Responsible Ownership
As a responsible pet owner you have an obligation to care for the health and well-being of your animal. Owning a pet can provide great joy and companionship but it does come with responsibility.
You have a duty to ensure your pet's activities do not interfere with your neighbours or the environment.
All pets have their own personality, however it is important that you select the animal that best complements your lifestyle. The type, breed, where you live, how you live, and what you want from a pet, should all be factored into your choice.
Cats
Identification - ensure your cat wears a collar and identification tag bearing your address or telephone number and ensure that your cat is permanently identified by microchip implant.
De-sexing - cats are prolific breeders and failing to de-sex your cat may likely increase the numbers of feral cats across the Region.
Vaccinations - When you purchase a cat ensure you obtain a vaccination certificate to ensure its vaccinations are up to date. Cats should also have a check up with a vet once a year to ensure they are healthy and worming and vaccinations are current.
Confinement - Cats are instinctive hunters. You can protect wildlife in your neighbourhood by confining your cat to your property and placing a bell on your cat's collar.
Strays - Un-owned cats are a significant source of nuisance in the community. Council strongly encourages people to either be a responsible owner and take the cat in or take it to the Council Pound. Council has a limited supply of cat traps available for loan to the public. A deposit fee must be paid and an application form submitted.
Dogs
Barking - All dogs bark, but some barking dogs become a real neighbourhood nuisance greatly reducing the quality of life for their neighbours and increasing neighbourhood tensions. Barking dogs is the most common animal behaviour problem Council is asked to deal with. For more information, see Barking Dogs.
Fences and confinement - A wandering dog causes distress to neighbours and the community. Dogs that are not kept safely behind a fence can risk being injured or cause injury to others. As a responsible pet owner, it is important that your fence or dog enclosure is:
- High enough so your dog can't jump over it
- Low enough so your dog can't dig under it
- Strong enough so your dog can't push it over; and
- Hole proof so your dog can't escape through it.
Wandering dogs are likely to receive either a First and Final Notice, Compliance Notice or Penalty Infringement Notice (fine) from Council along with possible impoundment.
Leashes and Exercise - Dogs must be leashed at all times in public places to help control them more easily and to increase the safety of other animals and people. Remember that many people are frightened or annoyed by dogs that are not leashed; you should always be considerate of other people.