Dogs & Dog Control
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER?
- Choose the right dog and treat them well.
- Ensure your dog has adequate exercise.
- Consider the health benefits for your dog of neutering at an early age.
- Register and microchip your dog.
- Teach your dog basic obedience (keep your dog under control at all times).
- Know the best locations where you are allowed to take (exercise) your dog.
- Be particularly vigilant near children and closely supervise interaction.
- Know when your dog will ignore commands: put dog on-leash, shorten leash, or avoid the area altogether (even if in an off-leash or designated dog exercise area).
- Respect other people’s personal space. Public places are for everyone’s enjoyment and not everyone is fond of dogs.
- Ensure your dog cannot leave your property by itself.
- Know when your dog must be on a leash, and always carry a leash.
- Pick up after your dog and carry the means (e.g. a bag) to pick-up your dogs faeces.
Dog Registration
All dogs over 3 months must be registered and wear a registration tag and a disc showing the owner's name and address.
Dog registration fees are set by the State Government and are currently:
- Sterilised Dogs
- Unsterilised Dogs
Proof of sterilisation is required at time of registration which can be completed at the Administration Centre. Applicants must be over 18 years of age. Reduced rates are available for Pensioner Concession Card holders.
You can download the Dog Registration form here. Please return the signed form to the Shire with relevant fee. Call (08)9927 0000 for further information.
Walking Your Dog In A Public Place
Dogs must be kept on a leash in all public places, except dog exercise areas. However, in a dog exercise area dog(s) must be accompanied by a person who is capable of controlling the dog(s) at all times. A leash is to be carried by that person for the purpose of controlling the dog(s) if the need arises. Dog excreta must be disposed of by the controller of the dog. Council now provides pooch pouches and bins at all of its designated dog exercise areas.
Barking/Public Nuisance
Barking is a dog's natural means of communication and often signifies its alertness to danger of intruders.
However, a dog who persistently barks in a manner which is not considered to be normally habitual in dogs, constitutes a nuisance.
Owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dog is not causing a public nuisance. Should this occur, you could be liable for an on-the-spot fine of $100. If taken to court, the fine could be up to $2000.
Dog Attacks
Thousands of dog attacks are reported throughout the State every year. Some result in horrific injuries and trauma.
A dog attack is a very serious matter. If your dog attacks a person or other animal, you will be held responsible even if you were not there at the time.
There are very substantial penalties of up to $10,000 and/or 12 months gaol for a dog attack or inciting a dog attack.
Lost Dogs
If your dog wanders from home, it may be picked up by the Shire Ranger and taken to the pound.
Impounded dogs are available by calling the Shire Ranger on 0427 110 237. For all other enquiries regarding dogs, please telephone 0427 110 237.
Dog Exercise Map
