Domestic animal management (DAM) plans set a framework for effective animal management and legal compliance. They are valuable tools for Animal Management Officers to ensure councils are aware of their roles and fully support their actions.

 

Main issues

DAM plans aim to:

• reduce dog nuisance


• assist councils develop animal management and strategic plans


• improve public awareness of domestic animal legislation


• improve public awareness of pet management


• promote responsible pet ownership


• promote training for Animal Management Officers.

The steps in developing DAM plans include:

• defining the revenue base


• determining what councils want to achieve through strategic planning


• establishing a reference group and meeting schedules


• writing the draft plan


• broad community consultation on the draft DAM plan


• adoption of the DAM plan by council.

Conclusion

Animal Management Officers want to distance themselves from the ‘dog-catcher' tag. This could be achieved through legislation mandating that councils develop and adopt a DAM plan to address companion-animal issues. The plans will help raise public awareness and responsible pet ownership. In addition, Animal Management Officers, pets and animal welfare will be given due consideration by councils.

DAM plans are evolving. It is anticipated that councils will use each other's plans to improve their own and to promote cross-fertilisation of ideas.