Dogs

Dog Ownership

Your Dog and the Law

By law, dog owners must take responsibility for their pet's actions. There are penalties for owners who disregard the dog laws.

Responsibilities

Council needs to be notified in writing about any changes of dog ownership so its records can be kept up to date.

The Dog Act of 1976 provides that owners need to ensure that their dog:

• wears a collar displaying the owner's name, address and with the Councils registration tag attached when in a public place
• can be confined to the premises where it lives
• is held by a competent person capable of controlling a dog on a maximum two (2) metre lead when in a public place
• is only exercised off the lead in designated areas. However, the person in control must carry a leash should it be required
• is registered in one persons name who is over the age of 18 years

Recommendations

Parents should not let children walk a dog on their own, unless they are confident that the child can control the dog in any situation.

Registration

Please note that as from 1 November 2013 State Government regulations require that all new dogs being registered for the first time,and dogs where ownership is changing will need to be microchipped.

All other dogs need to be microchipped by 1 November 2015.

Dog registration is due by 1 November 2013. All dogs over 3 months of age need to be registered

The State Government determines the registration fees which are as follows:

Registration Fees

Dog Registration Fees

	Cost (Sterilised)	Cost (Unsterilised)
1 year	$20.00 ($10.00 pensioner/concession)	$50.00 ($25.00 pensioner/concession)
3 years	$42.50 ($21.25 pensioner/concession)	$120.00 ($60.00 pensioner/concession)

To register a new dog, download and complete the PDF below and either hand deliver or post the completed from with payment to the Shire of Dowerin Administration Office.

Download Dog Registration Form