Animal Control Officers' training and education

Jo Toia

Abstract

An ever increasing number of local councils throughout Queensland are enrolling their Animal Control Officers in the Animal Control Officer Practices course offered through Ithaca College of TAFE. This was the first course of its kind in Australia and was developed in consultation with Brisbane City Council and Logan City Council as a direct result of the Urban Animal Symposium in 1983. The course is now due for review. The Queensland Local Government Industry Training Council is conducting an Australia wide skills analysis. It is considered that this skills list will provide the basis for a new upgraded training program. The aim of this paper is to look at current training provided in Queensland, the Draft Skills Identification Document produced by the Queensland Local Government Industry Training Council and the future direction of Animal Control Officer Training in Australia.

About the author

Jo Toia
Associate Director Community Education
Ithaca College of TAFE
Fulcher Road
Red Hill, Australia 4059
Telephone (07) 369 9011
Facsimile (07) 368 1315

My first involvement in Urban Animal Management was through the National Urban Animal Integration Symposium by the Australian Veterinary Association in 1983.

I presented a paper on a proposed course in animal control officer training. As a result of the symposium, the program is now offered through the Ithaca College of TAFE.

My interest in Urban Animal Management has continued to grow. I have learned about the difficulties and stress ACO's meet implementing the by-laws designed in the interests of public and animal welfare.

(adapted from the proceedings of the first national conference on Urban Animal Management 1992).

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