Dog Control Act Information
Obligations under the Dog Control Act 1996 require every owner of a dog:
- To register the dog each year from three months of age, and to promptly notify Council of any change of address or ownership of the dog.
- To ensure that the dog is kept under control at all times (including on the dog’s own property). Note - there is a common misconception that dog attacks are acceptable on private property. However the reality is most dog bites/attacks, regardless of where they take place, are offences under the Dog Control Act. Penalties, if the owner is convicted in Court, usually include destruction of the dog, potentially hefty fines, and disqualification of the owner from owning any dog for up to five years. We recommend owners secure their dogs in such a way that clear access to the front door of their dwelling is allowed for any visitors to the property.
- To keep the dog confined on their property at all times (eg fenced, locked or tied up) unless under the direct supervision/control of a person (adult).
- To ensure that the dog receives proper care and attention, and is supplied with proper and sufficient food, water and shelter, and receives adequate exercise.
- To take all reasonable steps to ensure the dog doesn’t cause a nuisance to any other person eg. by persistent and loud barking or howling.
- To take all reasonable steps to ensure that the dog doesn’t injure, endanger, intimidate or cause distress to any person, stock, domestic animal or protected wildlife.
- To take all reasonable steps to ensure the dog doesn’t damage property belonging to any other person and to accept liability for damage done by their dog.
- To muzzle their dog in public if it is known to be dangerous (this is in addition to the requirement to muzzle dogs which have been classified by Council as dangerous or menacing).
- To comply with all requirements of the Act and all Council bylaws in relation to dog control.
In addition to these obligations, from 1 July 2006 all owners of dogs classified by Council as menacing or dangerous, certain impounded dogs, and dogs being registered for the first time will be required to have their dog micro-chipped.