Why do we need a DAM plan?
Summary
Legislation mandated that councils develop a domestic animal management plan for effective animal management and legal complianceAnimal Management Officers have been trying to distance themselves from the ‘dog-catcher' tag for years. This may be achieved through Victorian legislation mandating that councils develop and adopt a DAM plan to address companion-animal issues.
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. Councils must identify their strengths and weaknesses and, with sound strategic planning, they can set directions for the future. Some have strategic plans and others have basic flowcharts detailing how a complaint must be handled.
Developing a DAM plan every three years will help public awareness of what happens with pet-registration revenue - in addition, Animal Management Officers, pets and animal welfare will be given due consideration by their councils.