At the coalface - comparing problems faced by two councils from different socio-economic areas

Mick Cartwright

Abstract

The two councils compared were the City of Burnside (classified as a middle to upper class area with a population of 39,950, an unemployment rate of 3.5% and 4,600 dogs registered) and the City of Salisbury (classified as a low to middle class area with a population of 115,000, an unemployment rate of 10% and 20,000 dogs registered). It was found that the type of dog problems were the same for both councils but that dog attacks in Salisbury were more severe than in Burnside whilst residents of Salisbury were more tolerant of noisy dogs. However it was concluded that a person's socio-economic circumstance had little influence on their ability to look after a dog and that both councils had problems with irresponsible dog owners. It was further concluded that care must be taken to ensure that the 10% of irresponsible owners do not monopolise resources to the extent that the 90% of responsible dog owners are disadvantaged.

About the author

Mick Cartwright

City of Salisbury

SALISBURY SA 5108

Ph: (08) 8406 8221

Mick Cartwright has spent 14 years in local government and is currently the Manager of Inspectorial Services.

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