An independent review of the Domestic Animal Services’ (DAS) management of dogs in the ACT has made 34 recommendations designed to position DAS as an Australian and international leader in dog management.
Minister for City Services, Chris Steel, said the review looked into the operations of DAS and its processes and practices, including how it applied the Territory’s new domestic animal laws relating to dangerous dogs.
“I am pleased to be able to release the report of that review (which) positively reflects on how we already manage dogs in the Territory,” Mr Steel said.
He said many of the review’s recommendations had already been put into action
“The Domestic Animals (Dangerous Dogs) Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 was introduced in December 2017 to strengthen the Domestic Animals Act 2000, providing stronger protections to better manage dog attacks and dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs in the ACT,” the Minister said.
“The report acknowledges that DAS has made a concerted effort over the past 12 months to improve animal management and welfare practices, improve public amenity and keep the community safe,” he said.
“The Panel also recognises DAS’s efforts to become a leader in dog management, stating that ‘in order to be the best in anything, there needs to be a very strong will to be the best. It is the view of the panel that the ACT Government, through DAS has the will required to be the best’.”
Mr Steel said the review panel recommended there be a single DAS operating manual that would be available to the public; that DAS finalise and publish a commitment to accountability; that it improve its data capture and reporting; actively promote responsible pet ownership; that it hold a DAS Open Day; and that DAS introduce a formal pairing process for dogs and potential owners with follow-up checks after 30 days to ensure the new relationship was going well
He said it also suggested that a ‘Canberra Model’ be developed for dog management that could make DAS a national and international leader in its field.
The 46-page report from the review can be accessed at this PS News link.
