Strategic Companion Animals Management Plan - SCAMP

Introduction

Companion Animals (CA) are an integral part of our community, culture and society. Treating them with kindness and respect reflects our compassion for living things. Ownership of CA is to be considered a privilege and comes with responsibilities in relation to the CA, the community and the environment.

Why We Need a Plan

Nearly two-thirds of Australian households own a pet. A plan created specifically for CA management creates the opportunity to research and implement current best practice and utilise numerous ideas, products and services. This will provide pet owners with support, education, regulation and facilities to accommodate CA while considering the needs of the broader community and the environment.

Aim of Plan

This Plan has been prepared to identify and strengthen all areas of CA management in the Shoalhaven. It uses a balanced, commonsense approach based on education, coordination, service and facility provision, law enforcement, proven methodology and visionary attitudes. Ecologically sustainable development has been considered and is reflected throughout the Principal Activities.

Scope of Plan

This Plan provides guidelines and directions for CA management given the way they affect our lives. It recognises their contribution to our well-being and the need to ensure their well-being. It considers amenity, safety, health, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. It also considers the requirements of non-pet owners and the environment.

It is acknowledged that native animals, other domestic animals, livestock, feral animals and exotic and pest species are linked to CA issues and will be included in the objectives of this Plan. These issues are the responsibility of all landowners and respective agencies.

Local Government, as a point of first contact for virtually all city-related matters, is a logical choice to coordinate and provide networking opportunities. Council offers direct and broad community contact and has a strong administrative link with the community. Council also traverses territorial and agency issues by defining its precinct as Shoalhaven City's Local Government boundary. This concept would streamline communication and procedures with other government agencies whose geographical areas of responsibility are fragmented.

This Plan provides an opportunity to highlight matters which may be of concern and are not being addressed satisfactorily or are being addressed but could benefit from the networking and associated outcomes of this Plan.