Animal Management

Dogs

The Dog Act 1976 is administered and enforced by local governments within their respective district. The Act addresses the control and registration of dogs, the ownership and keeping of dogs; and the obligations and rights of dog owners and others. dogs

Useful resources:

  • Dog Act Brochure from the The Department of Local Government and Regional Development
  • Shire of Peppermint Grove Restricted Breeds

Dog Registration Form

All dogs over three (3) months of age must be registered over a year or three year period. There is a penalty of $100 for failing to register your dog(s). Maximum of 2 dogs per household.

The council must be informed immediately of any change to ownership, the death of a dog, or change of address.

A person under 18 years of age may not lawfully register a dog in his/her name. The dog must be resisted by a parent or another adult who will then be regarded as the lawful owner.

Registration Fees 

1 Year 3 Years Lifetime
Unsterilised $50 $120 $250
Sterilised  $20 $42.50 $100

Dog Registration Application

The “Registration Year” commences on the 1st of November each year and expires on 31st October the following year. You have the choice of registering your dog for a one year or three year period.

Concessions:

  • Sterilization: A certificate of sterilization from a registered Veterinary Surgeon or a Statutory Declaration.
  • Pensioners receive a 50% discount on the above fees on production of a Pensioner Concession Card.

Dogs in Public

Name, address and registration tag

Dogs are required to wear a collar, registration tag and a tag showing the owners name and address. The penalty for a dog being in a public place without a collar and tags is $50.

Exercising Your Dog

Part 4 of the local law identifies the specific restrictions which apply to the management of dogs in public places.

Some areas are absolutely prohibited:-

  • Theatre or picture gardens,
  • all food premises or food vehicles
  • construction, building or demolition sites

Other areas require that the dog/s be on a lead and under the control of a person at all times.

Excersie Areas

Exercise Areas have been declared for dogs to be allowed to undertake supervised exercise without being on a lead.  Green

These areas operate for prescribed times:-

  • Manners Hill Reserve – Monday to Friday only
  • Northern foreshore of Peppermint Grove (Reserve 17113) for that portion north of Leake Street to the boundary of the Shire (Devil’s Elbow) – all times.

Dogs must be on a lead and under control in all other areas including children’s play areas, sporting grounds, or within a carpark. Red

Dog Control

If you own a dog, you have a legal responsibility to keep it under control, within a fenced area on your property and on a leash when in public.

Dog Excrement

Owners are responsible for the removal of their dog’s excrement from public places. A penalty of $200 for failure to do so.

Dog Refuge Home

The Shire places impounded dogs at the Dog’s Refuge Home (WA Inc.) in Shenton Park.

The Shenton Park refuge is open for business between 11.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Sunday. Enquiries to this Dog Refuge Home can also be made by telephoning 9381 8166. Public holidays the refuge is not open.

The RSPCA (Headquarters) is located at 7 Mallard Way, Cannington and can be contacted by telephoning 9351 8377.

Cats

The Cat Act 2011 was passed by the WA State Government in December 2011. This legislation is being implemented in two separate phases. Phase 1 commenced on November 2012, however, the main provisions of the Act are included in Phase 11 which will come into force on 1 November 2013.

The legislation has been developed with a view of reducing thousands of stray cats being euthanised each year, to provide for responsible cat ownership and to stop feral and roaming cats from killing native animals and birds.

The new laws from 1st November 2013 require mandatory:

  • registration with the local council it is kept in
  • micro-chipped
  • sterilisation – 6 months of age and over (some limited exemptions apply)

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in financial penalties for owners.

1 Year 3 Years
Sterilised & Microchipped $20 $42.50
Lifetime Fee - $100

Cat Registration Application

Please refer to the Department of Local Governments website www//dlg.wa.gov.au or visit The Cat Haven for further information on the proposed Cat Act Legislation.

Cat Ownership

Possums

The Common Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus Vulpecula and Western Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus Occidentalis occur in forests and woodlands, where they mostly next in tree hollows. They have adapted to living in areas populated by humans, where they can cause damage in the form of noise, fouling and damage to backyard food crops and ornamental gardens. Possums can be excluded from buildings by blocking entry points, after they leave at dusk, and by modifying the surrounding habitat.

Trapping must only be conducted by a licenced trapper, under the conditions of Regulation 15 Licence obtained from the Nature Protection Branch of the Department of Environment and Conservation. Trapping a possum without a licence is illegal and may be subject to penalties. Allowing members of the public to trap and relocate possums is not permitted in Western Australia. This is because it can lead to a range of undesirable outcomes, such as dumping of possums onto other properties, which simply moves the problem from one location to another.

For all enquiries regarding the trapping of possums or reference to licensed contractors phone the Department of Environment & Conservation (DEC) on 9219 8000. DEC also provides advice to residents on possums and there is an information brochure on their website www.naturebase.net as a guide for public enquiries.