Caring for Dogs and Cats

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1. Caring For Dogs

Caring for Your Dog

If you need more advice or would like to adopt a dog from the West Wyalong Pound you can contact the Council's Ranger on (02) 69722266.

It is important when choosing a dog that you decide on a breed that is suitable to your lifestyle and home. If you are unsure as to what breed is suitable for you and your family speak with the Ranger for advice.

As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to make sure your dog is healthy, safe, well cared for and does not create a nuisance in your neighbourhood. Ensure your dog has a collar with a tag showing your contact phone number.

Unless you are planning to breed your dog, have it desexed to avoid unwanted litters.

2. Exercising and Walking Dogs

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3. Roaming Dogs

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4.  Dog Prohibited Areas 

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5. Rules and Guidelines

You must have control of your dog at all times. Even if you are in an off leash area, you must prevent it from harassing, attacking and chasing other people or animals.

  • Any attacks may result in a Dangerous Dog Declaration being placed on your dog & may be liable for any damages
  • All faeces must be picked up and placed in a waste bin
  • Your dog must be wearing a collar with identification tags and be lifetime registered
  • Declared Dangerous Dogs and Restricted Breeds must comply with the dangerous dog and restricted breed control requirements
  • Any breach of these requirements could result in infringements being issued to owner and/or dog being impounded

6. Barking Dog Complaints

If you have a complaint regarding your neighbour's dog barking the following steps are recommended:

Approach the dog's owner and state your case clearly and politely, chances are they are unaware their dogs barking is bothering you

If the owner is unapproachable or does not agree that a problem exists, you can contact Community Justice on 1800 650987, or email them on cjc_southern@agd.nsw.gov.au. This service is free, confidential and voluntary.

If none of these methods work, contact Council's Ranger on (02) 69722266

7. How does Council deal with Barking Dog Complaints?

Council takes the following steps after receiving a complaint about a barking dog:

  • The owner is advised of the complaint and advice offered on how to curb the dogs barking
  • If further complaints are received, a Noise Monitor Sheet will be sent to the complainant
  • Once the sheet is returned to Council and shows the dogs barking is still at an unacceptable level, a Nuisance Order may be placed on the dog which stays in place for six months.
  • Should the dog continue to bark, Rangers may issue fines for the value of $220.
  • Further non-compliance may see the owner of the dog prosecuted by the local court (a request for the removal of the dog from the property may be sought)

8.  Caring For Cats

Caring For Your Cat Just like dogs, cat breeds have their own unique temperaments so when thinking about getting a cat, it is important to investigate the breed and whether or not it will fit into your lifestyle. Consider the following before purchasing a cat:

  • How much grooming it will need
  • If the breed you want is shy and quiet or active and robust
  • If it will be an indoor or an outdoor cat

If you need more advice or would like to adopt a cat from the West Wyalong Pound you can contact Council's Ranger on (02) 69722266

9. Being a Responsible Cat Owner

Cats have a reputation for being independent, but they still need care and discipline for their own health and safety.

As a responsible cat owner you should:

  • Keep control of your cat to minimise its impact on neighbours and wildlife
  • Identify your cat with a collar and tag, have it Microchipped and Lifetime Registered
  • Have your cat desexed

10. Nuisance Cat Complaints

If you have a complaint regarding your neighbour's cat, the following steps are recommended:

  • Approach the cat's owner and state your case clearly and politely, chances are they are unaware of their cat's behaviour
  • If the cat owner is unapproachable or does not agree that a problem exists, you can contact Community Justice on 1800 650987, or email them on cjc_southern@agd.nsw.gov.au. This service is free, confidential and voluntary.
  • If none of these methods work, contact Council's Ranger on (02) 69722266

11. How Does Council Deal With a Nuisance Cat Complaint?

Council takes the following steps after receiving a complaint about a nuisance cat:

  • The owner is advised of the complaint and advice is offered on how to curb the cat's behaviour
  • If further complaints are received, a Nuisance Order may be placed on the cat which stays in place for six (6) months
  • Should the cat continue the nuisance behaviour, the Ranger may issue fines to the value of $220
  • Further non-compliance may see the owner of the cat prosecuted by the local court (a request for the removal of the dog from the property may be sought)
  • Council's Ranger do not collect straying cats, but they will receive them at the Pound

12. Contact Details Development Services

02 69722266 (ph)

02 69722145 (fax)

council@blandshire.nsw.gov.au