Responsible Dog Ownership

Related Links:

Dogs are often much loved members of households. In a densely populated area like Waverley dogs must be properly managed, both in the interest of the dog and the community.

It's good to see that the overwhelming majority of people are keeping their dogs on a leash when required and putting the "doggy doo" in the bins provided.

Keeping "doggy doo" off our streets and parks reduces stormwater pollution on our beautiful beaches. As we live so close to the beaches and our harbour our actions have direct issues, it is important to remember that "The Drain is just for Rain".

Our Canine Companions

Dogs can be great companions and protectors as the 66% of Australians who are dog owners, know. As well as your dog depending on you to be a great owner, Waverley Council depends on you to be a responsible owner.

A responsible dog owner ensures that their dog is:

Under Control
All dogs are required to be on a leash and under control when on any street or public place. Council has set aside areas where dogs may be exercised off a leash.

Wearing a Collar
All dogs in Waverley must always wear a collar stating the owners name and address

Exercised in Council "Leash Free" Areas
Certain Parks and Reserves in Waverley have been designated as "leash free" areas where unleashed dogs may be exercised if they are under the control of a competant person. Below is a list of reserves that are classified as leash free areas.

Leash Free Areas Location
Centennial Park Outer limits
Rodney Reserve,
Dover Heights		 Southern End
Waverley Park, Bondi Adjacent to tennis courts – South Western corner
Queens Park Northern Slopes
Diamond Bay Reserve Unrestricted in the reserve only
Varna Park, Clovelly Eastern half

Never Allowed into Restricted Areas
Just as Council provides dog exercise areas, there are certain areas in Waverley in which dogs are prohibited to enter. These are:

Cleaned up After
Owners must, by law, pick up and properly dispose of any dog droppings from footpaths or public places. A sample collection bag is available from the Health Section of Waverley Council. Pet supply outlets also provide disposal bags. Remember, all droppings and rubbish can enter the stormwater system and end up on out beaches, or in centennial park ponds. An on the spot fine of $220 may be incurred.

Trained Not to Bark
Dog barking can be very annoying, and dog owners may be prosecuted if their dog continues to bark and create a noise nuisance.

Nuisance Dogs
Your Waverley Council can issue a Nuisance Order if your dog repeatedly barks, damages other people property or chases people, animals or vehicles. If you don’t stop your dog doing these things you can be fined $550.

Never Impounded
Council is required to pick up and impound any dog roaming on a street or a public place area – and it’s a long and costly trip (for Council and you) to Sydney Dogs' Hospital.

If your dog is missing and you believe it may have been impounded, contact the Ranger on 0414 884 391 or Sydney Dogs' Home, 9587 9611 between 9am and 4pm weekdays and 9am and 3pm weekends.

Dog Tidy Stations

Sydney dogs produce over 1000 tonnes of waste every – enough to fill over 10 Council garbage trucks every day.

In times of heavy rainfall, uncollected animal waste washes into our stormwater drains and ends up on our beaches.

To combat this problem in our local area, Waverley Council has installed dog tidy stations throughout the municipality. These are located at:

To operate the Dog Tidy station, simply collect a biodegradable bag from the dispenser as you walk your dog in the park and dispose of any droppings in the bins provided.

Remember that failing to clean up after your dog will result in a $220 on-the-spot fine.

Copyright Waverley Council