Pet Owner Responsibilities

To ensure the comfort, safety and health of the whole community, the Companion Animals Act contains certain responsibilities on all pet owners.

Summary of responsibilities of dog owners under the Act.
  • If your dog is in a public place it must be under effective control of a competent person by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash. The exceptions to this are; dogs exhibiting at a show or engaging in obedience or agility trials or a dog secured in a cage or vehicle or in an approved off-leash area;
  • If your dog is being exercise in an approved off-leash area it must always be under effective control of a competent person;
  • You are not permitted to walk more that four dogs at any one time in an on-leash-area or an off-leash area;
  • Greyhounds must be muzzled at all times when in a public place;
  • If your dog defecates in a public place it is an offence not to remove the faeces.
  • Dogs are prohibited in children’s play areas, food preparation/consumption areas, recreation areas, public bathing areas, school grounds, child care centres, shopping areas and wildlife protection areas.
Ranger Services

Complaints that residents have in relation to barking, straying, dangerous, defecating or nuisance dogs, or any of the services listed below, should be directed at Council's Ranger on 02 6799 6866.

Council's Ranger is also the reporting officer for the following functions:-

  1. Littering;
  2. Noise;
  3. Straying Stock;
  4. Pollution;
  5. Parking;
  6. Illegal dumping;
  7. Overgrown Blocks;
  8. Abandoned Vehicles;

Ranger Services Operational Hours are: 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

Barking Dogs

Dealing with barking dogs can be challenging. The Barking Dog Courtesy Letter is a simple, non-confrontational way to let a dog owner know that their pet's barking is causing a disturbance.

Using this letter as a first step can often resolve the issue amicably. If the problem persists, it shows that initial efforts were made before involving Council for further support.

How to Use It
  1. Download and print the letter.
  2. Deliver it anonymously to the property where the dog resides.
  3. If the issue continues, contact Council for assistance.

Penalty notices under the Act

Animal not permanently identified (microchipped)

$165

Animal not registered

$275

Failure to notify change of address/owner

$165

Failure to prevent dog escaping

$220

Dog not on a lead in a public place

$220

Failure to remove faeces

$275

Failure to take seized animal to pound/shelter

$550

Dog in prohibited place

$330

Own or in charge of attacking dog

$550

 

For further explanation and other offences refer to the Companion Animals Act 1998 and Companion Animals Regulation 1999 or Contact Council.

 

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