Our traffic light tracking system
How we collect the data
We use a mix of quantitative and qualitative data.
Qualitative data is collected through stakeholder engagement methodologies and on the ground observations from our animal welfare staff.
Quantitative data is collated and collected through our central animal management database.
Data is collected in line with the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds. More information of our wider animal welfare responsibilities under this Code can be found here: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/domestic-animals-act/codes-of-practice/code-of-practice-for-the-management-of-dogs-and-cats-in-shelters-and-pounds
The proprietor must record the following details and retain these records for a period of not less than five years:
(a) For animals handed in by their owners or owner's agent:
- species of animal
- name of the animal
- name of the owner of the animal
- contact telephone number and address of the owner or owner's agent
- reason the animal was handed in.
A description of the animal including:
- sex and whether the animal is desexed
- breed type
- colour
- age
- details of medical, dietary, bathing and grooming requirements
- vaccination status
- heartworm treatment (dogs)
- any behaviour problems
- any permanent identification.
(b) For animals seized under the Domestic Animals Act 1994:
- species of animal
- location where animal was seized
- time and date animal was seized
- name and address of person who seized the animal (business address of authorised officers or Council contractors)
- reason why animal was seized.
A description of the animal including:
- sex and whether the animal is desexed
- breed type
- colour
- age
- any injuries noted when seized
- any behaviour problems noted when seized, e.g. aggression
- any permanent identification.
(c) For animals in foster care:
- species of animal
- address where animal is in foster care
- date animal was taken to foster care
- date animal was returned to establishment
- name, address and telephone number of foster carer
- reason why animal is in foster care.
A description of the animal including:
- sex and whether the animal is desexed
- breed type
- colour
- age
- details of medical, dietary, bathing and grooming requirements
- vaccination status
- heartworm treatment (dogs)
- any behaviour problems
- permanent identification.
(d) Fate of animal - including recovery by owner, rehoming or euthanasia
In the event that the animal is recovered by an owner:
- name and address of person who recovered the animal
- registration status of the animal at time of recovery
- Council registration and microchip number of the animal
- municipal area in which the animal is to be kept.
In the event that the animal is rehomed:
- microchip number and date of implantation
- date Domestic Animal Registry was notified
- date Council notified that new owner lives in that Council area
- date animal was wormed
- date animal was desexed
- date animal was vaccinated and by whom it was vaccinated.
In the event that the animal is euthanased:
- date, reason and method of the animal's demise.
How to interpret the data
We are using a ‘traffic light’ system to clearly and quickly illustrate where we are on our continual journey to achieving animal welfare excellence. Red signifies the start of a journey, green the completion of it.
Behind each colour signal sits a mix of quantitative and qualitative data, which is then weighted and measured against set targets.
Global developments in best practice animal welfare will inevitably change and advance. We will always strive to achieve green, however, as we tackle yet to be defined challenges it may be that, on occasion, the traffic lights will initially move in the opposite direction.
