Project title: Cat registration and management in councils in Adelaide Human ethics committee approval number: H-2017-115 Investigators: Kristy Pearn, Dr. Susan Hazel, Dr. Torben Nielsen
Dear Participant, you are invited to participate in the project described below.
What is this project about? Cats (both owned and wild) can affect local wildlife and be a nuisance to residents. Cat registration and management is a controversial topic, but Mitcham council have introduced cat registration bylaws. We are interested to find out about resident attitudes to cat management. This study is being undertaken by researchers at the University of Adelaide and forms part of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Why am I being invited to participate? You are being invited to participate as you live within Mitcham, Salisbury or Charles Sturt Council. We are interested to find out residents of these councils’ attitudes to cat management.
What will I be invited to do? If you take part in this study you will be invited to complete an anonymous online survey that takes a maximum of 10 minutes to complete. You will be asked for information about pet ownership, and your attitude to aspects of cat management.
Are there any risks associated with participating in this project? There are no foreseeable risks to anyone participating in this study.
What are the benefits of this research project? Better understanding of resident attitudes to cat management will enable Local Councils to develop cat management plans to benefit the majority of residents.
Can I withdraw from the project? Participation in this project is entirely voluntary. If you agree to participate by confirming electronically you have read and understood the information provided and conditions of participation you will be given the opportunity to complete the online survey. The survey is anonymous and you may withdraw at any time prior to electronically submitting your survey (at the completion of the questionnaire).
What will happen to my information? The information will be stored on secure computers at the University of Adelaide before being collated and analysed. No survey responses will contain identifying information. Information collected will be stored for at least 5 years and may be used in future research with other researchers. If you wish to obtain a summary of preliminary findings prior to subsequent publications please contact the researchers by emailing torben.nielsen@adelaide.edu.au.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the project? If you wish to contact the researchers please contact Torben Nielsen on (08) 8313 7882 or email torben.nielsen@adelaide.edu.au
What if I have complaints or concerns? The study has been approved by the Human Ethics Committee at the University of Adelaide (approval number H-2017-115). If you have questions or problems about the project or your participation in this, then please contact the Principal Investigator. Contact the Human Ethics Committees’ secretariat on phone +61 8 8313 6028 or by email hrec@adelaide.edu.au if you wish to speak with an independent person regarding concerns or a complaint, the University’s policy on research involving human participants, or your rights as a participant. Any complaint or concern will be treated in confidence and fully investigated.