Published on: 7 Sep, 2020
Theme 1 - Reimagine the system
The current approach to animal management masks the real issue - that our pound system does not give impounded pets safe options. When a lost or wandering pet is first picked up by an animal management officer, legislation dictates that it must be taken to a pound to wait out its holding period.
This is where the pet’s future becomes uncertain.
If pet owners aren’t able to claim their pet in the specified time period - sometimes as little as 48 hours - these pets can be killed, sold, or given away. The lucky ones may be taken in by a rescue organisation.
Rescue organisations (many which are run by volunteers) save the lives of tens of thousands of pets every year. While this may seem like a successful approach to help pets, rescue groups are underfunded and overburdened, and ultimately are simply propping up a deeply flawed system.
Can we look at fixing the core problem rather than just the symptoms? Can we create a system where the health and welfare of every pet is the priority?
Issues
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A disproportionate focus on public safety and privacy has inhibited innovation in animal management
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Scared, unwell, and possibly misdiagnosed pets can be killed upon admission without owners being contacted
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Pet microchip and registration data is closed and not accessible between council systems
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The continual killing of healthy pets takes a huge toll on staff. PTSD is common in this sector
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Rescue groups are effectively working as unpaid contractors to councils, saving unclaimed pets from being killed which masks the issue
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Complacency due to common belief that if a pet is microchipped they are guaranteed to be reunited with their owner
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It is the responsibility of the owner to find a pet, yet there is no central system for pet owners to easily track or locate their pet
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The guilt of not saving a pets’ life is passed from council workers whose hands are tied to rescue groups who are overburdened and under-resourced
The Opportunities
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Can we empower the community to get lost pets home easier and bypass the system?
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What would a system look like where owner data is available widely - getting pets home quickly and safely and meeting expectations around privacy?
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How do we design an animal management system that prioritises pets lives rather than treats them as a nuisance
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Imagining challenges faced by councils and rangers, how do we remove barriers that hold back innovation and achieve change at a local government level?
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Can we reimagine the way lost pets are reconnected with their owners and safely returned home?
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Is there a solution that helps pets get home rather than punish owners?
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How do we use data or behavioural science to pilot and drive change
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There is a huge demand for pets via PetRescue.com.au. How do we put healthy pets in front of loving homes without burdening rescue organisations?