Dog Brochures

• Dog Brochure PDF
• Responsible Dog Ownership Brochure PDF
• Preventing Dog Attacks Brochure PDF
• Lost or Stray Dogs Brochure PDF
• Barking Dogs Brochure PDF

Registering your dog

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

• Register your dog with the Shire of Katanning 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 can be registered at the Shire Administration Office. Click here for the registration form.

Registration Costs

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 Administration Office.

Off-leash Areas

In off leash areas your dog must be kept under control and not be allowed to wander off on its own.

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

Wandering Dogs

The Shire of Katanning may seize dogs found in public places and not held on a leash.

The Ranger may enter private property to seize a dog which has been wandering at large.

Dogs can be destroyed if unable to be caught or involved in an attack.

Fines and Penalties

On the spot fines

Offences and maximum penalties

Penalties and Fees

Dog Attacks

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 - Barking Dogs

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 the Shire of Katanning or your local vet and seek advice on how to eliminate the problem.

Cat Brochures

• Cat Brochure PDF

Registering your cat

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 following rules set out in the Cat Act require all cats that have reached 6 months of age to be:

• Microchipped;
• Sterilised; and
• Registered with the relevant local government.
• Cats will be required to wear a collar and registration tag to ensure that owned cats can be easily identified and returned to their owner.

Cats can be registered at the Shire Administration Office. Click here for the registration form.

Registration Costs

Please note proof of sterilisation must be provided.

Cat Registration Frequently Asked Questions

For more information on the Cat Act 2011 & Responsible Cat Ownership please visit the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Horses and Horse Riders on WA Roads

Click here for a printable pamphlet on WA Road Rules for Horses and Riders

Horses being ridden are considered vehicles
Under traffic laws horses ridden or driven (in harnesses) on roads, nature strips, paths and footpaths are treated the same as vehicles. They have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles, including motor vehicles, bicycles and power assisted pedal cycles.

WA Road Rules for Horses and Riders

• Riding a horse alongside any road is permitted unless there is a sign that specifically says "No Horses"
• Riders are required to obey all the road rules that apply to all types of vehicles.
• Horses must not be ridden alongside more than one other horse on a road.
• Horses must not be ridden across a road on a ‘pedestrian crossing’. The rider must dismount and walk aside the horse.
• Riders crossing nature strips or paths must give way to pedestrians.
• Horses can be ridden on the shoulder of a road, or to the left of any continuous edge line, in the same direction as traffic.
• There are very few areas that ridden/driven horses can go that motor vehicles are not allowed. These include paths and nature and strips.
• Horses can be ridden across roads but must give way to all other traffic.
• Riders must give hand signals when changing directions.
• Horse faeces to be collected by rider at the end of the ride.

RIDING AT NIGHT

• Riding at night can be dangerous. Horses and riders are not required by law to have lights displayed and are therefore hard to see. While riding on or next to roads at night should be avoided—riders who do should ensure a reflective vest and hi-vis horse bands are worn.

WEARING HELMETS

• While it is not compulsory for riders to wear helmets, it is highly recommended they do so.

LEADING OTHER HORSES

• A rider cannot lead more that one other horse.
• Horses must not be tethered to moving vehicles or led by a person in a motorised vehicle.

 RIDING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE

• It is ILLEGAL to ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or to ride without care and attention

 LEADING A HORSE (UNMOUNTED)

• A person leading a horse while walking is deemed to be a pedestrian and must obey all the rules applying to pedestrians.
• A person leading a horse should use the path or nature strip if provided. If a path or nature strip is not provided, or is provided but not in a usable condition, then the person must walk facing the oncoming traffic.

Tips for Riders

• Avoid riding on roads or shoulders of roads if there are alternative places to ride e.g.: nature strip.
• Check behind you before changing directions.
• Don’t ride if the horse is not settled.
• Be aware of traffic.
• Always wear a helmet when riding.
• Wear light coloured clothing during the day and a reflective vest with reflective bands on your horse.
• Ride on nature strips as a first option. If there is no nature strip than stick as far left as possible. Nature strips are much safer than roads.
• Bring something to collect horse faeces at the end of the ride

Tips for Vehicle Drivers in areas where there are horses

• While riders of horses are required to obey the same traffic laws that apply to drivers of motor vehicles, horses can be unpredictable.
• They are permitted to ride on road, shoulders of road, paths and nature foot paths.
• If you know horses are likely to be in the area, or you see horses, reduce speed and give them a wide berth.
• Expect the unexpected.
• Do not sound your horn when you are close to horses as it may startle them and cause them to move erratically.