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Dog Control
For further details about Dog Control please call our Customer Care team on (03) 6397 7303.
As the owner or person in charge of a dog, you have certain responsibilities and legal requirements. These include:
- registering a dog that is over the age of six months and microchipping it
- keeping your dog on a lead when you are walking on a road or footpath in a city or town
- ensuring that the dog does not roam and that it is under your effective control
- restricting your dog from rushing at, or chasing a moving vehicle or bicycle whilst in a public place
- making sure that a bitch on heat is confined away from public places
- cleaning up after your dog
Under the Dog Control Act 2000 the owner or person in charge of a dog, other than a guide dog or hearing dog, must ensure that the dog is wearing a collar and the registration disc must be attached to the collar, lead, or harness, whilst in public.
The dog's current registration tag should be attached to the collar. It is an offence for anyone, without a good reason, to unfasten the collar. (See Schedule 1 - Offences of the Dog Control Regulations 2010) - please note that one penalty unit equals $195.00.
This provision does not apply to dogs engaged in:
- working
- hunting
- racing
- showing
- obedience or agility trials
- training for any of the above activities
LIFETIME DOG REGISTRATION TAGS
In during 2022/23, dog registrations were issued with a new metal Lifetime Dog Registration Tag. These metal Lifetime Tags replaced the coloured plastic tags which needed to be replaced annually.
The number on the Lifetime Tag does not change from year to year and remains the number for the life of your dog. Renewal dog notices in 2023/24 include the number of your dog’s tag (so no renewal tags were necessary). Dog Registration Tags are now only issued for new dog registrations. Replacement Tags can be provided at a cost of $8, with new tag number.
Should the number on the Lifetime Tag fade, it can be engraved with the original number, a sticker placed on it, touched up with a fine paint brush or permanent texter pen. Some owners have engraved their phone number on the Lifetime Dog Tag.
Should owners have a preference to use a designer dog tag, please ensure the registration number is displayed clearly on it.
The Dog Control Act 2000 provisions for dogs which are, and which are not on a lead, whilst in a public place.
If the dog is on a lead, it is said to be under effective control only if the lead is less than two metres long, and if the person is of a sufficient age and strength to control the dog.
If a dog is tethered to a stationary object, it must be by a lead which is less than two metres long, and for a period not exceeding 30 minutes.
If a dog is off a lead and in a public place, then the dog is still said to be under effective control if the following applies:
- To be under effective control on a road or footpath in a city or town a dog must be on a lead.
- the dog is in close proximity to the person
- the dog is in sight of the person
- the person handling the dog can demonstrate satisfactorily to an authorised person that the dog will immediately respond to their commands
The Dog Control Act 2000 provides for a council to set aside for the exercising of dogs, subject to any specified conditions. (See Schedule 1 - Offences of the Dog Control Regulations 2010) - please note that one penalty unit equals $195.00.
Northern Midlands Municipality Dog Exercise Areas
Longford
Coronation Park
- Doggy bags
- Garbage bin
- Seating
- Water tap
- Secure (fully fenced)
Union Street
- Doggy bags
- Garbage bin
- Secure (Ring lock rural fencing)
Learn more about the Masked Lapwing here.
Perth
Arthur/ Mulgrave Street
- Doggy bags
- Garbage bin
- Seating
- Rural fencing (not secure)
Cressy
Old Stock Route
- Doggy bags
- Rural fencing (not secure)
Evandale
Honeysuckle Banks
- Doggy bags
- Garbage bin
- Seating
- River access
- No fencing (not secure)
Saddlers Reserve
- Doggy bags
- Garbage bin
- Secure (fully fenced)
Ross
Community Sports Ground
- Doggy bags
- Garbage bin
- Not secure
Campbell Town
Open area North of Blackburn Park
- Doggy bags
- Garbage bin
- Not secure
Avoca
Picnic Area - Storys Creek Road
- Doggy bags
- Garbage bin
- Not secure
As well as earmarking areas for exercising dogs, The Dog Control Act 2000 enables councils to declare areas where dogs are not allowed. These can include areas of sensitive habitat for native wildlife. This does not apply to guide dogs or hearing dogs, which are still allowed access.
Council may declare an area to be one where dogs are restricted from entering:
- during specified hours, days or seasons
- during specified hours, days or seasons, unless they are on a lead
There are other public places where dogs are prohibited. These include:
- any grounds of a school, preschool, kindergarten, creche or other place where children assemble, without the permission of the person in charge of that place
- shopping centres and other shops
- the grounds of a public swimming pool
- any playing area of a sports ground on which sport is being played
within 10 metres of a children's playground
This does not apply to:
- a guide dog that is accompanying a wholly or partially blind person, or is in training for that purpose
- a hearing dog that is accompanying a wholly or partially deaf person or is in training for that purpose
- a pet shop
- the premises of a veterinary surgeon
- a pet-grooming shop
- any other premises related to the care and management of dogs
When exercising your dog in a public place you are always required to clean up after them. Dog faeces are unpleasant and damage the environment. Cleaning up can be done simply and easily with the aid of a scooper or plastic bag and placing the faeces into the nearest rubbish bin.
This does not apply to a guide dog that is accompanying a wholly or partially blind person.
Failure to clean up after your dog can result in a fine of 1 penalty unit (See Schedule 1 - Offences of the Dog Control Regulations 2010) - please note that one penalty unit equals $195.00.
Rain dissolves dog faeces and it is washed into our waterways. Marine plant and animal life is affected by this pollution. Australian beaches are closed for several days after rain because of this type of pollution. Dog faeces contain E-coli bacteria which can cause ongoing illness in people including vomiting, diarrhoea, and ear, nose and throat infections
Northern Midlands Council encourages dog owners to carry bags for collection of the dog's faeces. Council provides dog bag dispenser units at each designated dog exercise area (see "Where can I exercise my dog?").
If an authorised council employee has reason to believe that a dog owner has breached a provision of the Dog Control Act 2000, then he or she is legally able to
- enter onto land owned or occupied by the dog owner, but not any dwelling on that land
- search for any dog on that land; and
- seize any dog believed to have committed offences under section 19 or 32 of the Dog Control Act 2000.
If the authorised person wishes to enter a dwelling on that land, he or she is able to do by a warrant issued by a magistrate.
Under the Dog Control Act 2000 you are required to apply for a kennel licence if you intend to keep:
- more than two dogs over the age of six months; or
- more than four working dogs over the age of six months.
If you have more dogs than this and do not have a current kennel licence you can be liable to a fine of up to $390.00 (See Schedule 1 - Offences of the Dog Control Regulations 2010) - please note that one penalty unit equals $195.00. In this case you should apply to your local council for a kennel licence.
If you need a kennel licence you should also check with your local council about local planning laws as some councils require you to submit a Development Application as well.
Licence Procedures
Applicant must put an advertisement in the Examiner Newspaper (Wednesday) of their intention to apply for a Licence. This advertisement cost is to be paid by the applicant.
The Applicant must complete a Licence form and pay the prescribed fee. A copy of the advertisement must accompany the application and fee.
Once the application has been received the Dog Control Officer will inspect the premises where the dogs are to be kept.
Any person residing within 200 metres of the applicant's property may make a written objection to Council within 14 days of the advertisement.
After 28 days Council may consider the application any may then issue in a form of a "Licence" under the Dog Control Act 2000.
The names of the people who hold the licence are recorded in a Council database.
Click here to view the Kennel Licence Application, including sample newspaper advertisement and current fees.
Click here for the renewal Kennel Licence Application.
According to the Dog Control Act 2000, every dog over the age of 6 months must be registered by its owner with their local council. It is a legal requirement, and trying to avoid this by concealing or disposing of a dog is a punishable offence. (See Schedule 1 - Offences of the Dog Control Regulations 2010) - please note that one penalty unit equals $195.00.
In the Northern Midlands the annual registration fee is due by 31 August of each year.
The Dog Control Act 2000 requires all dogs over the age of six months to be registered with the local council.
(See Schedule 1 - Offences of the Dog Control Regulations 2010) - please note that one penalty unit equals $195.00.
Payment of Dog Registration fee may be made at the following:
Council Chambers, 13 Smith Street, Longford between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm
Service Tasmania Shop, High Street, Campbell Town between 10 am and 4 pm or
any Australia Post Office during normal working hours
Online via credit card, using Service Tasmania's secure gateway here.
Dog registration forms are available here.
Mandatory microchipping of dogs is planned to take effect from 1 July 2011. From that date, all dogs over six months of age will have to be microchipped.
Exemptions for compulsory microchipping exists for specified racing greyhounds, all workings, and specified hunting dogs. For more information click here.
To update your dog's microchip details, please contact one of the following services:
Australian Animal Registry
Phone: (02) 9704 1450
National Pet Register
Phone: 1300 734 738
Central Animal Records
Phone: (03) 9706 3187
If unsure of where your pet’s microchip details are registered, please go to Pet Address.
The following information is held in the council's dog register:
- the dog's name, age, sex and reproductive capacity
- the dog breed if identifiable
- any identifiable feature of the dog
- whether the dog is a dangerous dog
- the owner's name, address and date of birth
- any other information about the dog the council considers relevant
If you are moving house permanently, you will need to notify the council. This needs to be done within 14 days of moving. If you're transferring to a different municipal area, both your old and new councils will need to be notified in writing.
The person who buys your dog will need to notify the council of the change of ownership, in writing, within 14 days of the sale.
As the previous owner, you must notify the General Manager in writing that you no longer own the dog. This must occur within 14 days of the sale. (See Schedule 1 - Offences of the Dog Control Regulations 2010) - please note that one penalty unit equals $195.00.
If the unfortunate situation arises and your pet dies, you are obliged to notify the council in writing within 14 days of the dog's death. This also applies if your dog is lost, or permanently removed from your premises.
Once notified, the council will cancel your dog's registration.
Dogs may be declared dangerous if they have:
- caused serious injury to a person or other animal
- displayed behaviour that shows the animal is likely to cause serious injury.
- If either of the above occurs, the General Manager is able to serve notice on the owner of the dog in question, and declare the dog to be dangerous.
When this happens the owner of the dog had added responsibilities. Whilst their dog is out in public they must ensure that:
- the dog is always muzzled
- the dog's lead is no longer than two metres and strong enough to control and restrain the dog
- the person in charge of the dog is over 18 years of age
- must be wearing an approved collar
When the dog is on private premises the owner must ensure that:
- the dog is in an enclosure that complies with prescribed requirements.
If for any reason the dog comes out of the enclosure, all conditions related to the dog being in a public place will apply.
If you own a dog that has been declared dangerous, you must also ensure that there are approved warning signs on every entrance to your property and enclosure.
Approved collars and warning signs are available to be purchased from Council.
Registration fees for declared dangerous dogs is $334.
More information on dangerous dogs please click here.
Dogs of a breed which have been banned from importation into Australia may be declared restricted breed dogs. Five breeds were banned from importation into Australia over 15 years ago, these were:
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Japanese Tosa
American Pitbull Terrier
Presa Canario
Amendments to the Dog Control Act 2000 were made in 2009, introducing new controls with the aim of increasing public safety and highlighting the responsibilities of owners.
You must contact your local Council if you own a restricted breed dog or intend to own one of these dogs.
A nuisance dog is generally one that:
- is often noisy or disturbs the comfort and convenience of neighbours, or anyone in a public place.
As a dog owner you are responsible for ensuring that your pet is kept under control and does not become a nuisance. Neighbours can complain if your dog unreasonably disturbs the peace, and you risk being fined if you fail to prevent the disturbance.
If you are being annoyed by a neighbour's dog the best way to handle the situation is to discuss your concerns in a friendly way with your neighbour. If this fails to resolve the problem, the next step is to speak with your local animal control officer. Lodging a formal complaint with the council should be your last resort, and to do so you will need to complete an appropriate form, pay a fee and explain the nature and severity of the disturbance.
Click here for a formal complaint pack.
If you wish to keep a guard dog you need to notify the General Manager in writing. The General Manager will then declare the dog to be a dangerous dog, and the provisions relating to a dangerous will then apply.
When the dog is no longer employed as a guard dog, you can again notify the General Manager in writing, and he may revoke the declaration of dangerous dog. (See Schedule 1 - Offences of the Dog Control Regulations 2010) - please note that one penalty unit equals $195.00.
Under the Dog Control Act 2000, an authorised council officer (usually the animal control officer) of the council can apprehend and impound your dog if ti is found at large outside your property.
If the dog is wearing a registration tag, the General Manager has to let you know in writing that your dog has been impounded, and tell you that the dog can be reclaimed. If, after five working days after the owner has recieved the notice, the dog has not been reclaimed, the General Manager may sell, destroy or otherwise dispose of the dog.
If the dog isn't wearing a registration tag and the owner is unidentifiable, the General Manager has to make resonable inquiries to identify the rightful owner. If unsuccessful in locating the owner, he/she is authorised after not less than three working days to sell, destroy or otherwise dispose of the dog.
Under the Dog Control Act 2000, if your dog has been seized and impounded, you will be given five working after having received the notice to pay:
any fees due in relation to the dog's seizure and detention
any other fees or charges that are applicable under the Act (See Schedule 1 - Offences of the Dog Control Regulations 2010) - please note that one penalty unit equals $195.00.
the appropriate registration fee if the dog isn't already registered. Please see "How do I register my dog?" for further information.
Your neighbours are entitled to enjoy their garden and backyard without having your dog roaming around in it. It is every dog owner's responsibility to ensure that his or her dog is under control at all times. Owners who do not control their dogs risk being fined each time their dog strays (See Schedule 1 - Offences of the Dog Control Regulations 2010) - please note that one penalty unit equals $195.00.
Yes, you may be fined. Under the Dog Control Act 2000 you must not allow your dog to be or become a nuisance to your neighbours, or to the general public. If sufficiently annoyed, people can complain and owners may be fined if they fail to prevent their dog from disturbing people with consistent barking (see Schedule 1 - Offences of the Dog Control Regulations 2010) - please note that two (2) penalty unit equals $390.00.
See "What is a nuisance dog?" for related information.
TOWN |
AMENITIES |
LOCATION |
|
Avoca |
Doggy bags, Garbage, Not secure |
Story’s Creek Road picnic area |
|
Campbell Town |
Doggy bags, Garbage bin, Not secure |
Open area north of Blackburn Park |
 |
Cressy |
Doggy bags, Rural fencing, not secure |
Old Stock Route |
|
Evandale |
Doggy bags, Garbage bin, Not secure, Seating, River access |
Honeysuckle Banks |
 |
Doggy bags, Garbage bin, Secure |
Saddlers Reserve |
 |
|
Longford |
Doggy bags, garbage bin, secure, seating, water tap, dog exercise equipment |
Coronation Park |
 |
Doggy bags, garbage bin, secure (ring lock rural fencing) |
Union Street |
 |
|
Perth |
Doggy bags, rural fencing (not secure), garbage bin, seating |
Arthur/Mulgrave Street |
 |
Ross |
Doggy bags, garbage bin, not secure |
Community sports ground – surrounds only |
 |