Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:00 AM AWST

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Undertake appointed animal control duties and responsibilities

Undertake appointed animal control duties and responsibilities

Unit of competency
National Code
LGAREGS404A
State Code
C1945
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
11/09/2012
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/01/2006
Field of Education
091103 - Legal Studies
Original Release Date
20/01/2006
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit covers operating in accordance with by-laws and state legislation and exercising legal powers of appointment. It addresses powers conferred under the dog act.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Communicate with animal owners and the public about animal care and control issues
  • 1.1 Enquiries about council policies on animal care and control are answered or referred to relevant personnel or authorities.
  • 1.2 Complaints and notifications from the public are responded to in a timely and appropriate manner.
  • 1.3 Council involvement in community education programs is undertaken efficiently and effectively.
2 Issue warnings and infringements to offending animal owners
  • 2.1 Patrols are effective as a means of capturing offending animals and acting as a deterrent to owners.
  • 2.2 Complaints are attended to, inspections are undertaken and advice is given in accordance with legislation and accepted practices.
  • 2.3 Capture, impounding and release procedures are implemented according to legislation, council procedures and occupational health and safety policies.
  • 2.4 Liaison with owners of animals regarding infringements is timely, empathetic and outlines factual and legal aspects of the offence.
3 Investigate dog attacks on persons and other animals
  • 3.1 Offending dogs are impounded and warnings or infringement notices are directed to dog owners.
  • 3.2 Disposal of dangerous animals as an alternative to capture is undertaken in a legal and humane manner.
  • 3.3 Investigation of dog attacks on persons and other animals is undertaken to support possible court proceedings.
4 Undertake appropriate checks with other council personnel
  • 4.1 Registration checks and issues are undertaken as appropriate.
  • 4.2 Liaison with pound personnel or other council management regarding the release or destruction of impounded dogs or collection of pound or registration fees is in accordance with policy and legislation.
  • 4.3 Accurate records of transactions are maintained.
5 Attend to appropriate court proceedings
  • 5.1 Statements are taken in an appropriate manner to support proceedings.
  • 5.2 Processes are served in accordance with legislation and policy.
  • 5.3 Court attendance and evidence tendering are undertaken where necessary to prosecute offending animal owners.
  • 5.4 Penalty notices are issued in accordance with findings of court or summary powers.
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Complaints may include:
formal and informal
general nuisance or specific occurrence
disputes of fact or legal interpretation
public and private property issues
noise, aggression or danger
Community education programs may include:
specific to problem or generic
community
school
interest groups
Legislation may include:
state or local acts
by-laws regarding animal or reptile care and control, including powers of appointed officers
Warnings, infringement notices or disposal of animals may include:
specifications of legislation, policy, legal process serving and acknowledgement of warnings
formality of process
progressive discipline procedures
disposal and euthanasia techniques
Investigation may include:
at incident site
from records and statements
witness interviews
use of technical support and database information
rules of evidence
custody of exhibits
Overview of assessment requirements
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Legal expectations are communicated to community and animal owners.
Correct procedures are followed in issuing warnings and infringement notices, collecting evidence of offences and preparing for court proceedings as arbiter or prosecutor.
Impounding of animals is used appropriately with respect to potential legal ramifications.
Available records and databases are used and maintained correctly to preserve integrity of proceedings.
Appropriate support is sought from other council staff, legal staff or advisers.
Context of assessment
On the job or in a simulated work environment. May be supported by written or oral examination.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documentation
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor
Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
Evidence will need to be gathered over time across a range of variables .
Resource implications
Access to a workplace or simulated case study that encompasses:
processes
techniques
equipment
No information
State Code National Code Title Type
C756 LGA40504 Certificate IV in Local Government (Regulatory Services) Qualification