Dog Management

Ranger services

City Rangers regularly patrol all suburban areas, and an after hours service is available for emergencies. This includes dog attacks or where the animals are in danger of causing injury to people or livestock.

For assistance please contact the Customer Service Group during normal office hours or our after hours number 6245 8721 if there is an emergency.

Go to fee schedule for fees relating to dog management.

Dogs are an important part of society and many people value their companionship.

As with any animal there are standards of care and welfare that need to be observed. The views and concerns of neighbours and other members of the community need to be considered.

Responsible dog ownership requires accepting full responsibility for dogs for their needs and observing the standards for dog management that are expected by the community.

The Council has completed and now formally adopted a new Dog Management Policy after extensive public consultation. Dog owners are encouraged to comply with the Code of Responsible Dog Ownership developed under the City's Dog Management Policy.

Thank you to all those people who provided comment.

The code has been developed to help owners maximise:

Appropriate dog behaviours
Understanding of dog control regulations
The health and welfare of dogs

There are many actions that all dog owners can take to ensure that all people enjoy our streets and recreation areas.

Ensure your dog is registered.
Do not allow it out unattended.
Do not walk it on a road or road related area in a built up area, unless it is on a lead.
Ensure that you clean up any mess left by your dog in a public place.
Do not allow it to continually bark so as to cause a noise nuisance.
Inform Council on the death or transfer of ownership of your dog.
Inform Council within 14 days if you change your address.
Maintain effective control of dogs.
Keep no more than 2 dogs over 6 months of age (or in the case of working dogs, 4) on premises unless Council has approved a kennel licence.

Lost dogs

If our rangers have picked up your dog it will be at the Dogs Home at 101 Scotts Road, Risdon Vale, phone 6243 5177.

Dog exercise areas

Dog exercise areas have been finalised following extensive consultation with dog owners and other users of recreational spaces.

These areas are part of the Council's Dog Management Policy. The policy considers exercise areas for dogs, a code of responsible dog ownership and a fee structure.

The dog exercise areas apply from 1 July 2008 for a period of 6 years. Following this Council will undertake a full review of the Dog Management Policy, including a review of exercise areas.

For details of the exercise areas see Exercise areas for dogs.

Other information

For other information please see Frequently asked questions about dogs.