Ranger Services

Dogs in the Shire of Katanning

Dog Registration Renewals

Dog registrations for the 2012 period and on the 31st October 2012. We ask that all dog owners please ensure that if their dogs registration expires on that date that they re-register with the Shire of Katanning promptly after the registeration ceases.   

Having a dog in your life can be a wonderful experience. You will need to spend time exercising and training your dog. To keep it in good health you will also need to take your dog to the Vet regularly to keep its vaccinations up to date.

You will also be required to have your dog licensed by your Local Authority.

As well as all of this, you also have many legal responsibilities that you must comply with to ensure responsible dog ownership.

The Shire of Katanning Ranger Services can be contacted by either phoning the Shire offices on 98219 999 or via 0409 891 645. The mobile number should be used for emergency situations at all times. If your call is not answered immediately please leave a message and the Ranger will return your call as soon as practical.

Ranger Services are responsible for the enforcement of State Government legislation and Council’s Local Laws for controlling dogs, off-road vehicles, litter and parking and enforcing the Bush Fires Act.

Registering Your Dog

Registering your dog is compulsory and the following rules set out in the Dog Act must be followed:

• Register your dog with Council after it is 3 months old and keep it registered.
• Attach the registration tag and a name tag with your name, address and phone number to your dog’s collar.
• When outside your own property, keep your dog on a leash at all times.
• Pick up after your dog if it defecates on the footpath or verge.
• Greyhounds must be muzzled at all times when outside their property and you may only have two under your control in a public place.

Dogs may be registered at the Council Offices: 16 - 24 Austral Tce, Katanning.
For further information please contact the Shire on 9821 9999.

Cost of Registration

Dangerous Dogs

The following dog breeds are deemed to be dangerous:

• Argentinian fighting dogs
• Brazilian fighting dogs
• Japanese tosas
• American pit bull terriers
• Pit bull terrier breeds
• Any dog of a mixed breed that visibly contains any of the above named breeds

Owners of Dangerous Dogs MUST:

• Display the dangerous dog sign on all entrances to their property
• Have a dangerous dog collar on their animal at all times
• Muzzle and leash dogs when outside the property
• Be over 18 years of age

Dangerous dog collars and signs are available for purchase from the Shire Office.

Off Leash Areas

Even in off leash areas, your dog must be kept under control and not be allowed to wander off on its own.
Areas:

• Piesse Park
• Thomson Park
• O'Callaghan Park
• Balston Park
• Reserve at top of Braeside Road

Wandering at Large

• The Council may seize dogs found in public places and not held on a leash.
• Rangers may enter private property to seize a dog which has been wandering at large if they have the permission of the owner or occupier, or a warrant from a Justice of the Peace.
• Dogs can be destroyed if unable to be caught.

Fines & Penalties

On the Spot Fines

• Permitting a dog to be in a public place not held on a leash - $100.
• Owner's name and address not on the collar - $50.
• Permitting a dog to be in a public place without registration tag - $50.
• Having an unregistered dog - $100.

Offences and Maximum Penalties

• Allowing a dog to be in a public place whilst not on a leash - $1,000.
• If a dog attacks a person, animal or bird - $10,000.
• Allowing a dog to be a nuisance - $2,000.
• Keeping more than the legal number of dogs - $1,000.
• Having an unregistered dog - $500.

Penalties and Fees

• Seizure and impounding of a dog - $60.
• Sustenance and maintenance of a dog in the Pound - $22/day or part thereof.
• Destruction of a dog - $22.

Attack by a Dog

If your dog attacks a person or animal, then you may be responsible for any injury or damage caused. If your dog has attacked outside your property you may:

• Be ordered to take additional steps to control your dog (such as fencing your property effectively)
• Have your dog declared 'dangerous' (if this occurs, your dog must be restrained when on your own land, you must erect clearly visible 'Warning Dangerous Dog' signs outside your property and leash you dog at all times outside your property).
• Be ordered to have your dog destroyed.

Noise Control Act

This Act also applies to dogs. Under the Act, an owner may be fined if a dog makes excessive noise. If you have a problem with your pet's barking, please contact your local vet and seek advice on how to eliminate the problem.