Legal requirements in NSW

The NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 balances the needs of animals, their owners, the community and the environment. All these conflicting needs are legitimate and the Act aims to ensure that pet owners, pets, and non-pet owners live together harmoniously and that the natural ecosystem is protected.

 

Dog owners

Dog owners in NSW are required to:

• Microchip a dog before it is re-homed or before it is 12 weeks of age (whichever comes first).

• Lifetime Register the dog at 6 months of age and attach a collar and identification tag.

• Leash the dog when in a public place and make sure the animal is under effective control at all times. 

• Pick up the dog’s waste – please carry a bag with you at all times.

• Ensure the dog does not attack a person or other animal.

• Make sure the dog does not enter food consumption areas, wildlife protection areas, school or child playgrounds or within 10 metres of child playground equipment or any other place which Council has made a prohibited area to dogs.

 

Cat owners

Cat owners in NSW are required to:

• Microchip a cat before it is re-homed or before it is 12 weeks of age (whichever comes first).

• Lifetime Register the cat at 6 months of age. Cats born before 1 July 1999 are exempt from microchip and registration, however must be identified. Owners can choose to microchip their cat or attach collar and id tag. NOTE: the exemption will no longer apply if the cat is re-homed or impounded.

• Make sure the cat does not enter food consumption areas or wildlife protection areas.

• It is recommended that cats be kept indoors https://safeandhappycats.com.au 

• You also may want to look at The at-home lifestyle every cat needs | RSPCA NSW

• And how-to-keep-your-cat-safe-at-home | also from rspcansw.org.au

 

Responsible dog ownership

• Don’t get a dog unless you can provide a home for life.

• Identify, register and attach a collar and identification tag.

• Contain your dog safely on your property.

• De-sex, vaccinate and worm your dog.

• Socialise and train your dog early to prevent anti-social behaviour.

• Provide enough activity and a suitable environment for your dog’s breed.

• Protect native animals by keeping your dog inside between dusk and dawn.

• Warn visitors to your property by placing the appropriate signage.

• Make sure your property is securely fenced and access into your property is prevented.

• Always supervise young children in the presence of your dog and make sure your dog is under effective control when children are near.

• Walk your dog on a leash and carry a bag to clean up after it. The extra nutrients are no good for native plants and make the humans cranky too! In our environment, it ends up being washed into the bay and adds to pollution.

• When in public, muzzle a dog that may display aggression toward humans or animals.

• Never teach your dog to attack.

• Never ignore undesirable behaviour in your dog, including excessive barking. Seek professional assistance from a professional trained in animal behaviour and consult your veterinarian to eliminate illness as a cause.

 

Barking dogs

Dogs always bark for a reason; some of the most common causes of excessive barking are:

• Boredom and loneliness.

• Confinement and isolation.

• Lack of exercise and activity.

• Separation anxiety.

• Specific stimuli eg. people or vehicles passing by the property, other dogs or native wildlife.

• A health problem.

Excessive barking mostly happens during the owner’s absence. If you are being annoyed by a neighbour’s dog, let the owner know about it in a friendly way, offering a chance to work out why the dog is barking and how to fix it. Most owners don’t want an unhappy pet and will take the time to consider obedience classes, increased activity, more exercise, or maybe simply more company. Helpful advice and assistance can be obtained from dog trainers and veterinarians. If this does not work ask a Council Ranger for help.​