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GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP
(courtesy of the WA Dept of Local Government)
Responsible dog owners have to consider many things in caring for their animals. Here’s a basic checklist:
Regular flea and worm treatments, health checks, heartworm tablets and vaccinations.
Regular baths and grooming.
Basic obedience training so it can “sit”, “stay”, “come” and “heel” on command.
Register the dog with local government.
Sterilized if not to be used for breeding (reduced registration fees apply).
Adequately confined and is not allowed to stray or wander.
Does not engage in nuisance barking.
Does not attack people or other animals.
Is properly exercised and involved in family activities.
An owner who is prepared to learn how to care for its health and understand its behavior.
If you have any concerns, seek help as soon as possible If you are concerned about your dog, don’t delay
in finding help from a veterinarian, Ranger, dog trainer or other pet care professional.
Dog owners responsibilities:
Who is responsible for a dog?
Apart from the owner of the dog, a responsible person 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.
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.
As the owner, you can be given an on-the-spot fine of $100 for not having your dog on a leash, or for
allowing it to roam (except at designated dog exercise areas). If the matter goes to court, the penalty could
be as high as $1,000.
Dogs barking
You are also responsible for ensuring that your dog is not creating a public nuisance by barking excessively.
The on-the-spot fine for allowing your dog to bark persistently is $100. If taken to court, the fine could be up
to $2,000. Please consider the impact of your dog’s behavior on your neighbors.
Removal of dog droppings
Dog droppings are a source of annoyance to other users of footpaths and recreation areas. Most local gov-
ernments have local laws that require the person in charge of the dog in a public place to remove their dog’s
droppings and adequately dispose of it. There are penalties for not doing so.
Any plastic bag may be used to pick up dog droppings.
Dog droppings in the garden should also be removed daily to reduce fly and health related problems.
To answer your common queries the Department of Local Government provides a brochure,
Laws for Responsible Dog Owners
. To obtain a design file of the brochure, please contact the Shire
administration office (or the Department of Local Government).
Shire of Victoria Plains
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