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Animal Control
The Companion Animals Act 1998Did you Know?
The average number of litters a fertile dog can produce: 2 a year.
Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce: 3 a year. Frequently asked Questions Do all companion animals have to be microchipped and registered? Yes - the only exceptions are cats that were owned prior to July 1999, working dogs, trained assistance dogs and greyhounds which are registered with the Greyhound Control Board. Why do I have to register my pet as well as have it microchipped? Microchipping is the first step to registering your pet. Registration provides the link between you and your pet that enables it to be returned home if lost. By registering your animal you can help make sure that you have benefit of community information, assistance and regulation to ensure your rights and needs are protected. If I want to breed from my dog, what should I do? As a breeder, your first responsibility is for the welfare of the parent animal and kittens or puppies. It is important that all new animals go to a good home. However, under the Companion Animals Act you must also ensure that all kittens and puppies are microchipped by the time they are twelve weeks of age or earlier if you are selling or giving them away. At six months of age they must be registered. What are the registration fees for cats and dogs? The following fees apply for lifetime registration in New South Wales.
You will need to bring proof that your dog or cat has been desexed to be eligible for the Desexed charges. Is there a limit on the number of dogs I can own? No - there is no limit provided the animals are properly cared for and do not cause a nuisance, health or safety risk to other members of the community. Does my dog (or cat) have to be desexed? No - the desexing of cats and dogs is not compulsory in NSW. However the benefits of desexing include reducing the likelihood that your pet will stray, reduce fighting and aggressive traits and reduce antisocial behaviour such as spraying to mark territory. Will I be fined if my dog barks? Yes, but only if there is a serious problem. Persistently barking dogs are one of the main sources of complaints received by Councils.A great deal of disruption and unhappiness can be caused by dog that persistently barks, intruding on neighbours and disrupting sleep. Dogs often bark out of boredom or frustration when confined or chained up. Ensure your animal is well nourished and well exercised and the problem should be reduced. Can my dog be taken from my property? Yes - as a reserve measure to be used in limited circumstances. A dog can be taken away if it has attacked or bitten a person or other animal and then only if the owner is not present or cannot bring it under control. What is a nuisance animal? The behaviour of some companion animals which are not responsibly owned can represent a serious inconvenience and at times a danger to other members of the community. If a dog is habitually at large, repeatedly defecates on a neighbours property, repeatedly chases vehicles or causes damage to peoples property, it can be declared a nuisance dog. A similar offence applies to cats. Council may issue a nuisance order which requires the owners to stop the dog or cat from continuing the nuisance behaviour. The order remains in force for six months. If the owner fails to stop the behaviour a fine will be issued. What is a dangerous dog?
A small proportion of dogs are known to attack and kill without provocation. Others repeatedly threaten to attack or repeatedly chase a person or animal. Under the Act, these dogs can be declared Dangerous Dogs by Council. The owner of a dog that has been declared dangerous must comply with strict conditions on the control of the animal including desexing. Failure to comply with the conditions will see hefty fines being imposed. What is a Restricted Breed? Five breeds of dogs are considered to be restricted breeds. They are:-
Owners of these dogs breeds are required to comply with similar conditions to those applying to dangerous dogs.Under no circumstances should one of these dogs be sold or given to someone under 18 years of age. They must be kept in childproof enclosures and must be muzzled and leashed when in public. What should I do when exercising my dog? Public places are for the enjoyment of everyone.When walking your dog in a public place, it must be under the control of a competent person at all times. This means it should be on a lead and controlled by someone capable of restraining the animal. Council has several designated ‘off leash areas’ within the shire at Riverbank Park, Lower Walker Park, Murrumbateman Rec Ground and Nirta Drive Common but these are not places where your dog can “run wild”. If your dog defecates in a public place it is your responsibility to remove and dispose of it properly.
More answers to frequently asked questions Animals at the Pound - Published: 27 Jul 2007 Impounded / Seized animals - more .. |
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© 2008 Yass Valley Council |
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