Local Government, Shire, and Council Resources

AMRRIC is currently looking into producing a manual for local government, shires and councils on best practice dog management programs.  A scoping process has been completed but the rest of the project is unfunded. In the meantime, we have assembled some resources below.

Dogs in culture
You can learn more about dogs in culture through ARDS Watuwal malangur ga nhina (Living with dogs) DVD It talks about the importance of dogs in Yolngu Dreaming and Yolngu traditions of looking after dogs. This DVD is specific for people living in eastern Arnhem land: other Indigenous people have different beliefs, though some are similar. ARDS also publishes Richard Trudgen’s bookWhy Warriors Lie Down And Die’, which is a great introduction for whitefellas wanting to work in Indigenous communities. It explores Indigenous cultural concept s of health, communication issues, community development and health education. 

Health, disease and Zoonosis
Our Zoonoses fact sheets present one page summary information on disease that are shared or spread between people and dogs.

Laws and By-laws
We are developing fact sheets exploring laws and bylaws.  Currently we are working on: 

  • By laws – 2 dogs per house
  • Fencing and Roaming
  • The Animal Welfare Act explained

Guidelines for Communities setting up dog health programs

Population Management
Understand the effect of different population management options in this 6 minute powerpoint show. Coming soon.

Behaviour:Aggression, Barking, and Bites
We are currently seeking funding to better research this area in Indigenous communities.