This page explains how the Dog Control Act 1996 relates to you as a dog owner. It also lets you know the fines you could face if you break or ignore a regulation.
Regulation: Control of Dogs
This information relates to section 52, 53 and 65 of the Dog Control Act 1996 The owner of a dog must keep the dog under control at all times and, when in a public place, must use or carry a lead at all times.
A dog will be treated as not being under control
- If it is found at large on any land or premises other than a public place or a private way without the consent (express or implied) of the occupier or person in charge of the land or the premises; or
- If it is found at large in any public place or in any private way in contravention of any regulations or bylaw.
Fines:
You will commit an offence and be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,000 or an infringement fee of $300 if you fail to comply with this provision.
Regulation: General obligations of a dog owner
This information relates to section 54 of the Dog Control Act 1996
The owner of a dog must
- Ensure that the dog receives proper care and attention and is supplied with proper and sufficient food, water and shelter; and
- Ensure that the dog receives adequate exercise
Fines:
You will commit an offence and be liable on conviction to imprisonment for up to 3 months or a fine not exceeding $5,000 if you fail to comply with this provision.
Note:
If you feel that a dog is not being looked after please report it. Visit the ‘Report a dog control problem’ page.
Regulation: Obligations of a dog owner on an owner’s property
This information related to sections 52A and 65 of the Dog Control Act 1996
The owner of a dog must ensure, when the dog is on land or premises occupied by the owner
- That the dog is under the direct control of a person; or
- That the dog is confined within the land or premises in such a way that it cannot freely leave the land or premises.
Fines:
You will commit an offence and be liable on conviction to a fine of $3,000 or an infringement fee of $300 if you fail to comply with this provision. In addition, a dog control officer or dog ranger may seize and impound this dog.
Other Offences and Fees
The Dog Control Act 1996 also sets out offences and fees in relation to dogs. These are:
| Description of Offence |
Infringement Fee |
| Wilful obstruction of dog control officer or dog ranger |
$700.00 |
| Failure or refusal to supply information or wilfully stating false particulars |
$750.00 |
| Failure to supply information or wilfully providing false particulars about a dog |
$750.00 |
| Failure to comply with any bylaw authorised by section 20 |
$300.00 |
| Failure to comply with effects of disqualification |
$750.00 |
| Failure to comply with effects of classification of dog as dangerous dog |
$300.00 |
| Fraudulent sale or transfer of dangerous dog |
$500.00 |
| Failure to comply with effects of classification of dog as menacing dog |
$300.00 |
| Failure to implant microchip transponder in dog |
$300.00 |
| False statement relating to registration |
$750.00 |
| Failure to register dog |
$300.00 |
| Fraudulent attempt to procure replacement label or disc |
$500.00 |
| Failure to advise change of ownership |
$100.00 |
| Failure to advise change of address |
$100.00 |
| Removal, swapping or counterfeiting of resigtration labels or discs |
$500.00 |
| Failure to keep dog controlled or confined |
$200.00 |
| Failure to keep dog under control |
$200.00 |
| Failure to use or carry leash in public place |
$100.00 |
| Allowing dog known to be dangerous to be at large unmuzzled or unleashed |
$100.00 |