Responsible Dog Ownership

Animal Care Facility289 Bannister Road, Canning Vale

Opening Hours:Monday to Friday 4.30pm – 5.30pm

Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 4pm – 5pm

Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday

Ranger and Community Safety Services1300 4 CANNING (1300 422 664)

24 hours a day | Seven days a week

City of Canning1317 Albany Highway, Cannington WA 6107

Ph: 1300 4 CANNING (1300 422 664) E: customer@canning.wa.gov.au

canning.wa.gov.au

cityofcanning

JULY

201

7Working together for a safe community.

Dogs in publicDogs are required to be held by a leash whenever they are in a public place excluding approved dog exercise areas.

Exercise areasDogs are permitted to be let off leash when in approved exercise areas provided they:

• Are under effective control (this means the dog will come back when called at all times).

• Are accompanied by someone who is capable of controlling the dog.

• Do not chase or show signs of aggression towards people or other animals.

• Are close to their owner so the leash can be quickly attached if need be.

Please visit canning.wa.gov.au for a list of the City’s approved dog exercise areas.

Lost DogsIf you and your pet are separated, or you find a lost dog, please contact

Ranger and Community Safety Services on

1300 422 664

Dogs and puppies make wonderful companions and provide their owners with years of love and loyalty.

However, caring for your dogs needs and obeying laws in regards to their ownership is a major component of being a responsible pet owner.

Choosing your companionBeing a responsible pet owner begins even before choosing your pet.

When choosing that energetic, loving puppy, consider if your yard is secure and there is adequate shelter. No matter the breed and size, dogs need exercise. You need to ask yourself whether you are prepared to walk your dog everyday.

Consider your lifestyle and the place in which you live. A small unit isn’t suited to most dogs and many need a backyard to run around in. If you’re unsure what breed is best suited to your lifestyle, talk to your local vet or use the RSPCA Smart Puppy and Dog Buyer’s Guide at rspcapuppyguide.com.au

What are your responsibilities?

RegistrationIt is a legal requirement that all dogs over three months of age are registered. To assist in reuniting lost pets with their owners quickly, dogs must wear both their registration tag and an identification tag at all times.

Registrations for one or three years are due on the first of November each year. Lifetime registrations are also available.

MicrochippingAll dogs over the age of three months of age must be microchipped prior to registration. Microchipping is a very quick, safe and simple procedure which can be carried out by your local vet.

ExcretaPermitting your dog to excrete in a public place and failing to remove it constitutes an offence. The City provides pooch pouches at bins on reserves to dispose of excreta appropriately.

Fencing RequirementsDog owners must ensure that all fences and gates are capable of confining their dog. It is recommended that all gates are fitted with effective self-closing mechanisms.

The City of Canning receive and investigate a large number of dog-related complaints each year, many of which can be avoided.

Dogs causing nuisanceBarking is a dog’s natural means of communication and may signify alertness to dangers or intruders. Persistent barking or howling may be considered a nuisance and deemed an offence. Visit the City website for more information on how to deal with nuisance dogs.

Dog attacksIt is an offence to allow a dog to attack or chase a person or animal, irrespective of whether injury is caused. Penalties of up to $10,000 apply. All dog attacks should be reported to Ranger and Community Safety Services on 1300 422 664.

Restricted BreedsThe state government has introduced legislation to protect the community from certain breeds of dog that have been declared as restricted.

American Pit Bull Terriers and Pit Bull Terrier breeds (or cross breeds) must be leashed and muzzled in public places.

Restricted Breed dogs must be sterilised and are required to wear a specified collar. Owners must display prescribed signs indicating a dangerous dog is housed on their property. The property must also have a child proof enclosure to house the dog. For further information, please visit dlgc.wa.gov.au/dogs Significant penalties apply for breaches of the Dog Act and Local Laws.