Ranger Services

Dog Registration

A dog owner is legally required to register their dog with the local government from the age of three months. The registration period is from 1 November to 31 October the following year. The fees for dog registrations are shown in the table below:

Name and Address Tag

Your dog is required to wear a tag showing your name and address, as well as a registration tag. It is an offence for your dog not to wear a collar and tags, and you can be given an on-the-spot fine of $50.

Dog Exercise Areas

The Shire of Plantagenet does provide specific 'dog exercise' areas.

Places which are dog exercise area
(1) subject to clause 5.1 and subclause (2) of this clause, for the purposes of sections 31 and 32 of the Act, the following are dog exercise areas
Townsite of Mount Barker	Reserve 1790 Recreation and Agricultural Showgrounds, McDonaldAvenue
Townsite of Kendenup	Lot 15 and 16 Chauvel Road , Kendenup Community Ground
Townsite of Narrikup	Reserve 17849 Recreation and Showgrounds, Albany highway
Townsite of Rocky Gully	Reserve 25271 Recreation, Lot 129 Muir Highway
(2) Subclause (1) does not apply to
1. land which has been set apart as a children' playgroung
2. an area being used for sporting of other activities, as permitted by the local government, during the times of such use; or
3. a car park

Who is Responsible for a Dog?

Apart from the owner of a dog, a responsible person for the control of a dog 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

Wandering Dogs

A person responsible for the control of a dog who allows their dog to wander off their property or walks it off a leash is liable for an on the spot fine. Dogs found to be wandering without their owner with them will be taken to the Shire Dog pound, where fees are payable before it can be released.

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. Your dog must always be on a leash 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. If the matter goes to court the penalty can be as high as $1,000.

Dogs Barking

You are also responsible for ensuring that your dog is not a nuisance to your neighbours or the public by excessive barking. Shire rangers can offer advice on how to reduce your dog from excessively barking.

Removal of Dog Excreta

Dog excreta is a source of annoyance to other users of footpaths and recreational areas. Please carry a plastic bag to pick up dog excreta before you start your walk. Dog walkers are reminded it is there responsibility to clean up after their dogs, otherwise fines can be issued.

Dog Attacks

A dog attack is a very serious matter. If your dog attacks a person or another animal, or acts in a manner that a reasonable person believes that the dog will attack, you will be held responsible even if you are not there at the time. The only exemption is where the dog was provoked (for example, provocation may apply if your dog attacks someone who is on your property without lawful excuse, such as a burglar).

There are penalties of up to $10,000 for a dog attack and $10,000 or 12 months gaol (or both) for inciting a dog to attack. The dog's owner is also liable for any injury or damage resulting from a dog attack. A person who has been attacked may take civil action for any injury or damage.

Dangerous Dogs

If your dog displays aggressive behaviour, it is important you address it quickly with appropriate training. If your dog is declared dangerous by the Shire, it will need to abide by stringent conditions such as being muzzled at all times in a public place and wear a distinctive red and yellow collar.

After Hours

For emergency dog complaints, attacks and dangerous dogs please contact the Shire Ranger on Telephone 0419 042 237. Officers will not normally attend after hours for issues relating to wandering or barking dogs.

Cats

The Shire of Plantagenet has no power relating to cats which are of domestic, stray or feral nature. The Shire does not have any cat traps for hire, but does however support responsible pet ownership.

Petcare Information and Advisory Service

With 63% of Australian households enjoying the companionship of a pet, the Petcare Information and Advisory Service (PIAS) has recently launched a new website www.i-pet.com.au that provides everything a pet owner might want to know about enjoying life with their pets.

Livestock

Livestock wandering create a hazard for road users and a nuisance for neighbours. Rangers can impound wandering stock and issue on the spot fines if they are found to be in public areas. Livestock owners are encouraged to check their fencing to ensure their animals do not escape.

Snakes

The Shire does not provide a snake catching service, however there is a local service available for which fees apply. Please call Martin on 0427 532 504 for more information. Please note that the Council is not party to this service and will not reimburse any fees in this regard.