Dog and Animal Laws

Laws for Dog Ownership

Dog Registration

Dog owners are notified that all dogs over the age of three months are required to be registered with this Council.

Current annual registrations expire on the 31st October of each year and dog owners must ensure that their dog is registered for the ensuing year.

Registration can be effected upon payment of the appropriate fees:-

FEES (1 YEAR and 3 YEAR PERIODS)
Unsterilised $30.00 for 1 Year and $75.00 for a 3-Year period.
Sterilised $10.00 for 1 Year and $18.00 for a 3-year period.

Under the terms of the Dog Act (1976), it is an offence to keep an unregistered dog.

Dog registration forms are available at the Council Administration Offices, however they may also be sent out via fax or post. Forms may also be downloaded by clicking here.

Name and address tags on dog collars must be worn at all times for easy owner identification.

The Dog Pound is at the Dogs Refuge Home, Lemnos Street, Shenton Park. Telephone 9381 8166

If a person wished to keep more than two dogs at the one property, a written application must be submitted to Council for determination.

When a dog is sold or given away to another person, the registered owner must provide details of the name and address of the new owner within 28 days.

If a dog owner moves within the State the dog does not have to be re-registered until the current registration has expired. However, details of the new address have to be provided.

Dog Excrement

Dog owners are again reminded of their responsibility in removing dog excrement from public areas.

Penalties up to $200.00 exist for the failure to remove excrement. Some dog exercise areas are equipped with special bins for the disposal of the excrement.

Restricted Breed Dog Laws

Under new restrictions, owners of restricted breed dogs in Western Australia will be required from 22nd April 2002 to follow similar provisions as those that apply to dogs declared dangerous.

These measures include adequate identification of such dogs and properties where they are kept, stringent fencing requirements, muzzling and restraing at all times in public and age restrictions for owners and handlers.

Further details can be obtained from the "Laws for Responsible Dog Ownership" brochure available from Council offices.

For further information on dangerous dogs, follow this link to the WA Rangers website.
 

Dog Exercise Areas  

To find out where you can exercise your dog off the lead, click here.  A map is available for download.
 

Dog Control

Dogs must be restrained on a leash when in a public place unless being exercised in an authorised dog exercise area. A leash must be carried for attachment to the dog collar if required. Whilst your dog is off the leash, it must remain under full control of the owner at all times.
 

Barking Dog Complaints

For details on lodging a complaint about a Nuisance Dog, please click here

Cat Ownership

 For information regarding cat ownership please click here.