The power of the retrospectoscope - cat legislation: what precisely did we learn in South Australia?
Deb Kelly
Abstract
When the Dog and Cat Management Bill was being considered by the Parliament in 1995 the Minister received a thousand letters either describing the legislation as draconian or wishy-washy. It was simultaneously called the Cat Kill Bill and the Cat Protection Bill by opposite ends of the spectrum. Put simply, we have learnt that you can't please all the people all the time particularly if you are dealing with cat legislation. With the power of the retrospectoscope this presentation seeks to explore the strengths and limitations of the legislation and highlight the pitfalls for new players. It will explain why we chose the options we did and why we rejected some of the proposals considered.
About the author
Deb Kelly
Dept of Environment & Heritage SA
GPO Box 1047 Adelaide SA 5001
Ph. 08 8204 9176 Fx. 08 8204 9178
Email. dkelly@dehaa.sa.gov.au
Deb Kelly is Manager, Animal Welfare and Manager, Resource Protection, within the South Australian Department of Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs. She is a veterinarian and has been actively involved in pounds, shelters and wildlife since childhood. Deb Kelly was instrumental in the development of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 and is still responsible for the legislative aspects of the Act on behalf of state government. To fulfil this responsibility she works closely with the Dog and Cat Management Board, the RSPCA, Animal Welfare League and community groups.
Back to Urban Animal Management Conference Index
Back to Petnet