Page 4051 - Week 11 - Thursday, 21 September 2017
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Consistent with this continuous improvement approach, in 2017 the TCCS licensing and compliance unit developed a draft accountability commitment which outlines the unit’s risk-based approach to compliance activity. This approach ensures that resources are targeted to where the risks of harm, unsafe practices or misconduct are the greatest, thereby strengthening the capacity to take action where the community, animals and the environment are most at risk. This approach encourages compliance primarily through engagement and education but will apply escalating enforcement actions to those who demonstrate a disregard for the law and whose conduct has caused or is likely to cause harm to the community or the environment.
Whilst these processes and procedures are working efficiently and effectively, they are always being internally reviewed and streamlined to ensure best practice. The internal review processes were augmented by the work of the DAS liaison community group, which was established in 2017 as an evolution of the 2016 working group I mentioned earlier. The community liaison group has a membership drawn from members of the community, including some of the members of the former working group, relevant stakeholder groups with an interest or expertise, and domestic animal management.
In line with the actions outlined in the strategy and in direct support of responsible pet ownership, this group has been tasked to review the appropriateness and requirements for off-leash areas and animal control methods in the territory. From this work, the group has drafted a community survey proposed to guide consultation on the future of off-leash dog areas. This survey will provide an understanding of community views and help drive the location, management and regulation of off-leash areas into the future.
Last year, TCCS also began implementing the PinForce system, a field-based device which gives the DAS rangers immediate easy access to data while undertaking their duties in the field. PinForce will help capture and track information relevant to owners and animals across the life cycle of their pets, such as registration details and any previous infringements. This information can then be used as an evidence base to help identify recidivism or noncompliance, trends and emerging regulatory issues in the community.
A further outcome outlined in the strategy relates directly to the ongoing review of legislation and policy to ensure it is clear, is comprehensive and reflects current best practice models. A review component is an integral part of the administration of the Domestic Animals Act, for example, through the RAC process and through consideration of the findings of the courts and ACAT.
Previous reviews have resulted in amendments to strengthen our legislation, such as the Domestic Animals Amendment Act 2014, which created strict liability offences removing the presumption of innocence for the keeper or carer of a dog where their dog attacks or harasses another person or animal. Similarly, amendments were made to the dangerous dog provisions of the act whereby it is an offence if a person is the keeper of a dangerous dog and the person does or omits to do something which results in the dog attacking or harassing another person or animal.
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