animal management plan

AnimalManagement Plan

Version 1.1 dated August 2012

District Council of YankalillaJanuary 2013

Table of Contents

Executive Summary - Animal Management Plan .......................................................... 3Dog and Cat Management Act....................................................................................... 4TheLaw and Guidelines ................................................................................................. 5Aims ................................................................................................................................ 6Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 6Strategies......................................................................................................................... 8Maximise the public’s understanding of Animal Management Officer’s and the

Council’s role in the community................................................................................ 9Protectnative fauna and flora from the impact of dogs and cats ................................... 9Introduce data collection............................................................................................... 10Enforce the provision of the Dog and Cat Management Act ..................................... 10Encourage Education of dog and cat owners ............................................................... 11Acknowledge the importance of dogs and cats in society ............................................ 11Provide Education material to residents and visitors to the Council area................ 12Facilitate dog and cat activity days for dog and cat owners ......................................... 13Maximise dog registrations ........................................................................................... 13Enforce identification of dogs ....................................................................................... 14Expenditure of registration fees .................................................................................... 15Ensure public safety and amenity in relation to dogs and cats .................................... 15Encourage reporting all dog attacks and harassments to Council............................ 16Reducethe detrimental impacts of dogs and cats......................................................... 19Dog attacks/harassment ............................................................................................... 19Provide for the welfare and safety of dogs and cats ...................................................... 21Minimise dogs wandering at large ................................................................................22Provide suitable on and off leash activity areas.............................................................24Animals on beaches and foreshore areas.......................................................................26Limit the number of dogs per dwelling.........................................................................29Limit the number of cats per dwelling ..........................................................................29Nuisance caused by cats ...............................................................................................30Key Performance Indicators .......................................................................................... 31

of 32District Council of Yankalilla Animal Management Plan Version 1.1 dated January 2013

Executive Summary - Animal Management Plan

The District Council of Yankalilla is situated approximately 75 km’s from the Adelaide CBDand has a population base of 4,700. This number increases to approximately 10,000 duringpeak holiday periods. During the 2011 / 2012 financial year the Council registered 1327 dogsand impounded 6 dogs. In addition the Council investigated 6 reported dog attacks/harassments cases and 4 noise complaints.

This Animal Management Plan has been prepared by the District Council of Yankalilla inresponse to the Council adopting a planned approach to undertake its responsibilities underthe Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, and this plan will guide domestic animalmanagement by the Council over the next 5 years.

The Plan identifies strategies and actions to implement the mission, aims and objectives fordomestic animal management, and relates these back to the wider policy context. TheStrategy has been prepared by Mark Piro on behalf of Council, drawing information from abroad range of stakeholders, with the community asked to comment on the draft prior to itsadoption by the Council.

This Plan contains recommendations for a wide range of actions to be undertaken by theCouncil. These actions will enable Council to maintain a balance between competinginterests and to reposition domestic animal management to accommodate new requirements.

The Plan’s Mission is to promote and facilitate responsible ownership of dogs and cats,animal welfare and the benefits of animal companionship focusing on the legitimate needs ofpets and their owners while respecting the rights of other members of the community andprotecting the environment.

The Plan aims to:

Promote responsible dog and cat ownership; Provide for the welfare and safety of dogs and cats; Ensure public safety and enhance the amenity of the environment; Harness the benefits of dog and cat ownership; and Ensure that the expenditure of registration fees addresses domestic animal issues.


Dog and Cat Management Act

The Dog and Cat Management Act. The Act was enacted in 1995 and brought in a new legalframework to South Australia covering both dogs and cats. The objectives of the Act are to:

Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership,

Reduce public and environmental nuisance caused by dogs and cats, and

To promote the effective management of dogs and cats (for example: through theencouragement of de-sexing, micro chipping, training of dogs and cats).

Animal control has widened into a greater array of contexts following the introduction of theAct. Knowledge of both animal and human behaviour is now a requirement of working inthe field.

There is growing recognition that enforcement of laws will not, on its own, result in lasting,voluntary changes in behaviour. It needs to be supplemented by a range of non-regulatoryapproaches such as public education and improved signage.

There is now considerable evidence to support our understanding of the benefits of owningpets. This implies a potentially new role for Council in harnessing the benefits of petownership or at least maintaining the ability of the community to continue to own dogs andcats.

In this new environment, it is essential that Council take a strategic approach to managingdomestic pets. This strategy will provide Council with a sound basis and direction fromwhich it can plan, co-ordinate and make future decisions to meet the needs of thecommunity over the next 5 years.


TheLaw and Guidelines

The responsibilities for dog and cat management in South Australia are prescribed in theDog and cat Management Act 1995. Under the Act Councils are required to administer andenforce the provisions relating to dogs within its area.

Prescribed responsibilities include the appointment of a Registrar, maintenance of a DogRegister, the appointment of a dog management officer, to make arrangements for dogsseized, and other obligations under the Act. Council is also able to make By-Laws relatingto the management of dogs and cats within its area.

The Act also provides for the appointment of the Dog and Cat Management Board, whichhas responsibilities to plan, promote, and advise on effective management of dogs and catsin the State, to monitor Councils’ management of their responsibilities, to issue Guidelinesfor Councils, to advise and assist Councils to undertake their responsibilities. The Boardalso has a role to provide advice to the Minister for Local Government to keep the Actunder review, to undertake research into companion animal management and to provideeducation programs for dog management officers and community awareness information.

While these provisions provide the legal framework for the Councils responsibilities and thepenalties that can be imposed on dog owners for non compliance, this Plan seeks toimplement a balanced approach that caters to everyone’s needs that will not only benefitdogs and their owners as a group with legitimate needs but also the wider community aswell as those charged with the responsibility of animal management By-Laws.

“The District Council of Yankalilla strives to create an environment whichencourages responsible pet ownership, where people and pets integrate safely and

harmoniously within the community.

To recognise that companion animals are a part of the community, contributing toquality of life, and to ensure that the needs of animals and their owners areaccommodated while recognising the differing needs of all members of the

community including non pet owners”.


Aims

Provide effective management and a suitable environment for dogs and cats within thecommunity.

Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership.

Increase public safety through the reduction of public and environmental nuisancecaused by dogs and cats.

Provide for the welfare and safety of dogs and cats.

Acknowledge the importance of dogs and cats in society.

Encourage the enjoyment and benefits people derive from dogs and cats.

Ensure public safety and amenity in relation to dogs and cats.

Protect native fauna and flora from the impact of dogs and cats.

Ensure the expenditure of registration fees addresses the needs of pet owners as well asdomestic animal management issues.

Objectives

1. Provide effective management and a suitable environment for dogs and catswithin the community

Ensure that Officers of Council operate within the provisions and guidelines of the Dog andCat Management Act 1995.

Encourage education of dog and cat owners in responsible pet ownership.

Maximise dog registration.

Minimise dogs wandering at large.

Enforce identification of dogs.

Encourage the community to report all dog attacks and harassments to Council.

Provide suitable on- and off-leash activity areas.

Maximise the public’s understanding of the Animal Management Officers and the Council’srole in the community.

Limit the number of dogs and cats per dwelling.

Collect data to better understand dog and cat management issues.


2. Encourage responsible dog and cat ownership

Provide Education material to residents and visitors to the Council area.

Enforce the provision of the Dog and Cat Management Act.

3. Increase public safety through the reduction of public and environmentalnuisance caused by dogs and cats

Reduce the following detrimental impacts of dogs and cats;

Barking dogs Dog attacks/harassment Dog faeces in public places Nuisance caused by cats

4. Provide for the welfare and safety of dogs and cats

Whenever possibile that impounded dogs are returned to owners as soon as practical.

Ensure that all impounded dogs and cats have clean safe facilities while impounded.

Ensure that off leash areas are suitable for dogs to be exercised.

5. Acknowledge the importance of dogs and cats in society

Provide residents and visitors with up to date information regarding the benefits ofresponsible dog and cat ownership.

6. Encourage the enjoyment and benefits people derive from dogs and cats

Facilitate dog and cat activity days for dog and cat owners.

7. Ensure public safety and amenity in relation to dogs and cats

Conduct regular patrols to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.

Invite regular input regarding dog and cat management issues from interest groupsthroughout the community.

8. Protect native fauna and flora from the impact of dogs and cats

Clearly define areas unsuitable for dog and cat recreation and exercise.

9. Ensure the expenditure of registration fees addresses the needs of petowners as well as domestic animal management issues

Conduct regular reviews of income and expenditure to ensure that Council is using availablefunds to promote dog & cat management.


Strategies

Provide effective management and a suitable environment for dogs and cats within thecommunity.

Ensure that Officers of Council operate within the provisions of the Dog and CatManagement Act 1995.

To create a set of guidelines for use by Staff and to ensure that regular training anddevelopment of skills are provided on an ongoing basis. Consistency of advice is criticaland must be a high priority.

The District Council of Yankalilla will regularly review Staff training anddevelopment to ensure that all relevant staff has a clear understanding of animal

management issues.

Council Staff cannot operate consistently without clear direction and guidelines, asindividuals will often interpret Legislation in differing ways.

The Dog and Cat Management Act is the primary Legislation, by-laws introduced byCouncil are subordinate Legislation and Procedures are the mechanism to implement theAct and by-laws.

The District Council of Yankalilla has introduced procedural guidelines for allStaff to follow.


Maximise the public’s understanding of Animal Management Officer’sand the Council’s role in the community

Many people have little or no understanding of the role performed by Animal ManagementOfficers and Council in the Community. This can lead to mistrust and in the worst cases atotal lack of respect for the Officers and the Council.

Council must continue to enhance the profile of Animal Management Officers andOfficers provided, quality information regarding the very important role they perform in theCommunity on behalf of Council.

The District Council of Yankalilla Staff are to promote the role of the AnimalManagement Officer to the community and encourage positive animal

management practises.

This may include visits to Schools and community meetings

Protect native fauna and flora from the impact of dogs and cats

The District Council of Yankalilla has National Parks where dogs and cats are notpermitted. Rangers of the National Parks are responsible for the control of all animalswithin the Park. Animal Management Officers support their activities by providingassistance as required.

There is a good working relationship between the agencies and the strategy does notrequire changing.

The District Council of Yankalilla will continue to provide a support role toNational Parks in the restrictions of dogs and cats.


Introduce data collection

Council must have accurate information in order to fully understand animal managementissues. Currently there is a reliance on the Officers knowledge of issues and complaintsreceived.

Works instructions are generated for complaints with the outcomes recorded. Thisinformation is only used for reference should further complaints be received.

This information is now analysed to better understand animal management issues andencourage responsible dog & cat ownership.

The District Council of Yankalilla continues to record data in its AnimalManagement Summary.

Council apply data to Synergy soft computer modules which assist in automaticdata collection.

Implementation of the computer module all works instructions received will becollated to better understand any trends regarding animal management issues and

how to address them in the future.

Enforce the provision of the Dog and Cat Management Act

Consistent enforcement of the provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act is animportant factor in educating the public to act responsibly with their pets.

Responsible pet owners expect irresponsible pet owners to be dealt with through theprovisions of the Act. Effectively there cannot be an incentive to act responsibly with ourpets unless there is a disincentive for those who are not responsible.

Council needs to increase public safety through the reduction of public andenvironmental nuisance caused by dogs and cats.


Encourage Education of dog and cat ownersGenerally speaking most dog and cat owners want to “do the right thing”. Registration ofdogs and general compliance with the Act is relatively high throughout the community.

Council must do everything in its power to ensure that residents and visitors understandtheir obligations to act responsibly with their pets.

The District Council of Yankalilla distribute a Dog Owners Handbook for allresidents and visitors to the area.

The Dog Owners Handbook & Good Cats Play At Home Handbook isdistributed through as many outlets as possible including Council Buildings,

Libraries, Visitors Information Centre and Interest Groups.

Acknowledge the importance of dogs and cats in society

Provide residents and visitors with up to date information regarding the benefits ofresponsible dog and cat ownership.

Evidence of a link between pet ownership and better health has been demonstrated by arange of different studies. More work needs to be done to determine whether this link iscausal or merely correlation (ie, do pet owners share some other factor which yieldshealth benefits?), and not all studies d e m o n s t r a t e a link between pet ownership andbetter health outcomes. However, as the evidence mounts, the public health professionhave starting to take note, eg:

Dogs encourage people to enjoy the outdoors. They have been shown to stimulate conversation betweenstrangers in public places and they improve people’s sense of security - both in the home and with theirowner in public places. Pets are also wonderful companions, in some cases helping combat loneliness and socialalienation.

These benefits are as important for the elderly and single person households as they arefor households with children.

Part of the challenge involves removing barriers to owning pets.

Local government has a role to play in harnessing these benefits - not to encouragepeople to buy a pet but to even up the balance in t h e consideration of domestic animalsi s sues and by removing unnecessary barriers to pet ownership.

The District Council of Yankalilla promotes the benefits to the community ofresponsible pet ownership with the Dog and Cat Management Boards publication

“Dog Owners Handbook and “Good Cats Play At Home Handbook”.


Provide Education material to residents and visitors to the Council area

There are three factors that contribute to successful pet ownership. They are:

The Owner, who needs to be aware of responsibilities of pet ownership, ensuresthat the dog is registered, immunized, and desexed. The owner is also responsible toensure that the dog is trained, and to be aware of the dogs behaviour at all times,including when away from the home such as at work. The owner is also responsible toensure that the dog has adequate food, water and shelter and that the dog is regularlyexercised.

The Breed determines the size, and often the temperament of the dog and itssusceptibility to genetic defects. When selecting a pet it is important to seekappropriate advice on the soundness of animals being considered and theirsuitability to the home / yard that the dog will be kept in and the family that the dogwill be joining, particularly if small children are involved.

The Home environment is made up of the part of the home that the dog will haveaccess to. In most cases this will include an enclosed yard and possibly part of thehouse. Important factors are the adequacy of the fencing, whether the dog can see outof the yard through a gate, adequacy of shelter, food / water and whether there arechildren, closeness to neighbours and other dogs and access to on-leash and off-leashexercise areas.

Successful pet ownership has both financial and time commitments and it is thereforeimportant that people contemplating pet ownership endeavour to match their choice ofpet for their particular home and family circumstances.

People contemplating obtaining a dog or a cat are encouraged to consider thefactors affecting the suitability of successful pet ownership in their particular

circumstances. Visit www.gooddogsa.com to assist in this process.

To encourage at the time of purchase that the dog or cat is sound from defects,immunised and de-sexed.

People contemplating obtaining a dog or a cat are encouraged to become familiarwith the responsibilities of dog or cat ownership prior to obtaining a dog or a cat.

People who obtain a new dog ensure that it is trained or have set aside time fortraining and exercising.

www.gooddogsa.com


Facilitate dog and cat activity days for dog and cat owners

With due regard for the benefits of pet ownership, there is an opportunity for Council tofacilitate a day for dog and cat owners to get together and celebrate their best friend,be it a dog or a cat.

By doing so, there is an opportunity for Council and the public to interact and exchangeinformation. Similar events have proved very beneficial.

The District Council of Yankalilla will consider future “community events”for dog and cat owners with invited guests and interest groups.

Maximise dog registrations

Legislation in SA requires all dogs of or over 3 months of age must be registered. Councilscannot expect to obtain an acceptable level of dog management without obtainingmaximum registration. This can therefore be seen to be the most important issue at handand is the key factor controlling all other effective and successful dog managementstrategies. Dog registration ensures that:

Owners are registered as well as their dogs.

Maximum funding is available for Councils to carry out responsibilities under theAct.

Responsible dog owners and the rest of the community do not have to financiallysupport irresponsible and unthinking dog owners.

The District Council of Yankalilla will conduct a survey in the form of a doorknock for unregistered dogs within the Council district.

The District Council of Yankalilla provides registration information withrenewal notices, road side signage, advertisements’ and educational material at

the point of registration.


Enforce identification of dogs

Identification of dogs is imperative to provide sound animal management practices.Residents and visitors to the area must identify their dogs at all times. Generally speakingpet owners should not allow their pets to wander at large.

Accidental escape accounts for approximately 90% of dogs wandering at large. Often thesedogs are not identified and therefore cannot be returned to the owner.

The costs associated with impounding unidentified dogs and cats and the stressesplaced on the animal and their owners can be avoided.

The District Council of Yankalilla staff continue to enforce identification of dogs.

That Council educate the public regarding the correct identification of dogsand cats.

That Council may conduct microchipping days when possible to promote theidentification of pets.


Expenditure of registration fees

The District Council of Yankalilla must ensure that the expenditure of registration feesaddresses the needs of pet owners as well as domestic animal management issues.

Under the provisions of the Act Council must utilize money generated from dogmanagement in the area of dog management.

The implementation of this plan is a clear demonstration of Council’s desire to fulfil thisobligation.

In addition Council is responsible to ensure that an independent ledger of funds is keptand is available for scrutiny by the Dog and Cat Management Board.

Ensure public safety and amenity in relation to dogs and cats

The District Council of Yankalilla conduct regular patrols to ensure compliance withlegislative requirements and invites input from interest groups throughout the community,with regard to dog and cat management issues.

Council has one Animal Management Officer and is trained in all areas of animalmanagement and is the public face of animal management in the area.

The officer educates, mediates and enforces the provision of the Act and has a goodunderstanding of the issues effecting public safety and amenities in relation to dogs and cats.Council is providing adequate patrols for non- compliance with the Act.

The District Council of Yankalilla regularly patrols the Council district to ensurecompliance with the Act.

When possible the District Council of Yankalilla invites members of the publicto input into animal management and respects all opinions.


Encourage reporting all dog attacks and harassments to Council

Knowledge is the Councils best tool to reduce the number of dog attacks that occur in thecommunity. Due to the high number of visitors to the area it is difficult for Council toimplement a strategy to reduce dog attacks and harassment.

The collection of data will enable Council to understand the situations that lead to suchattacks and therefore the community must be encouraged to provide information regardingall attacks regardless of the severity.

All reported dog attacks require a Dog Attack Report Form to be completed by Council’sAnimal Management Officer. The officer will then contact the owner of the accused dog foran interview and will give the owner the opportunity to convey his / her interpretations ofthe incident. The officer will then make a decision on the dog’s future based on the nature ofthe incident.

A copy of the Dog Attack Report Form will also be sent to the Dog & Cat ManagementBoard for their data base statistics.

The District Council of Yankalilla encourages the reporting of all dogattacks and harassments throughout the community.

The District Council of Yankalilla provide a Dog Attack Report Form for thecommunity as attached on the following pages.

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Dog IncidentReport Form

Complete only for firstattendance of a particularepisode (v.1c)

This form is to be completed by Council in the case of a dog attack on a person or on another animal. Please returncompleted form to Dog and Cat Management Board, GPO BOX 1047, ADELAIDE SA 5001 or FAX:0881244648 or by EMAIL: [email protected]

A. REPORTING PARTYName PhoneAddress Post CodeDo we have permission to contact them again? YES NO UNKNOWNB. INCIDENT INFORMATIONDate of Incident Time of incident AM PMAddress of Incident Post CodePlace of occurrence On public footpath At Home On a Reserve

Home of friend/family In a vehicle At a Dog ParkOther (please specify)

Were there any witnesses?YES NO If yes, provide detailsWhat happened?(Attach an A4 sheet if required)

Was the attacking dog provoked? YES NO UNKNOWNWas the attacking dog on a leash? YES NO UNKNOWN

C. INJURED ANIMAL INFORMATIONOWNER

ANIMAL

Name PhoneAddress Post Code

Name Species/BreedPhysical

Description(Colour,

markings etc.)Desexed? YES NO Sex M F Age

Fracture Cut/Laceration Superficial AbrasionNature of most severe

injury Bruise Crushing Injury Penetrating WoundPuncture Other (describe)

Body part affected (Also circle image)Head AbdomenNeck ForelegsBack HindlegsTail Forelegs

Other (specify)Outcome/ Treatment

None Hospital AdmissionVet Consult Death/ Euthanasia

Other (specify)

mailto:EMAIL: [email protected]

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D. ATTACKING DOG INFORMATION (one form per dog)DOG OWNER Name Phone

Address Post CodeDOG Name BreedWhere was dogsourced?

PhysicalDescription

(colour,markings,

etc.)

UNKNOWN Desexed? YES NO Sex M F AgeUNKNOWNN

UNKNOWN UNKNOWNWas the dog involved in any previous incidents or complaints? YES NO UNKNOWNIf yes, please provide details (attach A4 where relevant)

What in your opinion what was a possible reason(s) for the attack?

E. INJURED PERSON INFORMATIONName Phone

Address Post CodeFracture Cut/Laceration Superficial Abrasion

Bruise Crushing Injury Penetrating WoundNature of most severeinjury

Puncture Other (describe)Did the injured person know the dog? YES NOIf Yes, how?Body Part Affected (Also circle image)

Head/Face BackNeck Arms/Hands

Stomach Legs/FeetChest Backside

Other (specify)Outcome/ Treatment

None GP ConsultHospital Death

Other (specify)

F. COUNCIL ONLYCOUNCIL Name Phone

Address Post CodeFilled in By Name PositionWhat, if any, orders will be issued to thedog or its owner?If an Order is NOT issued, please givereasonsHas Boards Aggressions incident severityscale been reviewed for this attack?Microchip Number Registration Number


Reduce the detrimental impacts of dogs and cats

Barking dogsBarking dog complaints are one of the most difficult and time consuming areas of Councilresponsibility. Barking dog complaints are subjective depending on an individual’stolerance for dog noise. However, Council must investigate and resolve this type ofcomplaint. In order for Council to resolve the complaint they require full cooperationfrom the complainant to collect meaningful evidence suitable to a Court of Law. In orderto do this Council has set up a standard operating procedure for all dog noise nuisancecomplaints.

The complainant must follow these standard operating procedures, as failure to do sowill result in the matter being set aside by Council. On receipt of a complaint, in writingor email, Council will provide a letter to the dog owner outlining the concerns raised andrequest action within a certain time frame or encouraging the dog owner to contactCouncil to discuss the matter further.

Further complaints will require the issuing of a 7 day diary to the complainant and toneighbouring properties. If and when the diaries are returned, an investigation will follow.Upon substantiation the Council will take an appropriate course of action.

The District Council of Yankalilla assist residents to resolve barking nuisance issues byproviding bark control training citronella collars, barking dog counter or ultrasonic barkcontrol training system.

The cost of hiring bark control training citronella collars is included in Council’s Schedulesof Fees and Charges for 14 days. A refundable deposit is also paid and is refunded uponreturn.Barking dog counter or ultrasonic bark control training system 14 day hire free of charge.

The District Council of Yankalilla implements a Standard Operating Procedurefor the investigation of noise nuisance complaints for barking dogs.

That Council implements an education brochure for dog owners to be sent out inthe event of a complaint regarding dog noise nuisances.

Dog attacks/harassmentAs previously stated all dog attacks/harassment must be recorded and investigated. Inorder to reduce the incidence of dog attacks Council will educate the public to actresponsibly.

The issue of dog attacks and harassment is of great concern to the general community,particularly in relation to children and the elderly.


Also of great concern is the number of unreported attacks and the fact that the majority ofattacks (85%) occur on private property.

While the minority of dogs are involved in attacks and harassment, all dogs have thepotential to bite, regardless of size, age, breed or temperament, particularly in situationswhere they are frightened, dominant, protective or possessive.

How to avoid being bitten or how to read a dog’s body language are important issues onwhich to educate the public.

The District Council of Yankalilla collates statistics related to dog attacks andforwards the information onto the Dog & Cat Management Board.

Dog faeces in public placesThe management of dog faeces is an important environmental and health issue.Large amounts of dog faeces pollute our waterways and public places each year and itis an issue on which the community has strong feelings. In addition, the Yankalilla areaand the Fleurieu Peninsula rely heavily on tourism and faeces littering our public placeshave a detrimental effect on visitors.

Although the responsibility lies with dog owners, an increasing number of Councilsareproviding leadership in this area by providing dog tidy bags to promote the pickingup of dog faeces. It is widely acknowledged that Councils that provide faeces removaldispensers dramatically reduce the incidence of discarded faeces in the community.Problems associated with vandalism have been overcome by placing the dispensers inareas of high visibility.

Councils sign which is placed above dog bag dispensers

The District Council of Yankalilla continues to strategically place signs anddispensers to encourage responsible dog ownership in the area of faeces removal.


Provide for the welfare and safety of dogs and cats

Council Pound

The District Council of Yankalilla makes every effort to ensure that impounded dogs arereturned to their owners as soon as practical.

Council must operate its dog holding facilities in accordance with the “Code of Conduct forPounds and Shelters” as set down by the Dog and Cat Management Board.

During times of containment within the pound, Council is confident that dogs have a cleanand safe environment. Council’s dog pound is only used for immediate short termcontainment. All dogs requiring lengthy or overnight impoundment are transported toLonsdale RSPCA Shelter.

The District Council of Yankalilla continue the above practice and conducts regularreviews of pounds and shelters for compliance.


Minimise dogs wandering at large

Adequate fencing is a necessity for responsible dog ownership

A dog wandering at large can be a threat to live stock and members of the public, particularlychildren and older people and Council is aware that serious attacks can arise in thesecircumstances. Council will therefore implement strategies to minimise their occurrence inthe community.

Under the provisions of the Dog and Cat Management Act it is an offence to allow a dog towander at large. A dog will be taken to be wandering at Large if it is in a public place, otherthan a park, or a private place without the consent of the occupier and no person isexercising effective control by way of a physical restraint.

A dog will also be considered to be wandering at large, if in a park and no person is eitherexercising physical restraint or by command with the dog not being in close proximity to theperson.

The strategies to effectively minimise wandering dogs are in two parts; the first to encourageowners to have adequate fencing and control over their dog and the second is the actionstaken by the Council for dogs “wandering at large”.

For all dogs found “wandering at large” it will be Council’s priority to return the dog tothe owner.

Unidentified dogs will be impounded in accordance with the Act. As Council does nothave a sufficient pound to accommodate dogs overnight all unclaimed dogs will betransported to the Lonsdale RSPCA.

Unclaimed dogs that are suitable as pets will be eligible for distribution to persons seekinga pet via Lonsdale RSPCA. Dogs being “re-homed” under this program will be required tobe de-sexed, immunised and registered. Unclaimed dogs, which are unsuitable as pets, willbe euthanised.


To encourage compliance, animal management officers are encouraged to givewarnings to first offences that are of a minor nature where no harm to a person orproperty has occurred. Penalties prescribed by the Act will be applied for re-offenders.

All dogs must be restrained while in a public place including roads

Owners are to be educated of their responsibilities to;Register their dog,

Adequately fence their property to control their dog, Keep theirdog physically restrained when in a public place.

The District Council of Yankalilla Animal Management Officers conducts random(day of the week, and times of day) patrols of all public areas and detain dogs

found wandering at large.

That Council respond to calls from the general public of a dog wandering at large.


Provide suitable on and off leash activity areas

Providing suitable on and off leash activity areas is vital to the success of animalmanagement in the area. Council acknowledges that dog owners must have suitable areas toexercise their dogs safely.

Equally, other members of the community must also have the ability to use the amenitieswithout fear of harassment by dogs. In areas such as streets, roads, and places the publiccongregate such as shopping areas, dogs must be restrained effectively. In parks assessedby Council for their suitability and certain areas of beaches, dog owners should be able toexercise their dogs without restrain providing the owner exercises effective control.

Given children utilise the Skate bowl and playground, areas such as theYankalilla Youth Park is unsuitable for off-leash dog activities

The land described as Lot 50 Main South Road, Yankalilla DP59019 commonly known asthe Lions Yankalilla Youth Park is an area where dogs are required to be physicallyrestrained at all times. This is a high activity area in which children will be active and hasbeen declared a dog on-leash area to encourage families to use this area without thedisturbance from dogs.


Bungala Park

Given the large open spaces and the amenities that are provided for the public suchas Bungala Park, restriction for dog activities apply.

The land described as 42 Main South Road, Normanville A4928 commonly know as BungalaPark is an area where restriction apply. Dogs are permitted to be leash free from sunset to10am the following day.


Animals on beaches and foreshore areas

The District Council of Yankalilla is in the enviable position of having pristine beacheswhich are extremely popular with local residents and visitors to the area.

During peak times in summer months activities on the beaches dramatically increase.Council is mindful that this increase in usage has the ability to affect the harmony ofbeach users.

DogsCouncil acknowledged that dog owners must be given the opportunity to exercise dogsoff leash whilst on the foreshore and also to provide areas of high activity where childrenand families can enjoy without the disturbance from dogs. The inability for Council toactively patrol remote areas of Councils coastline was also a contributing factor indetermining these areas.

In 2004, Council endorsed and by adopting this Plan confirm that the areas detailed beloware areas where dogs are required to be physically restrained at all times. Pursuant toSection 26A of the Dog & Cat Management Act.

These areas include:

Normanville BeachThe area 100 metres South of the Jetty towards Lady Bay and the area100 metres North of the Jetty towards Carrickalinga be a restrictedarea where all dogs within this area must be physically restrained at all times.

Carrickalinga BeachThe area 100 metres South of the public conveniences on Gold CoastDrive towards Normanville and the area 100 metres North of the public convenienceson Gold Coast Drive towards Carrickalinga North Bay be arestricted area where all dogs within this area must be physically restrained at all times.

Normanville Beach Foreshore ReserveCertificate of title Volume 5231 Folio 462 and Volume 5815 Folio 96known as the Normanville Beach Foreshore Reserve be a restricted area where all dogswithin this area must be physically restrained at all times.


All remaining areas of foreshore within the District Council of Yankalilla are areas wheredogs are not required to be physically restrained, however they must be within closeproximity and remain under effective control.

HorsesHorses are prohibited from using all beaches and sand dunes throughout the Councilexcluding a “Controlled Area” at Normanville Beach. The “Controlled Area” means thearea of the foreshore at Normanville Beach commencing at a point 100 metres South ofthe Jetty and extending to a point 100 metres North of Yankalilla River.

No person shall allow any horse to be let loose or left unattended on any portion ofthe controlled area.

The District Council of Yankalilla continue to implement foreshorerestrictions in certain areas as determined.

The District Council of Yankalilla endeavour to allow dog owners areas toexercise their dog’s off-lease while under effective control and areas where

families can enjoy without the disturbance from dogs.

That Council conduct ongoing audits of all reserves to assess if they aresuitable for off-lease dog activities.

A map of foreshore activities detailing restricted areas for Dogs & Horses is includedon the following page.


Limit the number of dogs per dwelling

Council has placed limits on the number of dogs per dwelling. Under the provisions of theCouncils By-Law the limit on the number of dogs in a township is:-

In a small dwelling, one dog In premises other than a small dwelling, two dogs Outside of a township, three dogs (other than working dogs).

It is possible under certain circumstances to obtain permission to keep more than theprescribed number of dogs with the written consent of Council.

This procedure includes a letter to Council outlining the reasons for wanting to house morethan the prescribed number of dogs for the area, how the dogs will be confined to thepremises, and the size of the property and will be accompanied by a signature from eachbordering property giving consent for more than two dogs.

In all cases, a Compliance Officer will visit the site to make an accurate assessment as towhether permission is granted.

Limit the number of cats per dwelling

Council has for placed limits on the number of cats per dwelling. Under the provisions ofthe Councils By-Law the limit on the number of cats kept on premises shall be two.

No person shall, without obtaining the written permission of the Council, keep any cat onany premises where the number of cats on those premises exceeds the limit unless thepremises are an approved kennel establishment.

At this point in time Council does not enforce the limit on the number of cats being kepton a property.


Nuisance caused by cats

Under the provision of the Dog and Cat Management Act an un-owned cat can be seizedwhen found wandering on private property.

If an occupier seizes a cat and it is identifiable the cat must be released unless the cat is morethan one kilometre from a genuine place of residence.

Under the provisions of the Act a cat must be identified by way of a collar with ownershipdetails or by way of a microchip.

The District Council of Yankalilla assists residents to resolve cat nuisance issues by providinga cat cage for hire to remove stray unidentified cats. This is done under section 76 (e) of theAct.

The cost of hiring the cat cage is included in Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges for 7days. A refundable deposit is also paid and is refunded upon return.

All trapping and costs associated with the trapping including the humane destruction of un-identified cats are at the cost of the resident.

Councils Cat Cage Hire Agreement states that unidentified cats must be delivered within 12hours to the persons or places listed under section 76 (e) of the Act.

The person that seizes the cat must deliver it, within 12 hours, to—

(i) a registered veterinary surgeon; or (ii) a cat management officer; or (iii) a facility for the care of cats operated by— (A) the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (South Australia)

Incorporated; or (B) the Animal Welfare League of South Australia, Incorporated; or(C) a body or person specified by the regulations,

The District Council of Yankalilla continues to provide cat traps to residentsexperiencing problems with cats.


Key Performance Indicators

Objective Actions KPI’sProvide effective managementand a suitable environmentfor dogs and cats within thecommunity.

Ensure that Officers of Counciloperate within the provisions ofthe Dog and Cat ManagementAct 1995.

Ensure that Officers operatewithin predeterminedguidelines in accordance withthe Dog and Cat ManagementAct 1995. Encourage educationof dog and cat owners.

Maximise dog registration.Minimise dogs wandering atlarge. Enforce identification ofdogs. Encourage the communityto report all dog attacks andharassments to Council.

Provide suitable on- and off-leash activity areas.

Maximise the publicsunderstanding of the DogManagement Officers and theCouncils role in thecommunity.

Limit the number of dogs andcats per dwelling.

Introduce data collection tobetter understand dog andcat management issues.

Conduct of Staff reviews.

Regular audits of the AnimalManagement Plan.

Increase registrationcompliance from previousyears.

100% of dogs impounded byCouncil without currentregistration are registeredprior to release

Compare dog attack/harassment reports withprevious years.

Review public meetingsconducted during the year.Propose amendments tothe plan as required.

Increase by-lawcompliance.

Encourage responsible dog andcat ownership. Provide education material

to residents and visitors tothe Council area.Enforce the provisions of theDog and Cat Management Act.

Collate information regardingeducation material distributed toresidents and visitors.Reduction and repeatexpiations issued comparedwith previous years.


Objective Actions KPI’sIncrease public safety throughthe reduction of public andenvironmental nuisancecaused by dogs and cats.

Reduce the following detrimentalimpacts of dogs and cats bypromoting and encourageresponsible animal ownership.Community education andinformation.Barking dogs

Dog attacks/harassment

Dog faeces in public places

Nuisance caused by cats

Data Collection and analysis toshoeReduction of barking dogcomplaints.Reduction in dogs wandering atlarge.Reduction of faeces complaint.Reduction of nuisance catscomplaint.

Provide for the welfare andsafety of dogs and cats.

Ensure that impounded dogs arereturned to owners as soon aspractical.Ensure that all impounded dogsand cats have clean safe facilitieswhile impounded.

Ensure that off-leash areas aresuitable for dogs to beexercised.

Data collection and analysis ofexpiations issued comparedwith previous years to showreduction of days dogsimpounded.Review pound proceduresConduct risk analysis of off-leashareas.

Acknowledge the importance ofdogs and cats in society.

Provide residents andvisitors with up to dateinformation regarding thebenefits of responsible dogand cat ownership.

Review information providedto residents and visitors to theCouncil area.

Encourage the enjoyment of andthe benefits from dogs and catsby people.

Facilitate dog and cat activitydays for dog and cat owners.

Data collection and analysis.

Ensure public safety andamenities in relation to dogsand cats.

Conduct regular patrols to ensurecompliance withlegislative requirements.Invite regular input regardingdog and cat management issuesfrom interest groups throughoutthe community.

Data collection and analysisof warnings and expiationscompared with previous yearsto check reduction in repeatoffences.

Review input frominterest groups.

Protect native fauna and florafrom the impacts of dogs andcats.

Clearly define areas unsuitablefor dog and cat recreation andexercise.

Conduct risk analysis ofareas unsuitable for dog andcat activities.

Ensure the expenditure ofregistration fees addresses theneeds of pet owners as well asdomestic animal management.

Conduct regular reviews ofincome and expenditure toensure that Council is usingbest practice with availablefunds.

Audit conducted by the Dog andCat Management Board annually.

animal management plan

Documents