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Signage indicating dog leash free areas and
dog prohibition areas is installed at all relevant areas in the
Shire. Although Council prefers an educative role, it is
recognised that compliance is essential in companion animal
matters. Council has a variety of authorised officers who will
enforce the provisions of the Companion Animals Act 1998 and
Companion Animals Regulation 1999.
Police officers may also enforce the
provisions of the Act and the Regulation and they work very
closely with Council officers to ensure public safety.
Authorised officers make regular patrols of
public places, including public roads, parklands, beaches and
reserves. At various times of the year Council’s Rangers work
during weekends and after hours to help ensure responsible dog
ownership.
Fines will be issued to the appropriate person
for non-compliance with legislation and/or signs placed by the
Council, whichever may be applicable. Special attention is given
to the enforcement of the following:
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dogs being off leash in other than
designated dog leash free areas;
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the failure to clean up dog faeces;
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declared dangerous and nuisance dogs;
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unregistered dogs.
Significant “on the spot” penalties apply to
all these matters. In more serious circumstances, Council may
also choose to take the matter to court |
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COMPANION ANIMAL MICROCHIPS
The Companion Animals Act requires
that a dog or cat must be permanently identified by means of
a microchip.
The microchip must be implanted by
the time the animal is 12 weeks old or before the animal is
sold (whichever is sooner).
The term “sell” extends to the
transfer of ownership by any means, including by gift.
A person who “sells” an animal in
contravention of this requirement is guilty of an offence.
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