Toggle search box search Open main navigation menu Menu Close menu

Services

Responsible Ownership

Responsible ownership of your dog is necessary for the continuation of a peaceful harmony between dogs and humans within our District. Ultimately, you as the dog owner have chosen to have a dog, no one else. This places a high level of responsibility on your part. Here are some ways to be a responsible owner to ensure you, your dog and your neighbours are all able to live harmoniously.

The very first step you need to take before owning a dog is ensuring your home and yard is suitable to own a dog. Can you keep your dog safe and contained to your own home and yard effectively? Check these things:

  • A good fence of a height appropriate to the breed and jumping ability of the dog you intend to get/already own.
  • Dig proofing measures are in place around your fence. Things like loose rocks or bricks around the perimeter or chicken wire buried in the ground are some examples of dig proofing.
  • Any gaps in fences and gates have been identified and repaired.

Now that you have ensured you will be able to contain your dog, you need to make sure your dog is comfortable. These measures will ensure the comfort and wellbeing of your new/existing dog.

  • Ensure there is plenty of shelter and shade.
  • Keep plenty of fresh, clean water available. Preferably kept in two bowls (particularly in summer) in case one gets knocked over.
  • Ensure there is comfortable bedding for your dog.
  • Make sure you have plenty of enrichment activities available for your dog. From hard-to-get treats and toys to training. It is important you are to keep your dog entertained and stimulated while you are at home and away.

With your home and yard set up and ready for a dog, you now just need to make sure your dog is ready for the community.

  • Register your dog! This must be done by 3 months of age or within 14 days of ownership of a new dog over 3 months of age. Always keep the registration tag on your dog. This helps us to get your dog back to you quickly if it gets lost. To register your dog, head to Dogs and Cats Online, alternatively contact the Council Office where our friendly staff can assist you through the process.
  • Microchip your dog. This is another way we can ensure your dog comes back to you within a timely manner if it gets lost, it cannot fall off or get lost like a collar and registration tag can. Microchipping is a quick and harmless procedure.
  • Desex your dog. This stops dogs breeding unexpectedly. It also helps to prevent unwanted behaviours that can impact the community such as barking, whining, howling, aggressive behaviour, humping, marking and wandering.
    • A standard dog (both microchipped and desexed) entitles you to a lower registration fee compared to a non-standard dog. Our list of fees and charges can be found HERE
  • Train your dog. The only sure-fire way to ensure your dog is community ready is to train it to become a well-behaved member of our community. This is a process that takes a LOT of time and patience, but it is necessary. There is no substitution for effective training!

Whilst out and about in the community there are some requirements on safety and etiquette to keep both your dog and some community safe and healthy.

  • Dogs travelling in cars should be secured.
  • Dogs travelling on the back of utes, trucks or similar vehicles must be harnessed or enclosed so the dog cannot extend any part of itself beyond the tray. Working dogs are exempt in situations where they are involved in the movement of stock.
  • Pick up after your dog. The Council provides dog tidy bags around all the larger townships within the district.
  • Keep your dog on a leash that extends no more than 2 metres at all times while travelling, both for your dog’s safety and the safety of the community. Any dog can bite, any dog can bolt. The only exception is within off leash areas, provided you can maintain reasonable control of your dog at all times. To find out about off leash areas within the District click HERE

Responsible dog ownership is YOUR responsibility. Be proactive in your ownership of a dog.

For more information, check out our Dog Impacts on Townships: Facts, Problems and Fixes page.