Program For Schools The responsible pet ownership program for schools is an initiative of the Department of Primary Industries . The program was developed as a response to the Domestic Feral and Nuisance Animals Act 1994. This legislation was introduced to address: the community's responsibility in looking after their pets in the home environment the protection of our native animals and their environment the large number of complaints received by councils about unruly and dangerous animals the number of stray dogs and cats handled through animal welfare shelters. The State Government's Responsible Pet Ownership Education Program has two major components - a community focus and a schools education program. The schools education program includes the opportunity for a trained pet educator and their temperament tested pet to visit primary schools and preschools. The program is designed to educate students about the benefits of owning a pet and the responsibilities that go with this. It provides students with practical experience in correctly approaching a dog and what to do if an unfriendly or aggressive dog confronts them. These visits are at no cost for schools. A teachers kit has also been developed. The kit is based on the Curriculum Standards Framework II and incorporates eight key concepts in relation to looking after pets, specifically dogs and cats. It includes units of work and worksheets, teacher reference materials, resource guides, a big book and a video. The Department of Education, Employment and Training has assisted in the development of this kit. For more information click on this link.
	Responsible Pet Ownership Copyright / Disclaimer Last Updated: 18/02/2003 This site was designed and developed by KnowledgeWorks.