Animal Complaints
Council can only act upon issues that we know about, so please, if you have a concern or complaint contact us.
If the complaint is about a barking dog please visit the barking dog information page
If you have concerns for the welfare of an animal please visit the RSPCA Website and report the matter to RSPCA inspectors.
Council is obliged to deal with all complaints and concerns properly and professionally. Complaints may relate to unauthorised or prohibited activities, failure to comply with aspects of legislation, or may be contrary to the terms of consent, licensing, or approval.
Complaints can be received via telephone, email, or in writing. All complaints are confidential, however anonymous complaints may not be investigated.
Once a complaint is received, council will address the matter and take appropriate action. Enforcement may include issuing a formal warning or caution, referral to another relevant agency, or issuing a Penalty Infringement Notice.
If little action is taken in relation to a matter, you are entitled to to ask for reasons regarding the decision.
To report a nuisance dog or cat please phone 1300 345 345.
Owners of dogs/cats have responsibilities under the Companion Animals Act 1998 and the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 - to ensure their dogs/cats do not exhibit nuisance behaviour or emit offensive noise.
Nuisance Dogs
The Companion Animals Act 1998 states that a dog is a nuisance if the dog—
- is habitually at large, or
- makes a noise, by barking or otherwise, that persistently occurs or continues to such a degree or extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises, or
- repeatedly defecates on property (other than a public place) outside the property on which it is ordinarily kept, or
- repeatedly runs at or chases any person, animal (other than vermin and, in relation to an animal, otherwise than in the course of droving, tending, working or protecting stock) or vehicle, or
- endangers the health of any person or animal (other than vermin and, in relation to an animal, otherwise than in the course of droving, tending, working or protecting stock), or
- repeatedly causes substantial damage to anything outside the property on which it is ordinarily kept.
Nuisance Cats
The Companion Animals Act 1998 states that a cat is a nuisance if the cat—
- makes a noise that persistently occurs or continues to such a degree or extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises, or
- repeatedly damages anything outside the property on which it is ordinarily kept.