“KingstonYourCity”deliveredtoeveryresidentialpropertywithinKingston

-producepressreleasesforinclusioninlocalpapers

-providinginformationtovets,petshops,breeders,shelters,etc,todisplayand/orhandout

-Council’ssocialmedia(Facebook,Twitter)

• Officerpromotetheimportanceofappropriatebreedselection(Select-a-pet);

• Promotedesexingofdogstoreduceaggressivetendenciesandwanderingatlarge;

• Promoteearlysocialisationofdogstootheranimalsandhumans;

• Promoteregularexerciseofdogs;

• Promoteenvironmentalenrichmentfordogsathome;

• UseCouncil’ssocialmedia(Facebook,Twitter);

• Promotetheneedforsupervisionofchildren,whendogsarepresent;

• PromoteCouncil’savailableservicesrelatingtodogattackinvestigationsincludingtheafter-hoursserviceandcontactdetails;and

• Educatethepubliconmanagingsituationswhenconfrontedwithaggressivedogs

Our current compliance activities• UtilisedogattackinvestigationproceduresandKingstonEnforcementProtocols;

• Respondto/attenddogattackreportsimmediatelyasthetoppriorityforanimalmanagementofficers;

• Provideanafter-hoursservicetorespondtoreporteddogattacks;

• Recordalldogattackdetailsonanelectroniccustomerrequestsystemforofficerinvestigation;

• Identifynumbersofdogattacksinthecommunityonamonthlybasis,includinginformationrelatingtotheattacks:date,time,location,breedofdog,personattacked,animalattacked,categoryofinjuriessustained,anyinformationaboutowner/personincharge;

• UtiliseaReviewPanelconsistingofseniorofficerstoreviewalldogattackinvestigationstoensureappropriatedecisions

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aremadeinaccordancewithstatutoryrequirements;

• LocalLawsOperationsCoordinatorsupervisesalldogattackinvestigationsandreferscasebriefstoreviewpanelforconsideration(prosecution,proposeddeclaration,seizure,destructionetc);

• Conductregularpatrolsatlocationswherethereisahighincidenceofattacks.Conductpatrolsduringperiodsofthedaywhenthereisahighincidenceofattacks;

• Conductregularpatrolstomakesuredogsareconfinedtopremises;

• EnsureallreporteddogattacksarerecordedandinvestigatedtomeetallpointsofproofprovidedintheAct.SeizedogsandprosecuteownersinaccordwithCouncil’senforcementstrategy;

• Enforceon-leashrequirements–ifnotinanoff-leasharea,dogsmustbeonleash;

• Beproactiveindeclaringdogsdangerousormenacing(usingtheprovisionsofSectionsand34and41Arespectively);

• Continuetoenforcedogattackpreventionstrategy–modelonBureauofAnimalWelfareDogAttackPreventionkit;

• Maintaindatabasewithdetailsofeachanimalreported/foundtohaveattackedpeople,pets,wildlifeandlivestock;

• Ensureunclaimeddogsatthepoundaretemperamenttestedtodeterminewhethertheyaresuitableforre-homing;

• TakeDNAsamplesfromalldogsthathaveattackedhumansoranimals–trainingisavailablethroughthegeneticslaboratories;

• Seizedogsinvolvedinseriousdogattacks;and

• Activelyprosecuteownersofdogsinvolvedinseriousdogattacks

SummaryCouncilpresentsasignificantnumberofeducationprogramsthroughoutthemunicipalityaimedatimprovingcommunitysafety,promotingresponsiblepetownershipandthereductionofdogattacks.Thisissupportedbyourcommunityalthoughpublicconsultationindicatesthereisalackofknowledgeinourcommunityoftheseprograms.

ItisrecognisedthatunfortunatelydogattackscontinuetohappenandCouncilneedstoundertakefurtherresearchofourdatatounderstandwheretheseattacksaremorelikelytooccurandidentifysomecorrectiveprograms.

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Our plans• Tocontinuetoinvestigatetheincidentsofdogattackstominimiseandmanagetheriskorthreatofdogattacksand

harassmentfromdogs.

• Encouragethereportingofallincidencesofdogattacks

• Raisepublicawarenessofdogattacksandhowtopreventthemfromoccurring

• UndertakefurtherresearchtoimproveourunderstandingofdogattacksinKingstonandsubsequentlydevelopimprovedenforcementeducationprograms.

Objective 1: EncouragereportingofdogattacksinthecommunitytoassistCounciltoaddressattackingdogs,educateownersandimprovecommunitysafety


Encouragepublicreportingdogattacks-usemediaarticles,publicnoticesinparksetc,A-framebillboards,websiteupdates,toraiseawarenessonhowtoreportdogattackswhetheronpublicorprivateproperty–ifbittenorwitnessanattackonapersonoranimal.

Ongoing Evaluatethisactivity(andoverallobjective)bycomparingnumberofdogattacksreportedtocouncil

Undertakeacommunitysurveytomeasureawarenessofdogattacksandhowtoreportthem

PromotetheState‘DangerousDogsHotline’1300101080

Ongoing • InformationonCouncilwebsite

• InformationonCouncilsocialmedia

• ArticleinKYC

Ininstancesdeemedappropriate,letterdropfollowingdogattackstoresidentsinareaofattack

Ongoing ProcedureauditedbyOperationsCoordinator–Officerdeliveringletters

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Objective 2: Investigatealldogattacksanddogrushincidentsinthecommunity


Reviewofdatasystemstoensuretheaccuraterecordingofappropriatestatisticsinrelationtodogattackandharassmentincidentstoenabletailorededucationandenforcementactivities.

Ongoing Accurateinformationrecordedandtailorededucation/enforcementactivitiesundertaken

PromotedogtrainingthroughCouncil’swebsiteandinnewownerpacks

Annually Procedurereviewedandreflectscurrentlegislation

ContinuetodeliveravarietyofeducationprogramspromotingRPO,safetyarounddogsandpreventionofdogattacksincluding:

• PetExpos

• UseofState‘VictorandVictoria’presentationsatpetexpoorchildren’sdayfestivals

Ongoing Numberofeducationprogramsdelivered

Provideresidentswithinformationonimplicationsfortheirdogandthemselvesiftheirdogattacksapersonoranimal

Ongoing Informationproducedandonwebsite,incorporatedintooperationprocedures

EnsureanyMagistratesOrderstoconfinedogsarebeingadheredtobyunannouncedinspections

Ongoing Numberofaudits/inspectionsundertaken

Issueinfringementsfordogrushoffencesthathavebeenproventhroughaninvestigationbutprosecutionsnotproceeding(consideredintermediatelevelofeducation)

Ongoing Numberofinfringementsissued

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DAASection68A(2)(c)(vii)Outlineprograms,servicesandstrategiestoeffectivelyidentifyalldangerousdogs,menacingdogsandrestrictedbreeddogsinthatdistrictandtoensurethatthosedogsarekeptincompliancewiththisActandtheregulations-alsoaddresses68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)

CURRENT SITUATION

Our current data

Thefollowingstatisticsarebasedonthe2014/15financialyear.NumberofdeclaredDangerousdogsregistered-14

• NumberofdeclaredMenacingDogsregistered-6

• NumberofRestrictedBreedDogsregistered-2

• Numberofcomplianceinspectionsconducted(DangerousandRestricted)-18

• NumberofseizedRestrictedBreedDogs(declaredandsuspected)-0

OurcommunityexpectsthatCouncilwillensureallreported,suspectedRestrictedBreedDogsareinspectedandreportsinvestigated.ResidentshaveahighexpectationthatCouncilwillutiliseallavailablelegislationtocontrolrestrictedbreedsandmanagedangerousdogswithinourmunicipality.

Our Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and ProceduresCouncil’sanimalregistrationformrequiresallownersofdogstosignadeclarationstatingthatthedog’sbreedhasbeencorrectlyidentifiedandifitisorisnotarestrictedbreeddog.Registrationcanberefusedifthisdeclarationisnotsigned.

AllproposalstodeclaredogstobemenacingordangerousareconsideredthroughtheReviewPanelconsistingofseniorCouncilofficers.

CouncilfollowsthestepsinDPI’sflowchartRestrictedBreedDeclaration:ProcessinconjunctionwithKingston’sRestrictedBreedDogIdentificationandDeclarationProcessform.Thisformsincludestheapprovedbreedstandardforanydogthatfallswithinthestandardofpitbullterrier.

Council’sExcessAnimalsPermitdoesnotallowformorethanoneDeclaredDangerousdogorRestrictedbreedtobekeptataproperty.

AnominatedAdministrationOfficerentersdetailsofalldeclareddogsontheVictorianDeclaredDogRegistry.ThisofficeralsoupdatestheVictorianDangerousDogRegister(VDDR)withdetailsofdeclareddogsdestroyed.

TheVDDRisauditedannuallytoensurethedetailsofalldeclareddogsinKingstonareuptodate.

PriortoallseizuresofdangerousandrestrictedbreeddogsaSafeWorkMethodStatement(SWMS)iscreatedtoensurethatallstaffclearlyunderstandtheassociatedrisksinvolvedwiththetask.AllstaffinvolvedwiththeseizurearerequiredtoreadtheSWMSandsignthedocumenttoindicatethattheyunderstandtheirroleintheseizure.

Allnoticestocomply,infringementnoticesandfilingofchargesforprosecutionregardingdangerous,menacingandrestrictedbreeddogsisundertakeninaccordancewiththeKingstonEnforcementProtocolsPolicy.

OperationalproceduresincludingOHSStandardOperatingProcedures(SOPs)areavailabletoguideOfficersintheperformanceoftheirduties.ThesearelistedonCouncil’sfilestoragesystem.

AuthorisedOfficerswillattendVCAThearingstohearappealsofdeclareddogownerswhenrequired.

Our current education/promotion activitiesProvideresidentswithinformationon:

• thetypesofdeclareddogsandhowtheyaretobeidentifiedandkeptincompliancewiththeActandRegulations,includingprescribedcollars,signageatpremises,housingrequirements,muzzling,etc.;and

• howtoreportmenacingdogs,suspectedrestrictedbreeddogs(seeRegistrationandIdentificationEducation/PromotionActivitiessectionformethodsofprovidinginformationtoresidents–Councilwebsite,mail-outs,mediaarticles,signageatparks,etc.)

5. Dangerous,menacing&restrictedbreeddogs

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• Provideextensiveeducationalinformationondangerousandmenacingdogs/restrictedbreedsonCouncilwebsite;

• EnsureallownersofdeclareddogsareawareoftheirobligationsundertheActregardingidentificationandkeepingthesedogsbyprovidingthemwithrelevantsectionsoftheAct,brochures,factsheets/developinformationkit;

• ProvideallownersofregisteredDeclareddogwithinformationonrequirementsandupdatesonanylegislativechanges,toimprovecompliance;and

• Promotethe‘DangerousDogsHotline’1300101080

Our current compliance activities• EnsurethatCouncilhaseffectivedeclarationprocedurestoavoiddeclarationsbeingoverturnedatVCAT(establish

partnershipswithotherCouncilsthathavesuccessatVCATforideasandassistance).EnsureCouncilhasspecificdeclarationproceduresforeachoftypeofdeclaration:

-dangerousdogs

-menacingdogs

- restrictedbreeddogs;

• EnsurealldeclareddogsareaccuratelyregisteredontheVictorianDeclaredDogRegistryandthatdetailsregardingchangeofowner/changeofaddress/deathofdogareupdatedassoonaspossible.Linkiswww.ddvic.registry-service.com;

• EnsuredeclareddogregistrationinformationontheVictorianDeclaredDogRegistryandCouncil’sregistrationdatabasematches;

• ConductunannouncedauditinspectionsofdeclaredDangerousandRestrictedBreeddogsannuallytoensuretheyareidentifiedandbeingkeptincompliancewiththeActandRegulations;

• Follow-upnon-complianceissuesfoundduringauditsandensurecompliancewithrequirements;

• Respondtocomplaintsregardingmenacingdogs/dangerousdogs;

• EstablishCouncilpoliciesandproceduresfornon-compliance–noticestocomply,infringements,prosecutions;

• Patrolindustrialandcommercialareas/non-residentialpremisestocheckdogsguardingpremiseshavebeendeclaredasDangerousDogsandareidentifiedasrequired(collarofthekindprescribed),andarebeingkeptincompliancewiththeActandRegulations;

• Ensurealldeclareddogsareimplantedwithamicrochipbyscanning;

• ExamineregistrationsonCouncildatabasetoidentifyandfollow-uponsuspected(non-declared)restrictedbreeddogs;

• Reviewalldogattackcasestodetermineifitisappropriatetodeclareadogdangerousandcommencethestatutorydeclarationprocedure;

• Maintainaregisterofalldeclareddangerous/menacingdogsandrestrictedbreeddogsregisteredandhousedin

• Kingstontoensureofficersareawareoftheselocations

• Seizeunregistered,suspectedrestrictedbreeddogs;and

• Activelyprosecuteownersofrestrictedbreedanddeclareddogsinvolvedinseriousdogattacks

SummaryTheCityofKingstonrarelyreceivesreportsofsuspectedundeclaredrestrictedbreeddogsanditisnotoftenthatourofficersdetectanywithintheKingstonmunicipality.CouncilbelievesthereisahighlevelofcomplianceregardingtheownershipandmanagementofdeclareddogswithinKingston.

Notwithstandingthis,currenteducationandcomplianceactivitiesneedtobecontinuedtoensurecontinuedcommunitysafety.

Our plans

30


ContinueourcurrenteducationandcomplianceactivitiesandpromoteresponsiblepetownershipaimedatreducingovertimethenumberofdeclareddangerousdogswithinKingston.

Objective 1:IdentifyandregisterallDeclaredDogsinthemunicipality


Undertakeregularpatrolstoinspectallindustrial/commercialpropertiesinthemunicipalityfordogshousedorkeptforguardingpurposes

On-going • Numberofpatrols

• Numberofdetectedanimalsinvestigated

Educatethecommunityaboutwhatisadeclareddog

Ongoing Informationavailableonwebsiteandmediaarticlesdistributed

Objective 2: Inspectandauditalldeclareddogpremisesannuallytoensuretheyarefollowingthekeepingrequirements.


Undertakeannualprogramofauditsofallpropertiesthathousedeclareddangerousdogsandrestrictedbreedsusinginspectiontemplatestoensureallrequirementsareinplace

June/July • DocumentedevidenceofinspectionsandNoticesissued

• Fullcompliancewithallthelegislativerequirements

Undertakeunannouncedauditsofallpropertiesthathousedeclareddangerousdogsandrestrictedbreedsusinginspectiontemplatestoensureallrequirementsareinplace

Annually • DocumentedevidenceofinspectionsandNoticesissued

• Fullcompliancewithallthelegislativerequirements

Directmailtodeclareddogowners–factsheeteveryyear/regularnewsletterre.housing/requirements

Annually-March

Numberoffactsheetssentouttoownerseachyear

Objective 3: IdentifyallsuspectedunregisteredRestrictedBreedDogsandenforcetheprovisionsoftheDAA


EducatethecommunityaboutwhatisaRestrictedBreeddog

Ongoing Informationavailableonwebsiteandmediaarticlesdistributed

EncouragethereportingofsuspectedRestrictedBreeddogsbeinghousedinKingstonandpromotereportingoptionsavailablethroughourwebsiteandeducationalmaterial

Ongoing Numberofregisteredreportsandinvestigations

31


DAASection68A(2)(c)(iv)Outlineprograms,servicesandstrategiestoaddressanyover-populationandhigheuthanasiaratesfordogsandcats-alsoaddresses68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(c)(ii),(d),(f)

CURRENT SITUATION

Our current data

Compulsorydesexingofcatsanddogs(withexemptions)haspreviouslybeenconsideredbyCouncilandOrderadopted.ThereishighcompliancewiththeOrderandthenumberofentireanimalsregisteredwithKingston(excludingDABregisteredanimals)isdecreasing.

OurcommunityhasprovidedcommentthattheywouldencourageCounciltoimprovethenumberofadoptionstonewownersofunclaimedanimals.

55%ofresidentssurveyedsupportCouncil’sOrderonthecompulsorydesexingofcatsanddogs

Severalresidentsandveterinarianshaveraisedconcernsregardingcompulsorydesexingspecificallytheearlyagede-sexing.

TheissueofemployingadedicatedcatManagementOfficerhasbeenconsideredandnotpursued.AdditionalcatmanagementtraininghasbeenprovidedtoallAMOstoensuretheyarecompetentinthisarea.Specialistknowledgeisheldwithintheteam.

Our Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies And ProceduresKingstonEnforcementProtocols-Educationandenforcementstrategyassociatedwithissuingnoticestocomply,infringementnoticesandfilingchargesforprosecutionregardingmanagementofdogsandcats.


CouncilintroducedthefollowingOrderunderDomesticAnimalsAct1994:

Asof1January2009allcatsanddogsbeingregisteredforthe1sttime(newregistrations)mustbede-sexedfromtheageofthreemonths.ExemptionsincludeanydogorcatregisteredwiththeCityofKingstonbefore1stJanuary2009andanimalsexemptundertheDomesticAnimalsAct1994.

ThisOrderisdetailedinfullinthisplanunderthesectiontitledRegistrationandIdentification.

LocalLaws




Our current education/promotion activities:• Promotethebenefitsofdesexing–nosurpriselitters,fewerunwantedanimalsinthecommunity,feweranimals

euthanased,reducedaggression,reducedwandering;

- ActivelypromoteAVA/MAVsubsidiseddesexingvouchersforeligibleresidents;

- Raiseawarenessaboutthecontributionofthesemi-ownedcatpopulationbyparticipatinginthe‘Who’sforCats?’campaign(‘Areyoufeedingabiggerproblem?’)whichaimstoraiseawarenessinthecommunityaboutthecatoverpopulationproblemandtheconsequencesoffeedingunownedcats.Councilcanimplementarangeofresourcesandactions.Theseinclude:

• ‘Areyoufeedingabiggerproblem?’(‘Who’sforCats?’campaignfactsheet)-distributionthroughoutthemunicipality,placementonwebsite

6. Overpopulationandhigheuthanasia

32


• radioad-usedforcouncilonholdphonemessages,andalsoairingonlocalcommunityradiostations(notetranslatedversionsarealsoavailableinArabic,Cantonese,Greek,Italian,MandarinandVietnamese)

• mediareleaseforpublicationinlocalnewspapers

• printadvertisementsforpublicationinlocalnewspapers

• TheWho’sforcats?Websiteiswww.whosforcats.com.au

• Distributedesexing,overpopulationandhigheuthanasiaratebrochures,fact-sheetsandothermaterialdevelopedbytheBureauofAnimalWelfare(BAW)and/orCouncilbyprovidingtovets,petshops,breeders,shelters,etc,todisplayand/orhandout;

• Continueregistrationandmicro-chippingprogramstoensurepetcatsanddogscanbereturnedtotheirowners(see‘RegistrationandIdentification’sectionforactivities),tohelpreduceeuthanasiarates;

• Promoteappropriatepetselectiontoavoidanimalsbeingsurrenderedordumped;

• Promoteconfinementofanimaltoowner’spremisestopreventstrayingandpossibleeuthanasia,ifnotregistered(see‘Nuisance’Sectionforactivitiesrelatedtoconfinement);

• Distributefact-sheetsregardingchangestothedefinitionofdomesticanimalbusinesses–i.e.3ormorefertilefemalecats,or3ormorefertilefemaledogs,‘forprofit’hasbeenremovedfromAct,etc.BureauofAnimalWelfarehasfact-sheetstodistributeand/orputonyourwebsite.Obedienceclubs/kennelclubsmaybeonewaytodistributethisinformation;

• ProvideinformationforpetownersonhowtofindlostorstraypetsonCouncil’swebsite,andothermaterialdistributedbyCouncil;

• Promotethebenefitsofearlyagedesexing;

• Involvebreedclubstoassistinthere-homingofbreedsofcatsanddogs;

• EnsurethatCouncil’sanimalpoundcontractorhasinplaceadogandcatre-homing/adoptionprogramtoassistinthereductionofeuthanasiarates;

• Promoteotherbenefitsofadoptinganimalfrompoundorshelter–e.g.usuallycheaperthanbuyingfromapetshop,breederoron-line(especiallywhentakingmicro-chipping,registrationanddesexingcostsintoaccount);and

• EncouragepeopletosurrenderunwantedpetstoCounciloranimalwelfaresheltersratherthanabandoningthem

Our current compliance activities• Investigatereportsofanimalhoarding–workwithownertoreducenumbershousedandfacilitatethedesexingofthe

remainingpermittednumberofanimals;

• Investigatereportsofunauthorised‘backyardbreeders’toascertainwhethertheyshouldberegisteredasadomesticanimalbusiness;

• Providecatcagesatnochargetolocalresidentsfortrappingnuisancecatstrespassingontheirproperty;

• Analyseanimalimpoundstatisticsandotherinformationtodeterminewhethermunicipalityhasanoverpopulationofcatsand/ordogsby:

-numbersofcatsanddogssurrenderedtoCouncil

-numbersofunidentifiedcatsanddogsimpoundedbyCouncilandnumberentire

-numberofexcessanimalcatanddogpermitsbyCouncilandtotalnumberofcatsanddogsperexcessanimalpermitissuedbyCouncil-ifanimalsarenotde-sexedOfficerwillinvestigatetheneedtohaveownerregisteredasadomesticanimalbusinessotherwiseallanimalsmustbede-sexed

-numbersofcatanddoghoardingcasesandnumberofanimalshoused,numbersofownedandun-owneddogsseizedwithinthemunicipality

-numbersofdogsrecoveredbyowners,rehousedand/oreuthanisedbyServiceProviderinaccordwiththeCodeofPracticefortheManagementofDogsandCatsinSheltersandPounds

33


-numbersofowned,semi-owned,un-ownedandwildcatsimpoundedwithinthemunicipality

-numbersofownedandsemi-ownedcatsrecoveredbyowners;

• ReviewserviceagreementwithPoundServicesproviderforimpoundedanimalstoestablishiftheycanprovidemore84Yagreementsormorefostercaretoincreaseoptionsforadoptions;

• Conductpatrolstoimpoundwanderingdogsandtrapwildandstraycatstoreducebreedingopportunities;

• Introducedcatnightcurfewtoreduceincidenceofbreeding,todecreasethenumberofunwantedcatlittersinthecommunity;and

• thepoundservicesproviderhasaformalprogramofassessmentforeuthanasiaorsuitabilityforre-homingofdogsandcats

SummaryKingstoncontinuestoactivelypromotedesexingandremoveunwanted/un-ownedanimalsfromthecommunity.Ourcurrentprogramsaimtoreducethenumberofanimalsbredthensubsequentlyeuthanizedwherehomesarenotavailable.AlthoughCouncilhasthesupportofthecommunityforourcompulsorydesexingOrder,theOrderwillbereviewedwithrespectoftheagethatanimalsaretobede-sexed.Thereisanopportunitytocontinuetoidentifyun-ownedcatcolonies,identifyfeedersandworktopromoteformaladoptionanddesexingorremovaltoreduceunwantedreproduction.

Our plans• Continuetopromoteresponsiblepetselection,ownership,de-sexingandresponsiblebreedingthroughourcurrent

educationandcomplianceactivities

• Identifyanimalhoarderstoworkcollaborativelywiththemtoreducethenumberhousedandreduceunwantednumbersbeingbred

• Promote“Who’sforCat’s”andreducethenumberofun-ownedcatsinthecommunity

• Promoteunclaimedshelteranimalsforadoption

Objective 1: ContinuetoreducethepercentageofregistereddogsandcatsthatarecurrentlyentireandnotpartofaDomesticAnimalBreedingBusinesseachyear.


ContinuetosupportandprovideAVA/MAVsubsidisedde-sexingforpetsoflowincomeearners

Ongoing • Numberofanimalsde-sexedaspartofthescheme

• Costtorunscheme

• Anychangesinthelongertermreproportionofimpoundedpetsthatarede-sexed

34


Objective 2: Raiseawarenessaboutsemi-ownedcatpopulationtominimisethenumberofwildcatsinKingston


Implement‘Who’sforcats?’educationcampaigninlocalarea.Utilisethefollowingresources(availablefromBAW):

• ‘Areyoufeedingabiggerproblem?’(Who’sforCats?campaignfactsheet)-distributionthroughoutthemunicipality,placementonwebsite

• Radioadtobeusedforcouncilonholdphonemessages,andalsoairingonlocalcommunityradiostations

• Templatemediareleaseforpublicationinlocalnewspapers

• Printads-forpublicationinlocalnewspapers

• TVcommercialfiletobeusedonwebsite

• Promotionstoencouragepeopletotakefullownershipofcats-freeproducts

Ongoing • Measurenumberandtypeofeducationmaterialsdistributed

• Recordnumberofsemiownedcatshandedintopound

• Communitysurveytomeasureknowledgeaboutsemiownedcatproblembeforeandaftercampaign

• Numberofmediastoriespublished

• Measureuptakeonanypromotionstoencouragepeopletotakeownershipofcats

IdentifyanycatcoloniesinKingston, Ongoing Numberofcatstrappedinpublicplaces

Objective 3: IdentifyillegallyoperatingDomesticAnimalBreedingestablishmentsinthemunicipality,ensuringstatutorycomplianceortakeenforcementactiontocloseestablishment


UndertakeeducationcampaigntopromoteawarenessaboutdefinitionofbreedingDABsandCOPrequirementsforbusinesses:Advertisementsinlocalclassifieds

Websiteinformation

Followuppeopleadvertisingpetsforsale(eginlocalpapersoronlocalnoticeboards),todetermineiftheyareaDABandareregisteredwithcouncil

Ongoing Comparenumberofcouncilregisteredbreedingestablishmentsannually

AuditeveryDABeachyearpriortore-registrationperiodforcompliance.Enforcecompliancewithminimumrequirements

Annually-Feb/March

Numberofauditsconducted,anddocumentedsummaryofoutcomes(includinganyDABsclosedduetonon-compliance)

Objective 4: Promoteawarenessofreclaimedandre-homingratesofimpoundeddogsandcats


PostimagesandinformationofimpoundedanimalviaKingstonLostandFoundAnimalsFacebookpage

Ongoing Monitorthenumberofanimalsclaimedandadoptedfrompoundservicesprovider

PromoteOnlineadoptionprogramofdogsandcatsinanimalshelters–providelinksonCouncilwebsitetoshelterstopromoteadoptionofunclaimedanimalstoprospectivenewowners

Ongoing Linksonwebsite

35


68A(2)(c)(ii)Outlineprograms,servicesandstrategieswhichtheCouncilintendstopursueinitsmunicipaldistricttoensurethatpeoplecomplywiththisAct,theregulationsandanyrelatedlegislation

• alsoaddresses68A(2)(a),(c)(i),(d),(f)


• 21Registereddomesticanimalbusinesses

• 10petshops

• 7boardingestablishments

• 4DogTrainingestablishment

Our Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies And Procedures • LocalLaw48KeepingofAnimals



Council policies and proceduresKingstonEnforcementProtocols-Educationandenforcementstrategyassociatedwithissuingnoticestocomply,infringementnoticesandfilingchargesforprosecutionregardingmanagementofdogsandcats.


AuthorisedOfficerswillattendVCAThearingstohearappealsofproprietorsofdomesticanimalbusinesseswhenrequired.Allnoticestocomply,infringementnoticesandfilingofchargesforprosecutionregardingproprietorsofdomesticanimalbusinessesisundertakeninaccordancewiththeKingstonEnforcementProtocolsPolicy.

Our current education/promotion activities• ProviderelevantmandatoryCodeofPracticetoproprietors/staffofexistingandproposeddomesticanimalbusinesses;

• EnsureallrelevantdomesticanimalbusinessesareadvisedandinvolvedinanyreviewofthemandatoryCodeofPracticefortheirtypeofbusiness;and

• InviteDABstobeinvolvedinCouncil’sanimalrelatedcommunityevents

Our current compliance activities• Registerandauditallidentifieddomesticanimalbusinesseswithinthemunicipality:

-Breedingandrearingestablishments

-Petshops

-SheltersandPounds

-Boardingestablishments

-Dogtrainingestablishments;

7. Domesticanimalbusinesses

36


• Conductannualunannouncedinspections/auditsofeachdomesticanimalbusinesspremisesinKingstontoensurethattheconditionsofregistrationareincompliancewiththeDAA,andthatallrelevantmandatoryCodesofPracticearebeingfollowed;

• Annualre-registrationauditsconductedpriortothe10Aprilannuallytoallowanynoncompliancetobeaddressed;

• Ensurethatanynon-compliancewithpermitconditionsisrectifiedusingnoticestocomply,informationsheetsetc;

• Incasesofseriousnon-compliance,permitsmaybesuspendedorcancelled;

• NoncomplyingDABswillnotreceivere-registrationuntillegislativerequirementsaremet;

• ProceduresinplacefordomesticanimalbusinessestonotifyCouncilofanyanimalssoldorgivenaway,asrequiredunderS13oftheAct;

• Investigateallreportedcomplaintsaboutdomesticanimalbusinesseswithinoperationalresponsetimeframes;

• Reviewweeklyplanningapplicationsreporttoidentifyproposeddomesticanimalbusinessestoensureappropriateconditionsareplacedonconstruction,operationandDABapplicationreceived;

• InspectallproposedidentifiedDABstoeducateproprietortoassistwithlegislationrequirementstomeettheregistrationrequirements;

• Provideeducationalinformationtopeoplemakingqueriesaboutsettingupadomesticanimalbusiness,toletthemknowofalltherequirementsinvolved,beforetheystartmakingtoomanyplans;

• DABregistrationfeesaresettoreflectthecostofannualauditsandinspections;and

• Investigatereportsofunauthorised‘backyardbreeders’toascertainwhethertheyshouldberegisteredasadomesticanimalbusiness

SummaryAllDomesticAnimalBusinessesareauditedannuallytoensurecompliance.OfficerscheckallnewplanningapplicationstoensurethatallnewDABsarefollowedupandobtainrelevantpermits,codesofpracticeandawareoftheirresponsibilitiesunderthelegislation.

37


Our plansObjective 1:IdentifyandregisterallDomesticAnimalBusinessesinthemunicipality


IdentifyallbusinessesthatshouldberegisteredDABsinthemunicipality,usingyellowpages,localnewspapers(orsimilar,includingonlinesites)identifybusinessessellingpets/petproducts/servicesinthemunicipality.Followuptodeterminewhethertheyareandshouldberegisteredwithcouncil.

Ongoing ComparenumberofregisteredDABsbeforeandafteractivity

DistributeBureauofAnimalWelfarefactsheetsregardingchangestothedefinitionofdomesticanimalbusinesses

Ongoing NumberofBureauofAnimalWelfarefactsheetsprovidedtoregisteredDABs

BureauofAnimalWelfarefactsheetsplacedonCouncil’swebsite.

November2013–

ongoing

NumberofBureauofAnimalWelfarefactsheetsprovidedtoregisteredDABs

BureauofAnimalWelfarefactsheetsplacedonCouncil’swebsite.

Objective 2: Annuallyinspectandauditallregistereddomesticanimalbusinesses.


ChecklocalnewspaperstoensuredomesticanimalbusinessregistrationnumbersandnameofCouncilthatissuedthatnumberareincludedincatanddog‘forsale’notices

Ongoing Non-compliancedetectedandinvestigated

Objective 3:Ensure100%compliancewithregistrationandmandatorycodesofpracticeforalldomesticannualbusinesseseachyear


InvestigateandactuponpubliccomplaintsaboutDABs

Ongoing Numberofcomplaintsreceived

Allcomplaintsinvestigated,requirednoticesissuedand

DABcompliant

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OTHER MATTERS

68A(2)(e)ProvideforthereviewofanyothermattersrelatedtothemanagementofdogsandcatsintheCouncil’smunicipaldistrictthatitthinksnecessary


VisibilityofourOfficersisclearlyanissueforfurtherconsiderationinthisplan.

• 57%ofresidentssurveyedareverysatisfied/satisfiedwithCouncil’sanimalmanagementservice;

KingstonAMOsareallauthorisedunderthePreventionofCrueltytoAnimalsAct1986andactivelyinvestigateallreportedanimalcrueltymatters.AssistanceisalsoprovidedtotheRSPCAintheirinvestigationsofallegedcruelty.

Animalsinemergencies–heatwave,other–AMOsprovideassistancetoourcommunityduringemergenciesandperiodsofcommunityneed.ProvideAMOassistancetoStatewhenrequiredduringemergenciessuchasbushfirerecovery.

CommunityConsultation–liaisewithkeystakeholdersregardinganimalmanagementissuesincludingaccesstoopenspaces,controlofdomesticanimals,canvassingonproposedCouncilOrders.

In-houseProsecutionsTeamdedicatedtoensuringstatutoryobligationsmet,qualityinvestigationbriefsandcasesmanagedefficientlyandactivelyprosecutedintherelevantcourts.

Our current council policies and proceduresKingstonEnforcementProtocols-Educationandenforcementstrategyassociatedwithissuingnoticestocomply,infringementnoticesandfilingchargesforprosecutionregardingmanagementofdogsandcats.


KingstonHeatwavePolicy–AnimalsinHeatWaves

KingstonEmergencyManagementPlan

Our current education/promotion activities• PromoteRPOandanimalwelfare;

• CouncilinclusionofpetsandanimalsfromdomesticanimalbusinessesintheMunicipalEmergencyManagementPlan;

• Provideadvice/brochures/mediareleasesonwhattoconsiderforpetsinanemergency–includetheirneedsaspartofyouremergencyplanning,e.g.food,water,bowls,bedding,cage,medication,registrationandmicrochippingtohelpreunitepetswiththeirownersafteremergencies,externalidentification–e.g.collarwithregistrationtag;

• PlaceinformationonCouncil’swebsitetoadviseresidentsoffireworksapprovedinareatoreduceanimalfearandescape;

• LiaisewithlocalmediatoreportoutcomeofCouncilprosecutionofcrueltyoffences;

• Supportcommunityprogramstoeducatethefuturegenerationofdogownersandchildren,inresponsiblepetownership;and

• EducationalinformationisavailableonCouncil’swebsitepromotingresponsiblepetownershipandpreventionofcrueltytoanimals.

8. Othermatters

39


ForfurtherinformationaboutanimalsinemergenciesandtheVictorianEmergencyAnimalWelfarePlan,seedpi.vic.gov.au

Our current compliance activities• Adoptapro-activeapproachtourbananimalmanagementandimplementtheKingstonEnforcementProtocolsPolicy;

• Integrateabroadrangeofenvironmental,socialandeconomicconsiderationswhenmakingdecisionsabouturbananimalmanagement;

• Supportdifferentmanagementstrategiesincludingeducation,incentivesandenforcement;

• Involvecommunitygroupsinrelevantreviewprocessesregardinganimalmanagement;

• WorkcloselywithneighbouringCouncils,otherlevelsofgovernment,keystakeholdersandallsectorsofthelocalcommunityforurbananimalmanagement;

• Committomonitoring,reviewandcontinualimprovement;

• Collectdataandreportonactionsforurbananimalmanagement;

• Committoshort-termandlong-termactionsforthebenefitofgenerationsnowandinthefuture;

• Whennecessarytakeappropriatelegalactionbyprosecutingoffenderstoencouragecompliancewithinthecommunityforseriousoffencesandwhereothermeansofeducationhavenotachievedcompliance;

• AdministrationofBriefsofEvidencetoensurestatutorycomplianceandminimiseidentifiedrisks;

• EstablishedReviewPanelofSeniorOfficersreviewsallmajorcaseinvestigationstoformallydetermineappropriateeducationandenforcementaction;

• Developacontactlistregardinganimalemergencyplanning–Councilcontacts,shelters,animalwelfareorganisations,DPIandhavearrangementswiththosecontactsintheeventofemergencies;

• Annualinspectionofexcessanimalpermitproperties,particularlythosewithpermitforlargenumberofanimalstoensurewelfareneedsarebeingmet;

• AllanimalmanagementofficersareauthorisedunderthePreventionofCrueltytoAnimalsAct1986(POCTA);

• InvestigateallegedreportedanimalcrueltymattersandenforceprovisionsunderthePOCTA,RegulationsandCodesofPractice;and

• LiaiseandworkwithRSPCAandotherauthorisedPOCTAOfficersinimplementingandenforcingPOCTA,RegulationsandCodesofPractice

SummaryKingstontakesaholisticapproachtoanimalmanagementwhichisdemonstratedinthebreadthofservicesprovided.Councilregularlyconsultswiththecommunityonanimalmanagementissuestoclarifytheirexpectationsandidentifytrends.

NotonlydoesCouncilprovideallrequiredservicesintheeducationandenforcementoftheDomesticAnimalsAct1994wealsopromoteanimalwelfare(preventionofcruelty),provideextensiveeducationprogramsdeliveredbyourdedicatedEducationOfficerandoperateanin-houseprosecutionsteam.Council’saimistobuilduponourcurrentexpertiseandservicestoensurecontinuedimprovedstatutorycompliance,reducednuisancesandpromotethebenefitsofanimalownership.

40


Our plans• Continuededucationtothebroadercommunityonanimalwelfareandresponsiblepetownership

• Improvedinvestigationproceduresleadingtosuccessfulresolutionsand/orprosecutions

• Maintaincommunitysatisfactionandrespondtoexpectationsraisedbythecommunity

• Continuetoseekopportunitiestoincorporateanimalsinemergencyplanningandmanagement

Objective 1: Continuetoeducatethecommunityonresponsiblepetownershipandbenefitsofpetownership,aimedatcommunityharmonyandreducednuisances


ProvideweblinkstoPreventionofCrueltytoAnimalsAct1986(POCTA)information,codes(dogandcatprivatekeeping,etc),brochures,etc,viaCouncil’swebsite

Ongoing Linksavailableonwebsite

PromotetheroleofCouncilAnimalManagementOfficers(AuthorisedOfficers)throughwebsite,educationprogramsandmedia

Ongoing EducationprogramsmodifiedInformationonwebsiteArticlesonsocialmediaNumberofmediaarticles

ReviewthevisibilityofCouncilAMOstoresidentsbyconsideringpermanentvehiclemarkingsandhighvisibilityandrecognisableuniforms

November2018 AMOvehiclesclearlyidentifiedbylogosandclearlyidentifieduniform

Surveyresidents

Objective 2: ImproveproceduresforinvestigationsandprosecutionstoensureCouncilmeetsitsstatutoryobligationsandcommunityexpectations


Undertakeconsultationwithourkeystakeholderstocapturethecommunitiesneedsandexpectations

Ongoing Resultsanalysedandactionsidentifiedandconsideredandincorporatedintobusinessplans(i.e.CouncilReport)

Objective 3: Promoteemergencyplanningtoensurethewelfareofanimalsinemergencies


Undertakeconsultationwithourkeystakeholderstocapturethecommunitiesneedsandexpectations

Ongoing • ItemconsideredbyCouncilMunicipalEmergency

• ManagementPlanningCommittee

• Proposedactionsidentified

DiscussemergencyanimalwelfareplansandCouncilPolicyforevacuation/reliefcentreswithMERO

Ongoing ItemconsideredbyCouncilMunicipalEmergency

ReviewthevisibilityofCouncilAMOstoresidentsbyconsideringpermanentvehiclemarkingsandhighvisibilityandrecognisableuniforms

November2018 AMOvehiclesclearlyidentifiedbylogosandclearlyidentifieduniformSurveyresidents

41


DAASection68A(3)EveryCouncilmust:

a. reviewitsdomesticanimalmanagementplanannuallyand,ifappropriate,amendtheplan

b. providetheDepartmentofPrimaryIndustries’Secretarywithacopyoftheplanandanyamendmentstotheplan

c. publishanevaluationofitsimplementationoftheplaninitsannualreport.

Fromalocalperspectivethisplancallsforoutcomebasedperformancemeasurementtobeincorporatedroutinelyintoallactivitiessoinformationisreadilyavailableforfuturedecisionmaking.

Review cycle/date for this planTheDomesticAnimalManagementActionPlanadoptstheadaptivemanagementcycleofPlan>Do>Monitor>Evaluate.

AllactivitiescontainedintheDomesticAnimalManagementPlancontributetostrategiesandoutcomesinCouncil’sStrategicPlan.

ActionscontainedinthisPlancoverafiveyearperiod.MinorperiodicalreviewsoftheplanandactionswillbeundertakeninJune/Julyeachyearanddocumented.AcomprehensivereviewofthisPlanwillbeundertakenin2020.ThistimelinewillensureevaluationhasoccurredpriortoCouncil’sbusinessplanningsessionsandreportingtimeframes.

Foreachobjective,therearetwolevelsofevaluationthatwillbeconsidered:

1) EachactivitywillbeevaluatedtodetermineiftheKPIwasachieved

2) IftheKPIwasachievedwasitachievedbycarryingouttheplannedactivitiesorbyothermeans

Councilwillconsiderifactivitieswillbecontinuedormodifiedtoensureeffectiveanimalmanagementservicesandtheneedsofthecommunityarebeingmet.Discussionswillbeheldinternallyaspartoftheannualbusinessplanningprocess.

The evaluation template to be used can be found in Attachment 2.

9. Annualreviewofplanandannualreporting

plan

monitor

doevaluate

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Attachment 1 Officer Training Register

Training

Officer

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Advanced Diploma of Justice % % % % %

Local Government Regulatory Officer Training % % % %

Identify and Respond to Animal Behaviour (4 day course) % % % % %

Cert IV Animal Control & Regulation % %

Cert IV Government (Statutory Compliance) % % %

Cert IV Government (Investigations) %

Privacy information session % % % % % % %

Conflict Resolution % % % % % % % %

Statement Taking Course % %

Prosecutions Course % % %

Investigations & Case Management Course % % % % % %

Working With Children Check % % % % % % % % % %

Childrens Crossing Course % % % % % % % % % %

Investigation & Enforcement Workshop % % %

Time Management % %

Syringe Safety % %

Multi Cultural Awareness % % %

Occupational Violence % %

PEACE Training (Client Interaction and Defensive Tactics) % % % %

First Aid Level 2 % % % % % % % % % %

Small Animal First Aid % % % % % % % % % %

Working with Interpreters % %

Project Management % % %

OHS Manual Lifting/Handling % % % % % % %

Hazard Assessment % % % % % %

OHS 5 day training % % %

Defensive Driver training % % % % %

DNA Course %

Asbestos Awareness Training % % % % % % %

White Card (Work Safely in the Construction Industry) % % % % % % % %

Privacy - The Victorian Information Privacy Act % % % % % % %

Privacy - The Victorian Health Records Act % % % % % % %

Equal Employment Opportunity % % % % % % %

Bullying Prevention % % % % % % %

Ethics & Conduct % % % % % % %

Health & Safety in the Workplace % % % % % % %

Code of Conduct Compliance % % % % % % % % % %

Blankspotsindicatethatstaffmemberhasnotcompletedtraining.Eachperson’strainingneedscanbejudgedfromthisandcanbeaddressedoverthenextfouryears

43


Attachment 2 Example of Evaluation Template of objective

Activity (tasks used to reach objective) Responsible Person:

Evaluation/Activity to be completed


2017-2017


2017-2018


2018-2019

Arabic9679 9881

9679 9887

9679 9884 CroatianHrvatski9679 9886 VietnameseViệt-ngữ9679 9859 ItalianItaliano

9679 9885Ελληικα Greek

All other languages:

9679 9883 Cantonese粵語

9679 9882 Cambodian

Turkish Polish Spanish SomaliMandarin Sinhalese

1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham, VIC 3192 PO Box 1000, Mentone, VIC 3194

1300 653 356 03 9581 4500 [email protected]

kingston.vic.gov.au

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Domestic Animal Management Plan - City of Kingston · This plan is designed to improve the...

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