With Athina Pascoe-Bell, Socks + Boots
Words by Hamish Marshall and Photos by Mel Brautigam
We recently caught up with City of Palmerston Mayor, Athina Pascoe-Bell and her dogs Socks & Boots at the Marlow Lagoon Dog Park where we talked all things puppies and City of Palmerston’s new Animal Management By-Laws.
Q: We hear you’re quite the animal lover! Can you introduce us to your furry family?
A: Meet my Border Collies – Socks (longer hair) who is six years old, and Boots, who is five. I also have a turtle, just to mix things up a bit!
Q: Do your pets have any unique traits?
A: Plenty! Socks can ‘talk’ on command when I simply close and open my fist, which is fun. They are both super fit too – we’ve used a GPS Pet Tracker which showed that Socks (also known as the CrossFitter) has run up to 25km around the backyard during the day, while Boots (the Couch Potato) typically takes a more relaxed approached by running around 14km on our one acre block.
As soon as they hear the coffee machine at home, they both think it’s play time and immediately run around with delight.
Q: I understand there are new Animal By-Laws in Palmerston?
A: Yes, we introduced new Animal By-Laws this year, for the first time in 25 years, to enhance the safety and wellbeing of all Palmerston residents, including pet owners, their animals and non-pet owners alike.
The main changes are:
> Compulsory registration for cats
> Compulsory microchipping for registered cats and dogs
> Palmerston residents can keep a maximum of two cats and two dogs per property, without a licence
> Domestic livestock and poultry owners are required to obtain a free property identification code with NTG.
Q: What is your favourite pet-friendly spot in Palmerston that you and your pets love to visit?
A: I enjoy walking my dogs along the path at Marlow Lagoon, where there’s plenty of shade. Socks and Boots both love to swim in the lake and run around in the designated off-leash area.
Q: What advice would you give to residents who are thinking about adopting a pet in Palmerston?
A: Pets make great companions. If you’re considering a cat or dog, make sure they’re registered and microchipped. This is particularly important during the stormy season, and Council will return registered dogs that escape. If they’re not registered, they’ll be impounded until the owner can be found.
Q: In your opinion, what role do responsible pet owners play in helping our community thrive?
A: Make sure they’re well-behaved and under control when out in public. If you have kids, teach them to avoid approaching other dogs without permission, as you never know how the dog may react. For cat owners, it’s important to not let them roam around outside, as we know it can have a negative impact on our wildlife.
Q: How do you feel City of Palmerston’s Animal By-Laws help create a safe and happy environment for both pets and their owners?
A: The changes came after three separate community consultations, so they’re based on community expectations and bringing them into line with what’s happening around Australia as well. Community safety and animal control is everyone’s responsibility.
Q: Where can Palmerston residents read more about responsible animal ownership?
A: City of Palmerston’s website contains all the important information relating to animals, including
the new By-Laws and pet-friendly parks. Be sure to keep an eye on City of Palmerston’s social media
pages for pet-friendly events.
For all up to date information on City of Palmerston’s new Animal By-Laws: http://palmerston.nt.gov.au/animals
