Dogs must be effectively kept within the boundaries of your property and should not make excessive barking or howling noises. There are minimum standards for the housing of your dog including the removal of all faeces, the provision of water, food and shelter.
Dog registration
Dogs over the age of three months are required to be registered with registration concessions granted for desexed dogs.
The registration tag must be attached to a collar that is worn around the dog’s neck at all times. This tag allows immediate identification of the dog should it escape from your home. Any dog not wearing a collar with a current registration tag attached is considered to be an unregistered dog.
Registration of dogs provides a means for Council to protect the heath and safety of residents by controlling the dog population and matching lost dogs to their owners. It also encourages responsible pet ownership by offering a reduction in registration fees for desexed dogs.
Barking dogs
What to do if your neighbour's dog barks...
- Talk to your neighbour as soon as the problem arises.
- They may not be aware that their dog is barking or that their dog's barking is bothering you.
- Give your neighbour this information and if the barking persists after a week or two, speak with your neighbour again to provide feedback.
- If your neighbour is unapproachable, or does not agree that a problem exists, you should contact Council for further advice.
What to do if your dog barks...
- Walk your dog twice a day, will relieve boredom.
- Dogs are social animals, so when you are away during the day, your dog will get lonely therefore provide some stimulants.
- Balls and chew toys.
- Leave a radio on, tuned into a speaking channel (both when you are at home and not).
- If you can, let your dog in the house.
- Give your dog a bone when you leave.
- Give your dog a small meal just before you leave.
- Avoid keyed up hellos and goodbyes.
- Use a low tone matter of fact voice when you speak to your dog.
- Dogs can be trained to only bark on command and also to stay at home alone.
Off-Leash areas
When walking your pet in a public place you must have the dog on a leash (not more than two metres long). Your dog must also be under effective control. There are a number of designated off-leash areas across the Fraser Coast. Some of these areas are off-leash 24 hours a day, others are for off-leash use between 4pm and 8pm.
Dog attacks
If your family or pets have been attacked by a dog/s, please contact the Council on 1300 79 49 29. It is an offence to allow dogs to attack or threaten to attack a person or animal.
You'll need to provide the following details:
- Time of the incident
- Where it took place
- If the dog is restrained
- Any injuries
- Name of dog owner (if known)
- Any witnesses
Dogs in public places
Your dog must be on a leash, no longer than two metres, at all times when in public places (eg streets, parks, beaches, etc) unless you are in a designated Dog Off-Leash area. This ensures the safety of both the dog and the general public.
- Remember, your dog's behaviour can change when out of its own environment and it may become agitated or aggressive.
- If a dog frightens or bites a person or other animal, it may be declared dangerous and become subject to specific ownership conditions.
- A person who can always control the dog must hold the leash.
- Pick up after your dog when it defecates on the footpath, nature strip, beach or recreation area.
- Dispose of all faeces in a responsible way.
- Failure to clean up your dog's faeces from public land can result in an on-the-spot fine.
- Make it a habit to take plastic bags with you when you go for a walk.
Prohibited dogs
The following dogs are prohibited within the Council boundaries:
- American Pit-Bull
- Dog Argentino
- Filo Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
Cross-breeds of these dogs are also prohibited.
Wandering dogs
Dogs must not wander the neighbourhood. A dog is deemed to be wandering at large if it enters another person's property or is in a public place without a person exercising effective control over the dog. If your dog is found wandering the neighbourhood, you are liable for an on-the-spot penalty notice. Stray dogs may also be impounded.
