Council’s Rangers are responsible for investigating complaints and enforcing legislation throughout our Shire. Our Rangers work to provide consistent law enforcement to keep people safe and protect the environment, while ensuring community members can continue to enjoy the local area and lifestyle.
Most of the work done by Rangers is in response to requests from community members, and often involves an investigation.
Please note, the Ranger does not attend private residences to remove animals.
The Companion Animals Act 1998
Yes – The only exceptions are cats that were owned prior to July 1999.
Yes – the only exceptions are working dogs, trained assistance dogs and greyhounds which are registered with the Greyhound Control Board. You will need to bring proof that your dog or cat has been desexed to be eligible for the desexed charges.
Microchipping is the first step to registering your pet. Registration provides the link between you and your pet that enables it to be returned home if lost. By registering your animal you can help make sure that you have benefit of community information, assistance and regulation to ensure your rights and needs are protected.
If the ownership of the animal changes you are required to complete a Change of Owner/Details form and submit it to Council.
https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Change-of-Owner-Details-C3A-Form.pdf
No – there is no limit provided the animals are properly cared for and do not cause a nuisance, health or safety risk to other members of the community.
No – the desexing of cats and dogs is not compulsory in NSW. However the benefits of desexing include reducing the likelihood that your pet will stray, reduce fighting and aggressive traits and reduce antisocial behaviour such as spraying to mark territory.
The behaviour of some companion animals which are not responsibly owned can represent a serious inconvenience and at times a danger to other members of the community. If a dog is habitually at large, repeatedly defecates on a neighbours property, repeatedly chases vehicles or causes damage to peoples property, it can be declared a nuisance dog. A similar offence applies to cats. Council may issue a nuisance order which requires the owners to stop the dog or cat from continuing the nuisance behaviour. The order remains in force for six months. If the owner fails to stop the behaviour a fine will be issued.
A small proportion of dogs are known to attack and kill without provocation. Others repeatedly threaten to attack or repeatedly chase a person or animal. Under the Act, these dogs can be declared Dangerous Dogs by Council. The owner of a dog that has been declared dangerous must comply with strict conditions on the control of the animal including desexing. Failure to comply with the conditions will see hefty fines being imposed. More details about the conditions can be obtained from Council.
Five breeds of dogs are considered to be restricted breeds. They are:
- Pit Bull Terriers
- American Pit Bull Terriers
- Japanese Tosas
- Argentinian Fighting Dogs
- Brazilian Fighting Dogs
Owners of these dogs breeds are required to comply with similar conditions to those applying to dangerous dogs. Under no circumstances should one of these dogs be sold or given to someone under 18 years of age. They must be kept in childproof enclosures and must be muzzled and leashed when in public.