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Animal Control

Responsible Dog Ownership

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.

The Dog Act 1976 and the Shire of Plantagenet Dogs Local Law 2008 address the control and registration of dogs; the ownership and keeping of dogs; and the obligations and rights of people; both as dog owners and non-dog owners.

The Department of Local Government and Communities has developed a pamphlet on Laws for Responsible Dog Owners. This pamphlet is a reference guide only.  The complete Shire of Plantagenet Dogs Local Law 2008 can be accessed here on the Local Laws page.  The Local Law is also promulgated under the Western Australian Dog Act 1976 and subsidiary Regulations. The latest version can be accessed via www.legislation.wa.gov.au.

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:

1 Year 3 Years Lifetime
Sterilised (Proof of sterilisation required) $20.00 $42.50 $100.00
Unsterilised $50.00 $120.00 $250.00
Pensioner 50% of above fees 50% of above fees 50% of above fees
Working Dog 25% of above fees 25% of above fees N/A

Download and complete the Certificate of Registration form to register your dog. This form can be returned to the Shire in the following ways:

  • Brought into the Administration Centre (22-24 Lowood Road, Mount Barker)
  • Scanned and emailed to info@ sop.wa.gov.au
  • Posted to Shire of Plantagenet, P.O. Box 48, Mount Barker, WA , 6324

This form may also be completed in person at the Administration Centre.

Payment can be made at the Administration Centre, by cheque or over the phone. If you are claiming a pensioner rate, we require a copy of your pension card. If you are claiming a sterilised rate, we require a copy of proof of sterilisation.

Once your dog is registered, you will be issued a receipt, registration certificate, as well as a registration tag which your dog is required to wear on its collar.

Number of Dogs Allowed

The limit on the number of dogs which may be kept on any premises is, for the purpose of Part 3(2) of the Dogs Local Law 2008 is;

(a) 2 dogs over the age of 3 months and the young of those dogs under that age if the premises are situated within a townsite; or
(b) 4 dogs over the age of 3 months and the young of those dogs under that age if the premises are situated outside a townsite.
An owner or occupier of premises may apply in writing for an exemption from this requirement. However, the Council will not grant an exemption unless it is satisfied that the number of dogs to be kept will not be a nuisance or injurious or dangerous to health. 

Microchipping

Changes to the Dog Act 1976 require all dogs three months of age (and were not registered by 31 October 2013) to be microchipped by 1 November 2013. On and after 1 November 2015, the owner of any dog that has reached three months of age must ensure that the dog is microchipped.

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 fined $500.

Dog Exercise Areas

The following dog exercise areas have been established under the provisions of the Dog Act.

Mount Barker: Reserve 1790 Recreation and Agricultural Showgrounds, McDonald Avenue

Kendenup: Lot 150 Beverley Road, Kendenup Community Grounds

Narrikup: Reserve 17849 Recreation and Showgrounds, Albany Highway

Rocky Gully: Reserve 25271 Recreation, Lot 129 Muir Highway

Dog exercise areas exclude:

  • Land which has been set apart as a children' playground;
  • Areas being used for sporting of other activities during the times of such use; or
  • A car park.

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 dog pound, where fees are payable before it can be released.

Any dog attacks against a person should be reporting to police in the first instance, then to ranger services on 9892 1137 or the after hours emergency number 0428 512 356.

If you see a roaming dog outside of office hours please record the size, breed and location of the dog, and take a photo if possible. If there are recurring instances of roaming dogs, Ranger Services may target the area for patrols.

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. 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 users of footpaths and recreational areas. Please carry a bag to collect dog excreta while walking your dog. Dog walkers are reminded it is their 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

Ranger services are generally available during normal working hours.  Outside of these hours only urgent calls can be dealt with such as dog attacks noting that any attack on a person should be reported initially to the Police.

Cats

From 1 November 2013, the Cat Act 2011 took effect and requires all cats that have reached 6 months of age to be microchipped, sterilised and registered with their relevant local government.

The Cat Act 2011 requires the identification, registration and sterilisation of domestic cats, and gives local governments the power to administer and enforce the legislation. The legislation provides for better management of the unwanted impacts of cats on the community and the environment, as well as encourage responsible cat ownership. Cats are required to wear a collar and registration tag to ensure that cats can be easily identified and returned to their owner.

Cat registration fees are $20.00 per year, $42.50 for three years and $100.00 for lifetime registration. Proof of sterilisation and microchipping must be provided unless exemption has been granted by veterinarian. Individuals on a full pension are entitled to 50% off the above prices, upon producing an appropriate pension card.

Cat owners are advised to register their cats or face a fine of up to $200. Under the Cat Act 2013 it is an offence not to register cats over the age of 6 months old.

Cat registrations will expire on 31 October annually. Applications for registrations are available from Shire's Administration Office.

Download the Certificate of Registration form to register your cat. The form should be fully completed and signed and may be returned to the Shire in the following ways:

  • Brought into the Shire Office (22-24 Lowood Road, Mount Barker)
  • Scanned and emailed to info@ sop.wa.gov.au
  • Posted to Shire of Plantagenet, P.O. Box 48, Mount Barker, WA , 6324

This form may also be completed at the Shire Office.

Payment may be made at the Shire Office, by cheque or over the phone. Note that if you are claiming a pensioner rate, we will require a copy of your pension card. If you are claiming a sterilised rate, we will need a copy of proof of sterilisation.

Once your cat is registered, you will be issued a receipt, registration certificate, as well as a registration tag which your cat is required to wear on its collar.

Number of Cats Allowed

5.2.4(1) of the Shire of Plantagenet Health Local Law states that a person shall not, without an exemption in writing from the Council, keep more than 2 cats over the ages of 3 months. An owner or occupier of premises may apply in writing for an exemption from this requirement. However, the Council will not grant an exemption under this Section unless it is satisfied that the number of cats to be kept will not be a nuisance or injurious or dangerous to health.

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.