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Stray animals

Dogs

According to the Companion Animals Act 1998, dogs must be effectively contained on the owner's property and under the control of someone when in a public place.

If your dog is in a public place and not in a designated off leash area, it must be under the control of an owner or person by means of a suitable chain, cord or leash secured to the animal.

Be mindful that dogs that may have strayed from their owner or home can be picked up by any person. This includes in a public place where the owner may be present but fails to comply with the above requirements, when a Council Ranger may seize the dog.

Any dog picked up 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 an 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

Council does not seize or supply resources to trap stray, feral or roaming cats.

Council may collect cats by request, if they are appropriately contained. A fee will be charged for cats or kittens voluntarily surrendered to the Animal Holding Facility.