A Guide to Keeping Pets
Council has prepared this guide to help inform all cat and dog owners of their responsibilities, and to help everyone comply with the Council's Local Laws. Please keep this guide for future reference.
Feeding your pet, taking them to the vet and generally caring for them is a big responsibility. Under Council's Local Laws cat keepers are expected to control their cats, and should not allow them to wander.
Problem cats have the potential to cause serious annoyance to others, for example, they may fight other cats and cause significant injuries, or even cause unwanted litters. Wandering cats are even a threat to themselves, especially if you live near a busy road.
Council will impound problem cats when they are wandering, causing a nuisance and where the matter is reported to Council (unless a cat is obviously a feral cat.) Unfortunately Council can only keep cats for a maximum of three (3) working days, cats not claimed by their keepers after three (3) days will be euthanized.
A Few Tips for the Keeping of Cats...
- All cats should have a collar and a bell on their collar to warn off any birds or wildlife that the cat may prey on.
- Kitty Litter should not be dumped straight onto the grass or in the garden. Instead, it should be buried properly or otherwise disposed of to avoid generating any offensive odours.
- Make sure that you place all of your contact information on your cat's collar. Council also recommends implanting a microchip to help identify your pet. This way, if your cat is impounded, Council can contact you.
- Make sure that your cat is de-sexed. It is not especially expensive and will prevent many problems.
- Speak to your neighbours if you are concerned about your cat wandering. Hopefully this will avoid any future complaints if you establish a good relationship with them.
If you are still worried about your cat wandering, many vets are now recommending enclosing your cat in a netted outdoor enclosure (these nets look similar to indoor cricket nets). These nets provide your cat with plenty of room to play, explore, shelter within and to protect them from other cats while preventing wandering. If your house has a veranda, a good idea would be to attach some nets to the veranda, so your cat can roam around both inside and outside.
De-sexing of Animals
All dogs in the town area should be de-sexed. It is a great way to help control your dog; it generally improves their temperament and they will wander less.
Council's registration fees are designed to encourage de-sexing by helping to make it more affordable - you stand to make considerable savings every year having your dog de-sexed. Contact your vet today.
Walking Your Dog
Regularly walk your dog. Some dogs need up to 30 minutes walk per day, and they sure will let you know if they need that exercise! Make sure that you walk your dog on a leash at all times.
Wandering dog can be a real nuisance, especially when they dig up the neighbour's gardens, chase the postie or vehicles on the road. Sadly, many pets are struck by cars and killed when wandering on roads. Fines may be issued for wandering dogs, even if the dog is registered. Remember, a fenced yard may keep your dog from wandering.
Clean up after your Dog
Keepers of dogs have a responsibility to clean up after their dog. Council regularly receives complaints when dog owners fail to remove dog faeces from their backyard. Clean your yard regularly to avoid any odour complaints.
Barking dogs will disturb your whole neighbourhood. Dogs often bark when they are bored, so give your dog the attention it deserves, walk your dog regularly and keep it busy (i.e. chew toys etc). If your dog keeps barking, consider using an anti-barking collar. This can be hired from the council if need be.
Train your Dog
A trained dog is often a well-behaved dog. Check with your vet for any obedience courses that may be held from time to time.
Attacking, Aggressive or Dangerous Dogs
Attacking or aggressive dogs are a real problem for the community. All dog owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dog does not attack humans or other animals or act aggressively. Look for the warning signs - have you ever seen your dog react or act aggressively before? If so, consider consulting your vet.
Should your dog attack another person or animal and a complaint is received, Council will take appropriate action to protect the community. In some cases, the dog may be seized and euthanized and legal action may be commenced. Remember, prevention is better than a cure - keeping your dog under control at all times will go a long way to prevent any dangerous situations.
A recent state government law means that there are new requirements for the keeper of Restricted Dogs (restricted dogs are of the breeds: dogo Argentino, fila Brasileiro, Japanese fosa or American/Pit Bull terrier and any cross breeds of these dogs). Owners of these dogs must have a specific permit from Council, and comply with other specific requirements. Owners of these restricted dogs should contact Council.
General Enquiries (07) 4621 6600