Page 1702 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 9 May 2018
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TCCS has rolled out PinForce, an app-based tool on mobile electronic devices, to enable efficient and effective compliance activities by DAS rangers. TCCS has implemented a public education campaign around responsible pet ownership, and commissioned an independent expert to review dog management in the ACT and how domestic animal services exercises its functions to make sure that Canberra is on track to be an Australian and world leader in dog management.
Last year the government announced additional positions for domestic animal services to further enable them to effectively administer and implement the law. This demonstrated our commitment to this issue. This strengthening of the capacity will enable DAS to take a proactive approach to ensuring that all dog owners behave in a responsible way, and those that do not are held accountable for a failure to manage their dog appropriately.
I am pleased to advise the Assembly that recruitment for the additional domestic animal services positions has been completed, and new staff are on board. The field of applicants was especially strong. It is notable that the successful candidates included a high proportion of women. Gender diversity within DAS is now fifty-fifty, which is very pleasing.
The team now consists of 10 field-focused rangers, along with additional office and pound staff who are supported by four investigation rangers. While the government has delivered on the commitment to increase the number of rangers, more importantly the real benefit is that the capacity of DAS has been increased to respond to the full range of incidents that occur in our city.
The mix of staff allows field rangers to focus squarely on responding to dog incidents, including harassment, complaints and attacks. As well it gives them the ability to take a proactive approach to engaging with and educating the community about responsible pet ownership. Where an attack is of a more serious nature or recidivism is identified, the attending field ranger refers the case to the dedicated investigations team for further action and follow-up.
The government’s focus on improving dog management and educating the community about responsible pet ownership is proving successful. But this is a long-term strategic approach and, while we have many runs on the board, it will take time to achieve the ultimate goal. Training of new staff has commenced, with further specialised training planning to commence in June. Due to the specialised role of DAS rangers, achieving full proficiency in their new roles will take time and experience.
The ACT wishes to be a world leader in animal welfare and management. We have the necessary arrangements in place through updated contemporary legislation, extra staffing resources, and comprehensive and rigorous governance processes. We are in the process of building the capacity and capability of the DAS team.
The challenge now is to continue to engage the community to ensure all pet owners are aware of and compliant with their obligations to be a responsible pet owner. In addition DAS has a clear and unambiguous approach to how it allocates its resources.
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