the details about cats and dogs

The hills shire CounCil129 Showground Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154PO Box 75, Castle Hill NSW 1765

Phone 02 9843 0555 Email council@thehills.nsw.gov.auFacsimile 02 9843 0409 www.thehills.nsw.gov.au

WhaT are my responsibiliTies as a Companion animal oWner?Being the owner of a companion animal is a big responsibility. When you buy or are given a dog or a cat, there are a lot of things you need to do to look after it properly. You should ensure that it is healthy, well nourished, groomed, vaccinated, and properly exercised and socialised. Of course you will also want to make sure that it is happy and contented.

It is important to remember that as a companion animal owner you have responsibilities towards other members of the community as well as towards your pet. The Companion Animals Act sets out some of these responsibilities, and gives Council the power to assist, and where necessary enforce the law to ensure that owners meet these responsibilities.

You are responsible for ensuring that your animal does not harm, threaten or chase any other person or animal. For dog owners this means that you must be able to contain your dog on your property, and when you are in public with your dog you must keep it on a leash except in specially-designated areas.

The owners of restricted breeds of dog, including American Pit Bull Terriers, have a range of more stringent responsibilities,

as do the owners of dogs which have been declared dangerous dogs under the Companion Animals Act, 1998.

Owners of cats are encouraged to teach them to stay inside at night to reduce the chances of them fighting and hunting other animals. It is also a good idea to make sure that your cat wears a bell on its collar to warn animals which it may try to hunt. In addition you are required to ensure that your cat stays out of restricted areas including food preparation and wildlife protection areas.

As an owner of either a dog or a cat you must make sure that your animal is not causing a nuisance. This may be persistently making a noise, dogs straying, interfering with other people’s property or otherwise. You are also required to promptly dispose of any faeces which your dog may leave anywhere other than your own property.

You must ensure that your animal is permanently identified by microchip and is properly registered. Dogs must wear a collar with a tag which shows the name of the dog and the address or telephone number of the owner of the dog. Cats must have some form of identification which allows the owner to be contacted, and owners are encouraged to train their cat.

The hills shire provides an excellent setting for pet ownership and The hills shire Council is committed to helping residents understand the responsibilities they have as owners of pets. The Companion animals act, which first came into effect in september 1998, is designed to benefit pets, their owners and the wider community.

WhaT is miCroChipping?Microchips are tiny – about the size of a grain of rice – and can be inserted under the skin between the shoulders of the pet. The process is similar to receiving immunisation injections and is carried out by a vet or authorised implanter.

Microchips are inert and do not put out any signal of their own. Council staff can read the information contained on the chip (owner’s contact details) by passing a scanner over the animal. This information is used to return lost animals.

should i geT my peT regisTered?Yes, the NSW Companion Animals Act 1988 requires all dogs and cats in NSW to be registered for life at 6 months of age. Microchipping is only part of the identification process. Once the chip has been inserted, you must register your pet with Council.

The information collected includes the usual address of the pet and contact phone numbers for the owner. This allows Council staff to return your pet to you if it is found wandering unattended. Failure to microchip or register your dog attracts a penalty. An up-to-date listing of penalties can be found on Council’s website by searching for Animal Fees and Fines.

WhaT if my deTails have Changed?Once your pet is microchipped, all details are put onto the Companion Animal Register. If any of your details should change, (ie. new ownership, address, contact number or death of your animal) contact Council (at no charge) to have your details amended on the Register.

hoW muCh is regisTraTion?Registration of pets is now life-long and it only has to happen once. An up-to-date schedule of fees can be found on Council’s website by searching for Animal Fees and Fines.

Where Can i exerCise my dog?The Hills Shire has a number of off-leash areas where dogs can run freely. It is important that while the dogs are off a leash, they must still be under control by an adult and must not interfere with the safety or enjoyment of other people using the park.

The designated off-leash areas are at the following reserves:n Balcombe Heights Reserve, Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hillsn Castle Hill Showgroundn Connie Lowe Reserve, Adelphi Street, Rouse Hilln Coolong Reserve, Coolong Street, Castle Hilln Crestwood Reserve, Peel Road, Baulkham Hillsn Dewhurst Avenue Reserve, Castle Hilln Don Moore Reserve, North Rocksn Mediati Avenue Reserve, Kellyville.

In all other parks and public places dogs must be on-leash at all times.

on-leash exerCiseWhile it is recognised that dogs must be on a leash at all times (unless in a specified area), Council has taken the opportunity to introduce on-leash exercise areas. These may include an agility ramp, exercise bollards or drinking facilities, all accessible while the dog remains under control.

WhaT if a dog is barking all The Time?Barking is one of the ways in which a dog communicates. In some instances constant barking may indicate a problem with a dog’s health or happiness. It can also affect the comfort of people living in the vicinity of the dog.

If your dog is a constant barker you should consult your vet for advice.

Exercise may provide an active energy release. Obedience training also allows the opportunity of socialisation with other dogs and people, which is an important element in a dog’s life.

Puppy Pre School and Dog Obedience classes are run by local kennel club and dog breeders.

WhaT is CounCil’s role in animal ConTrol?Local council’s are the authority responsible for implementing the Companion Animals Act. Under the legislation, Council has a range of responsibilities including planning, service provision, community education and enforcement.

Authorised officers have a range of powers to deal with breaches of the Act as they occur. They can require the names and addresses of people who they reasonably suspect may have breached the Act. They are able to issue on-the-spot penalties for offences.

Council officers can also help animal owners if they are having problems with their pets. Call Council on 9843 0555 during business hours to discuss these matters.

The hills shire CounCil129 Showground Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154PO Box 75, Castle Hill NSW 1765

Phone 02 9843 0555 Email council@thehills.nsw.gov.auFacsimile 02 9843 0409 www.thehills.nsw.gov.au