|
For emergency dog complaints, attacks and dangerous dogs please contact the Shire Ranger on 0447 988 271. The officer will not normally attend after hours for issues relating to wandering or barking dogs.
Livestock
Livestock wandering create a hazard for road users and a nuisance for neighbours. Rangers can impound wandering stock and issue on the spot fines if they are found to be in public areas. Livestock owners are encouraged to check their fencing to ensure their animals do not escape.
Who is responsible for a dog?
Apart from the owner of a dog, a responsible person for the control of a dog includes the occupier of any premises where the dog is ordinarily kept or permitted to live, or a person who for the time being has the dog in his or her possession or control
If you own a dog, you have a responsibility to keep it under control, within a fenced area on your property and on a leash when in public.
Your dog must always be on a leash in public places, except designated dog exercise areas, where you must still carry a leash and use it when required.
Wandering Dogs
A person responsible for the control of a dog who allows their dog to wander off their property or walks it off a leash is liable for an on the spot fine.
Dogs found to be wandering without their owner with them will be taken to the Shire Dog pound, where fees are payable before it can be released.
Dog control
If you own a dog, you have a legal responsibility to keep it under control, either within a fenced area on your property or on a leash when in public.
Your dog must always be on a leash in public, except designated dog exercise areas. As the owner you can be given an on-the-spot fine for not having your dog on a leash or for allowing it to roam.
Dog attacks
A dog attack is a very serious matter. If your dog attacks a person or another animal, or acts in a manner that a reasonable person believes that the dog will attack, you will be held responsible even if you are not there at the time. The only exemption is where the dog was provoked (for example, provocation may apply if your dog attacks someone who is on your property without lawful excuse, such as a burglar).
There are severe penalties including fines for a dog attack and fines or imprisonment (or both) for inciting a dog to attack. The dog’s owner is also liable for any injury or damage resulting from a dog attack. A person who has been attacked may take civil action for any injury or damage.
Dangerous Dogs
If your dog displays aggressive behaviour, it is important you address it quickly with appropriate training.
If your dog is declared dangerous by the Shire, it will need to abide by stringent conditions such as being muzzled at all times in a public place.
|
