Pets can certainly provide wonderful companionship, but with that comes responsibilities for the animal owner.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) continues to work with its pet owners to assist them in their responsibilities, so that both humans and their animal companions can share in our communities’ lifestyles.
It is important that all pet owners know what their responsibilities are when it comes to registration, and penalties for any breach of animal regulations.
Responsible pet owners microchip and register their dog or cat and ensure that their contact details are up to date.
Local councils are the authority responsible for implementing the Companion Animals Act which legislates responsibilities for Dog and Cat owners. Under the legislation councils have a range of responsibilities including planning, service provision, compliance and community education and enforcement.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council rangers have compliance authorities including the seizing of animals, to issue on the spot penalties, to issue nuisance orders and to declare dogs dangerous or menacing or impose restrictions.
Keeping Pets
It is well documented that the keeping of companion animals can be most beneficial to the well-being of people. Nevertheless, on occasions, complaints are made to Council where animals of an inappropriate species or number are being kept or where the animals and their accommodation are not being cared for properly.
Keeping of Animals Policy
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) has adopted a policy that seeks to inform the community of Council’s regulatory powers concerning the keeping of animals in the urban environment as local Councils are the authority responsible for implementing the Companion Animals Act 1998 and the Local Government Act 1993 and Regulations.
The Policy aims to:
- Minimise the incidence of nuisance being caused to persons;
- Protect the welfare of companion and farm animals;
- Protect the welfare and habitat of wildlife; and
- Minimise the disturbance of or damage to protected vegetation.
This policy informs the reasonable limits (both statutory and advisory) which apply concerning the maximum number of animals and the circumstances under which they may be kept on premises.
Responsible ownership is a very important component of nuisance control and this document also contains advice to the animal owner regarding their responsibilities to prevent a nuisance from occurring.
Keeping of Animals Policy with application to vary policy Form
Barking Dogs
This information is about ways in which you can look after your dog to prevent excessive barking. It explains the law applying to noise from dogs and provides information that is intended to make life better for dogs, dog owners and their neighbours.
Other Forms
Lost Animal Form
Deceased Animal Form