Rules and regulations
Enforced regulations - Council has a variety of authorised officers who will enforce the provisions of the Companion Animals Act 1998 and Companion Animals Regulation 1999.
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:
- dogs being off leash in other than designated dog leash free areas;
- the failure to clean up dog faeces;
- declared dangerous and nuisance dogs;
- 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.
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.
Maximum penalty $550
($2,200 dangerous or restricted dog).
© Bega Valley Shire Council 2024
Our council websites
Contact Us
- 02 6499 2222
- council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
-
Zingel Place
PO Box 492
Bega NSW 2550 -
Monday to Friday 9.00AM to 4.30PM
Administration building Zingel Place Bega
Australia -
ABN: 26 987 935 332
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