Pet owner responsibilities

Abandoned dog

Owning a pet comes with a range of responsibilities towards the animals, the community and the environment. We encourage all pet owners to care for their animals in a responsible manner with their best welfare in mind.

It is illegal to dump animals; this act carries heavy fines in NSW under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Responsibilities of dog owners

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998:

  • If a dog is in a public place, it must be under the effective control of a competent person by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash. The exceptions to this are: dogs exhibited at a show or engaging in obedience or agility trials or a dog secured in a cage or vehicle or in an approved off-leash area.
  • If a dog is being exercised in an approved off-leash area it must always be under effective control of a competent person.
  • It is not permitted to walk more than four dogs at any one time in an on-leash area or an off-leash area.
  • Greyhounds must be muzzled at all times when in a public place.
  • If a dog defecates in a public place, it is an offence not to remove the faeces (we would suggest you carry bags so you can pick up your dog’s faeces from public places and put it in a bin).
  • Dogs are prohibited in children’s play areas, food preparation/consumption areas, recreation areas, public bathing areas, school grounds, child care centres, shopping areas and wildlife protection areas.
  • Penalty notices issued under the Act include:
Penalty Fine

Not identify companion animal as prescribed - not dangerous/menacing/restricted dog

$180

Companion animal not registered as required - not dangerous/menacing/restricted dog

$330

Not notify change in registration or identification information - not dangerous/menacing/restricted dog

$180

Failure to prevent dog escaping - not dangerous/menacing/restricted dog

$220

Dog not wear a collar and name tag - not dangerous/menacing/restricted dog

$180

Not immediately remove dog faeces from public place

$275

Not deliver seized animal to owner/Council/approved premises

$660
Owner of dog not under control in public place
$330

Owner of dog in prohibited place

$330
Deny an Assistant Animal entry into public buildings/place/transport
$330

Own of dog which rush as/attacks/bites/harrasses/chases any person/animal

$1320

NB - All penalties are subject to regular change by the NSW State Government without notice.

Responsibilities of cat owners

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998:

  • All cats must be identified by a form of identification that enables a local authority to ascertain the name of the cat and the address or telephone number of the owner

  • Cats are prohibited in wildlife protection areas and food preparation or consumption areas

  • A cat must not interfere with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises, or

  • Repeatedly damage anything outside the property on which it is ordinarily kept.

  • Penalty notices issued under the Act include:

Penalty Fine 
 Cat not wear identification $180 

NB - All penalties are subject to regular change by the NSW State Government without notice.

 

Simple Tips on Responsible Dog and Cat Ownership

Keep your animals healthy, safe and avoid fines by being aware of, and following, these essential tips:

Dogs
  • To stay healthy and avoid boredom associated problems, dogs need to be exercised regularly.
  • Ensure your dog is well socialised, friendly and comfortable with people to avoid dog attacks.
  • No matter how friendly, a roaming dog can be at risk of harm or risk of harming other dogs, animals and people in adverse situations or otherwise, so don’t allow your dog to roam.
  • Ensure your dog is microchipped and registered. More information on Pet Registration here.
  • Train your dog not to bark. Dog trainers can also help to solve barking and other dog behavioural problems. Further information on how you can deal with Barking Dogs can be found on the NSW EPA website, by clicking here.
  • In public places, keep your dog under ‘effective control’. This means on-leash and restrained by the person holding the leash (unless the dog is specially exempted), and no more than four dogs per handler.
  • Have your dog desexed if you are not a registered breeder. See here for more information
  • NEVER leave your dog unattended in a car, even on mild days. If dogs are left in cars during hot weather, they are subject to dangerous conditions, but there really is NO safe situation to leave your dog unattended in a vehicle. 
Cats 
  • You must ensure your cat is given annual health checks, proper exercise and a well-balanced diet.
  • As a cat owner you have a responsibility to care for the welfare of your pet and to ensure that the keeping of your cat does not adversely interfere with your neighbours.
  • Cat owners must ensure that their cat stays out of restricted areas including food preparation and wildlife protection areas. 

Further information

Companion Animals Act 1998
Companion Animals Regulation 2018
NSW Pet Registry
RSPCA - Owning a Pet

 

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