Application of the triangle
Gill Little and Anna Hassett
Abstract
Early steps in establishing the process of consultation, education and regulation as equal partners in an Urban Animal Management (UAM) strategy. I'd like to start by drawing you a mental picture of the town of Palmerston. Situated about 20 km south of Darwin with a population of 20,000 people, our 17% population growth rate is one of the highest in the country. A number of characteristics of Palmerston create particular challenges in animal management. Strict cyclone coding of developments means that housing and fencing is much more expensive in the north of the Territory limiting much of the fencing to chain mesh or pool style. The majority of the original developments have only block perimeter fencing although many of the newer subdivisions now have rear fences only. These styles of fencing presenting their own particular set of dog related behaviour problems. The average population age is young at 26 years of age. Many of these are young couples acquiring their first dog, presenting another specific type of problem, that of lack of understanding of dog behaviour and the requirements and responsibilities of dog ownership. Historically Palmerston had taken a firm line on dog control, the major focus and image of council being one of enforcement. Council had a particularly successful record in the courts and publicity had tended to concentrate on detail of fines and offender sentences with a view to discourage further problem behaviour. There were, however, some solid efforts at education; for example school visits handing out printed material and providing advice on request. The kinds of problems outlined above, however, have contributed to council seeking new solutions beyond its strongly regulatory approach. Just over a year ago now, Palmerston town council developed a strategic plan for urban animal management. This involved a change in approach, endeavouring to give education equal status with enforcement and to base strategies on consultation with the community.
About the authors
Anna Hassett
Director of Community Services Palmerston Town Council
PO Box 1 Palmerston NT 0831
Ph. 08 8935 9977 Fx. 08 8935 9900
Email. anna.hassett@ptc.nt.gov.au
Anna has considerable years experience in local government and joined Palmerston Town Council in 1997 as Director of Community Services
Gill Little
Animal Education Officer Palmerston Town Council
PO Box 1 Palmerston NT 0831
Ph. 08 8935 9978 Fx. 08 8935 9900
Email. ozkelp@octa4.net.au
Gill joined Palmerston town Council on a part time basis in 1998 to work as their Animal Education Officer. Gill's background includes 28 years in dog training and she is an accredited Canine Good Citizen Instructor.
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