The Act addresses the registration of dogs, the keeping of dogs in the community and the legal obligations of dog owners.
The Act applies to all canines. This includes dingoes and dog/dingo crossbreeds.

The Act is enforced by local governments within their respective districts.

Everyone who owns a dog has a responsibility to ensure that the dog is properly cared for. In addition, it is important that dog owners handle their animals in a way that respects other people in the community.

If you own a dog, you have a legal responsibility to keep the animal under control, either within a fenced area on your property or on a leash when in public.
Local governments can set out dog exercise areas where dogs can be taken off a lead without penalty. Please contact your local government for further details on the exercise areas in your district.

While dogs are allowed to bark, they are not allowed to bark excessively in a way that causes a nuisance.
According to the government fact sheet there is a Barking dogs Penalty of $200 – 5,000

Dog droppings are a source of annoyance to the users of footpaths and public recreation areas.
Most local governments have local laws in place that require a dog owner to remove their dog’s droppings if the dog excretes in a public area. The penalty for failing to do this will vary between districts.

According to the government fact sheet there is a Dog droppings penalty $50 up to 5,000

A dog attack is a very serious matter. In addition to harming other animals, a violent dog can inflict serious injury on children or the elderly.
If your dog attacks a person or another animal, you can be held responsible even if you are not there at the time.

A dog owner is legally required to register the dog with the appropriate local government once the dog is 3 months or older.
To register your dog, contact your local government for a registration form and a list of applicable fees.

According to the government fact sheet the penalty for an unregistered dog over the age of 3 months is $200

A registered dog is required to wear a collar with a valid registration tag. This tag will be issued by your local government when you pay your registration fee.
According to the government fact sheet the registration tag penalty is $200

All dogs must be microchipped once they reach 3 months of age.
Non-microchipped dogs cannot be sold or transferred to a new owner. This rule applies even if the dog is under 3 months of age.
Pre Paid Microchip Vouchers are available online Click here

According to the government fact sheet the penalty for an un-microchipped dog over the age of 3 months is $200 – 5,000

Dogs may be exempt from receiving a microchip if they cannot receive one due to medical grounds. In those situations, the owner will need to obtain a medical exemption certificate from a registered vet.

Local Government Concessions Pensioners receive a discount on local government registration fees. Contact your local Shire – Council for more information.

For more information, including tips for being a responsible cat owner, visit the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries website or contact your local government. (shire – council)