BETTER COMMUNITY APPROACHES

Having discussed a number of initiatives directed at helping people become better owners by changing their knowledge, attitudes and skills we now move on to other initiatives which help people behave more responsibly, not by targeting owners directly but by changing the physical and social environment in which they operate:

• planning for pets in urban areas

• free euthanasia scheme

Planning for pets in urban areas

Despite the wide ownership of cats and dogs in urban areas, traditionally urban planners have paid little attention to the needs of pet owners and their animals.

In the last decade awareness of these issues has increased in Australia and New Zealand, largely due to the efforts of Virginia Jackson who has written and spoken widely on the subject. eg.^{1 2 3 4}

Jackson identifies many factors that can affect whether a resident can enjoy the benefits of pet ownership:¹

ï housing type

ï housing and precinct design

ï private open space and landscaping

ï fences

ï windows

ï garages, carports and car spaces

ï internal light courts

ï facilities for disposal of excrement

ï access to public open space

She argues that by following relatively simple guidelines for pet-friendly design, architects and urban planners can dramatically improve access to pet ownership and the quality of life of urban residents. For example, allowing front fences can double the space available to dogs at home alone, thereby reducing the incidence of dog problem behaviours related to lack of exercise and boredom.

In recent years, debate has centred on pet access to public open space. In the past, many councils have seen banning dogs from most parks as the most sensible approach. Current thinking is that integrating dog owners with other park users offers many advantages.

When deciding on pet access arrangements for public open space in a municipality, the council has several options to consider:

ï banning dogs

ï on-leash exercising

ï free-run areas

ï different zones in one park

ï timeshare arrangements

ï a combination of the above across the municipality

Each of these can be seen as a different type of opportunity for the residents of the municipality.

Jackson suggests that by taking a strategic approach, councils can arrive at a mix of opportunities that caters fairly for all open space users (photograph), owners and non-owners alike. The ideal mix will depend on many factors including levels and distribution of pet ownership, housing types, existing opportunities, features of individual open space areas and local opinion. Once an overall plan has been arrived at, individual open space areas may need to be modified to accommodate the needs of new groups of users. Open space planning issues to be considered include:

ï location and accessibility

ï form and layout

ï surrounding land use

ï fencing

ï paving and surfaces

ï removing faeces

ï support facilities

ï signage

For further information, click to see:

ï More about City of Melbourne's strategic approach to issues concerning dogs in parks

Free Euthanasia Scheme

Townsvilleís Free Euthanasia Scheme is a very different example of how practical initiatives in the community can help people to behave more responsibly.

In 1983 Townsville owners wanting to dispose of a dog had several options. They could pay $24.00 to the vet to euthanase the animal. Or they could leave the animal at the pound or the animal refuge. Or they could illegally drown, shoot or abandon their pet.

Serious health problems arose from drowned dogs in the city waterways, while dogs abandoned in bushland caused environmental damage. The most serious problem of all was the hopeless situation the animal refuge staff found themselves in. The bitter truth was that they were forced to euthanase most of the dogs they offered refuge to.

In 1983, a free euthanasia scheme began with the cooperation of the two councils and all veterinary practices in the city area. While it is possible to argue that turning your dog in to be euthanased is not the most responsible way an owner can behave, it is more responsible than abandoning it without food or drowning it or taking it to the refuge and letting someone else wear the guilt.

Now, 14 years on, the scheme still operates successfully. Contrary to early fears, there has been no problem with malicious surrender of other peopleís dogs.

For further information, click to see:

ï More about Townsville's free euthanasia scheme

1. Jackson V. 1993. Strategic planning and design of urban developments and housing. In: Paxton DW, editor. Urban Animal Management: proceedings of the Second National Conference on Urban Animal Management in Australia (Penrith NSW, 1993). Sydney: AVA: 45-59.

2. Jackson V. 1995. Guidelines for designing and managing public open space. In: Paxton DW, Boland P, editors. Urban Animal Management: proceedings of the Fourth National Conference on Urban Animal Management in Australia (Melbourne, 1995). Sydney: AVA: 83-96.

3. Harlock Jackson Pty Ltd. 1991. Urban Planning and Pets in Melbourne: the effects of urban planning on the ability of people to keep pets in Melbourne: issues paper. Melbourne: Petcare Information and Advisory Service.

4. Harlock Jackson Pty Ltd, Blackshaw JK, Marriott J. 1995. Public Open Space and Dogs: a design and management guide for open space professionals and local government. Melbourne: Petcare Information and Advisory Service.