Greater education required. individuals found guilty of animal welfare offences.’ An education campaign to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership is being developed. (action 2.1.1) 6200 All cats should be contained, and micro-chipped. Fines should apply. Cat traps should be made available for hire by the RSPCA. It is already a requirement that all cats are micro-chipped and (unless a licence is obtained to have a sexually entire cat). Fines of up to 10 units ($1,500) apply for non-compliance. Cat containment options will be investigated as part of the AWMS. The Cat Management Plan, which is currently being developed, will address cat containment in more detail. There are animal welfare issues that need to be addressed when trapping animals. RSPCA does not hire out traps as it goes against the organisation’s core values. √ 6205 Bush Capital reputation should be protected. Need to protect wildlife and not cull kangaroos and Noted. √
Opposed to kangaroo cull Increase penalties for animal cruelty offences Noted. Kangaroos are culled according to the relevant . The cull method, shooting, is recognised by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and RSPCA Australia as the most humane method of culling. Kangaroo shooters in the ACT have to pass a marksmanship accuracy test, overseen by an accredited Australian Federal Police Firearms Instructor. Additionally shooters must pass tests on the National Code of Practice and a macropod identification test to be accredited. The ACT is the only jurisdiction to test and accredit non-commercial kangaroo shooters and the testing process was made even more stringent and rigorous through improvements made in 2014. An experienced veterinarian conducts an audit of the conservation cull in ACT nature reserves. 7079 - 7080 Funding is needed to increase enforcement compliance See action 5.2.2: ‘Additional investment in facilities and processes to support proportional and transparent compliance and enforcement activities.’ √
7082 AWMS – verbose and ineffective document Noted. √ 7083 Opposes the economic exploitation of animals (eg fishing and animal farming) Noted. See actions under Objective 5. √ Does not support use of animals for economic gain 7084 Supports subsidised training/housing for owners of misbehaving dogs instead of discounts for responsible owners. See actions under Objective 2.I, in particular 2.1.1 and 2.1.3. √ 7085 Need stronger penalties for animal cruelty. Supports the establishment of an Animal Abusers Register. RSPCA need more power to enforce animal welfare laws and remove animals. Education is important in bringing about changes in behaviour The AWMS provides for a review of legislation (action 1.1.1). Noted. See actions under Objective 5, in particular, action 5.2.3. Agreed. See action 1.1.4 regarding community education. See also actions under Objective 2 (eg 2.1.1 and 2.1.3). √ √ √
7094 Very good strategy. Needs resources to implement it. Condition of DAS facility is very poor and dog handing practices are poor (ie dogs are not walked on Sundays, lack of stimulation, dogs not cleaned, kennels cleaned whilst dogs are in them casing stress). Also, currently no Kennel Master and no adoption officer to assist with dog selection, and no advertising of available dogs which would assist to re-homing dogs. Support ACT Government stance on circus animals, free-range eggs and greyhound racing. Noted. The AWMS recognises the need to resource its implementation. See action 3.1.6 of AWMS related to improved facilities and action 3.1.3 relating to staff levels, training and skills. Noted. √ √ need to DAS facilities and its 7095 Well written strategy. Support the commitment to invest in a fit for purpose facility and the 5 freedoms. Noted. 7096 Need an independent body to oversee welfare issues not industry groups. See Attachment B of the AWMS. The AWAC membership has a representation from a broad cross-section of the community. See also, actions 1.1.1 and 1.3.1 of the AWMS. √ AWAC
Groomers should have more power to report owners who are suspected of mistreating their/neglecting their dogs. See action 3.4.3: Investigate options for a community reporting system to increase compliance with requirements that protect community safety and environmental amenity. Not submission on AWMS but TCCS committed to considering it as part of consultation process. Topic: Vulnerable Animals: Representing ‘Pet and Wellbeing Service (PAWS)’ regarding concerns about longer-term housing pets from households that have been affected by domestic and family violence. Concerns also raised about funding for pets with owners under 65 yo. Response letter prepared by TCCS. Action item 2.3.2 specifically targets identifying and implementing agreed opportunities for collaboration to support vulnerable animals. √ Vulnerable animals _ Submission sought government support for greyhound racing in the ACT on the basis that the ACT greyhound racing industry has the highest animal welfare standards in the ACT and is in line with community values. CGRC and other key stakeholders should have been consulted in the preparation of the strategy and The debate regarding the future of greyhound racing in the ACT is considered outside the scope of the AWMS. √ Seeking govt support for greyhound racing industry
been contacted when the strategy was made available for consultation. Noted for future consultation processes. _ Strategy should provide for a review of all legislation that impacts on animals including companion dogs (ie planning policy regulation and legislation). Codes of Practice: AJP opposes current practices for barn and free range systems and control of pest and native animals and in particular current practices under the Kangaroo Management Plan that are not based on plausible research or evidence. The impacts of urban development on biodiversity and recreational opportunities are considered when rezoning land for urban development and urban areas. This is a requirement under the Planning and Development Act 2007 and the Territory Plan and the Planning Strategy. Dog parks continue to be provided to meet public demand for off-leash exercise areas. AWAC, which is an independent committee that provides advice to the Minister responsible for animal welfare, develops and reviews Codes of Practice. The AWMS provides for a review of current Codes of Practice (action 1.2.1, 1.2.3 and 1.3.2 The Kangaroo Management Plan addresses culling of kangaroos. This is prepared based on sound scientific advice and considers animal welfare issues. The Plan is periodically reviewed. Comments to be provided to EPSDD. √ √ √ (oppose cat
Loss of open space and habitat due to infill and urban sprawl. Police should play a vital role in responding to animal welfare issues. AJP opposes killing of pest/naturalised animals. AJP opposes cat containment Definitions of ‘humane’, ‘suffering’, ‘sentience’ and ‘wild native and exotic fauna’. See response paragraph 1. Noted. No change required. Noted. Cats have a negative impact on native animal populations and cause nuisance to neighbours when allowed to roam. Cats that are contained are generally healthier and live longer. They are less likely to suffer injuries through fights with other animals or misadventure. They are also less likely to catch diseases. The cost of containing cats is being considered as part of the Cat Management Strategy that is currently being prepared. Definitions reviewed, no changes made. _ Supportive of many of the proposed outcomes and actions. Noted. √ √ √