If you own a pet you should not let it annoy others by wandering, making noise, etc. An enclosure must be sufficient to keep your dog & cat in at all times.
Desexing of pets is encouraged to reduce the breeding stock and prevent unwanted kittens or puppies being dumped.
All dogs are to be registered and wear a collar and tag. All dogs and cats are to be microchipped.
Minimum Standards for Keeping Animals
The following are the minimum standards to be complied with by a person who keeps an animal under the provisions of the local law. The keeper of the animal must ensure that:
- waste water from enclosures are drained in a nuisance free manner or as directed by an authorised person
- excreta, food scraps and other material that is, or is likely to become, offensive is collected at least once each day and, if not immediately disposed of, is kept in a fly proof container of a kind approved by the local government;
- any enclosure in which the animal is kept is in a clean and sanitary condition;
- any enclosure in which the animal is kept is properly maintained and in an aesthetically acceptable condition;
- all reasonable steps are taken to prevent the animal from making a noise or disturbance that causes a nuisance or disturbance to the occupiers of other land or premises;
- any reasonable directions given by an authorised person to ensure that the keeping of the animal does not result in nuisance to occupiers of other land or premises must be complied with; and
- any enclosure built for the purpose of housing an animal, is constructed so as to prevent the animal from going within 10 metres of any dwelling other than a dwelling upon the allotment on which the enclosure is constructed.
Fencing and Shelter
As part of caring for your dog is ensuring that it has a safe, secure environment in which to live. Constructing an adequate fence around your property protects both your dog and your neighbourhood. Remember, this is a Council requirement. Failure to provide adequate confinement could result in a fine.
If your dog sleeps outside, ensure it has a covered shelter to protect it from wind, sun and rain and that it has warm bedding for winter.
Storm and fireworks safety
Loud noises during thunder storms and fireworks can scare your dog, causing it to run away from home. If your dog is scared of loud noises, Council recommends the following during storms or fireworks:
- place your dog in a dark room or enclosed area
- take your dog to another home where the noise won't be heard
- don't tie your dog up in the yard as it may injure itself trying to get free
- try not to comfort your dog during storms or fireworks as it reinforces its fear
- ensure your dog is registered and is wearing its registration tag in case it flees in fright
Rules for children
- never pat a strange dog
- stay away from a dog while it's eating
- stay away from a dog when it's sleeping
- stop your bike if you are chased while riding
- never retrieve a ball from someone else's yard
- if visiting a friend who has a dog, ask them to put the dog away if you want to play
- stay away from a dog that is tied up
- never pull a dog's tail or ears - dogs feel pain too
- never tease a dog or make it angry
- stand totally still if a dog runs at you barking and cover your face with your hands
- if knocked to the ground by a dog, roll into a ball, cover your face with your arms and stay as still as you possibly can. Don't try to get up.