Course overview
Animal management is provided by local and State/Territory governments to protect the safety and comfort of communities by administering domestic animal legislation, and through community education and engagement. Companion animals are an important part of people's lives, and managing them appropriately maximises the benefits of animal companionship for all of society. This course will provide knowledge and skills necessary for the management of animals, in particular dogs and cats but including livestock and wildlife species. Such skills are relevant for work in local government, or animal shelters or animal welfare organisations. Topics will include interpreting body language, assessing risk when handling individual animals and selecting appropriate equipment, using an evidence based approach to evaluate and design initiatives to resolve community problems caused by animals (e.g. dog attacks, dog barking, cat management), community engagement and conflict management. The course will include a week of online learning followed by a week of face to face workshops and practical classes.
Course learning outcomes
- Observe and interpret behavioural signs of emotional states (e.g. stress) in dogs and cats and apply safe handling practices to aggressive or anxious dogs and cats and other relevant species (e.g. wildlife)
- Describe approaches to dealing with barking dogs, and other conflicts that may occur due to interactions between animals and people in local government areas and outline the basis of conflict resolution
- Discuss complex areas of animal management (e.g. dog attacks and cat management) and evidence based approaches in these areas
- Explore a range of strategies to increase community engagement and effect behaviour change relevant to animal management in the community
- Outline the regulation of dogs and cats in Australia, and the importance of ethical and societal considerations in management plans