Stray Animals

Dogs

The Companion Animals Act 1998 requires that your dog must be adequately contained on your property. If your dog is in a public place and not in a designated off leash area, it must be under the effective control of some competent person by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash that is attached to the dog and that is being held (or secured to) the person.

Any person (including our Animal Services Officers) can seize a dog that is in a public place and is not under the effective control of a competent person. Should the owner of the dog be present only an Animal Services Officer may seize the animal should the owner not comply with the above requirements.

Any dog, which is seized by a member of the public, is required to return the animal to its owner (if the owner is known) or contact Council to make arrangements for it to be transported to the Animal Holding Facility. Any person, who seizes a dog and does not return it to its owner or notify Council, is guilty of an offence, which may incur a fine.

Cats

We don’t seize stray, feral or roaming cats.
We may collect cats by request, if they are appropriately contained. A fee may be charged for cats or kittens voluntarily surrendered to the Animal Holding Facility.