Introduction  

In an era of strategic planning, one of the areas of community life which is yet to be specifically addressed by Local Government is that of Urban Animal Management (UAM).

Strategic planning of UAM will not only allow Councils to better service the needs of the 66% of their residents who own pets, but also to minimise animal noise and nuisance behaviour. With the current trend towards contracting out Council functions a range of animal service providers are becoming established. The development of strategic plans will help Councils develop specifications for animal management and will assist the process of competitive tendering.  

This document has been prepared by PIAS in cooperation with management consultants to fill the gap in planning for UAM, and to give Councils guidelines for developing an Integrated Urban Animal Management Strategy.  

Philosophy  

Animals have been an essential part of human communities for thousands of years. In Australia in 1995, 57% of households own either a dog or cat or both.  

Pets are now recognised for their physical and mental health benefits, for their role in the development of children's social skills and self esteem, and for their importance as companions, particularly for the aged and singles. On the negative side are the issues of noise and nuisance behaviour, aggression, and the problems of stray or unwanted animals.

An Integrated Urban Animal Management Strategy must focus on both the positive and the negative aspects of pets in the community. It should aim to achieve an harmonious relationship between companion animals, humans and the environment.  

This approach will require some Councils to reassess their attitude to animal management. The traditional enforcement driven approach must be abandoned in favour of a new philosophy which provides for the needs of animal owners and recognises that companion animals are an important part of community life. An example of this approach would be to test all animal management decisions against their impact on an elderly resident's ability to own and exercise a dog. Animal owners are a significant client base for Council services.  

Urban consolidation and densification are having an impact on the negative aspects of animal ownership. Problems such as barking and nuisance behaviour are more acute when houses are in close physical proximity with dogs having less access to private and public open space to relieve boredom. This new approach to UAM recognises the role that good urban planning plays in animal management; it also requires Animal Control Officers to work closely with the Planning Department to ensure positive UAM outcomes. The UAM strategy must integrate the activities of all Council functions which impact significantly on animal ownership.  

Improved Urban Animal Management is about ensuring that pets are well catered for with pet owners able to maximise their enjoyment of companion animals: a co-existence of pets, pet owners, and the general community.

Developing an Integrated Urban Animal Management Strategy

[INDEX] [AUTHOR] [HOUSING DESIGN] [PLANNING FOR DOGS] [COMPLIANCE] [PETNET]