Ranger Services

Dogs

The Dog Act 1976 and the Shire of Boddington Dogs Local Law 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. A dog owner is legally required to register their dog with the Local Government from the age of three months. Registrations are issued on an annual basis, commencing November 1 for a period of 12 months.

As an owner, you have several responsibilities as outlined by the Dog Act 1976, which states owners must ensure their dog:

• Wears a collar displaying the owner's name, address and council registration tag when in a public place
• Be confined to the premises where it lives
• Is held by a competent person capable of controlling a dog on a maximum two meter lead when in a public place
• Is exercised on a leash, except in a designated area. Even in designated area, the person in control of the dog must carry a leash and use when required
• Registered in the name of one person and that person must be aged 18 years or over
• Households in residential areas are only permitted to house two dogs

Lost & Found Dogs

If your dog has wandered off call the Ranger immediately and the details will be put onto a lost and found register. That way when the dog is located the Ranger can call the owner rather than have the dog unnecessarily impounded.

Alternatively if your dog wanders from home or is lost (without any ID) it may be collected by the Shire Ranger and taken to the pound.

If your dog is impounded you will have to pay to have it released.

The cost if your dog is impounded is:

All dogs must be registered before leaving the pound.

Proof includes sterilisation certificate or previous registration with another local government for sterilised rate or if none of the above a Statutory Declaration must be completed at time of registration.

Cats

In accordance with The Cat Act 2011 all cats that have reached 6 months of age must be registered, microchipped and sterilised.

Responsible cat ownership checklist

As a responsible pet owner you are encouraged to:

• Keep your cat confined to your property, especially at night.
• Ensure your cat is easily identifiable with a collar and a name tag.
• Microchip and sterilise your cat.
• Vaccinate your cat.

Click here to read the Cat Owner Fact Sheet.

Barking & Public Nuisance

Barking is a dog's natural means of communication and often signifies its alertness to danger of intruders.

However a dog which persistently barks in a manner which is not considered to be normally habitual in dogs, may constitute a nuisance.

Many dog owners become nonchalant to the fact their own dog is barking, however it can disturb their neighbours. The Shire has a form called the "Dog Barking Journal". For more information contact the Ranger Services on 9883 4999 or visit the Boddington Shire Office.

Click here to download a Dog Barking Journal

Cat Trap Hire

The Shire of Boddington has traps available to hire. Please contact the Ranger to discuss on 0428 838 025.

• Cat Trap Hire Form
• Animal Trap Instructions