Keeping Animals

Keeping animals other than domestic pets has the potential to compromise the wellbeing of the animal and the health or amenity of the surrounding neighbourhood. 

Birds and other animals kept on any property must be kept in a way that ensures they don't create a public nuisance, an offensive odour, or unhealthy conditions. The Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 sets out standards for keeping poultry, pigs, horse and cattle (scroll to Part 5 of Schedule 2).

Failure to meet the standards can result in Lachlan Shire Council issuing an order limiting or prohibiting the keeping of birds and animals, or the order may place restrictions on the manner in which the birds or animals are kept. 

Keep your mate safe

You or the person in charge of your dog must take precautions to prevent your dog from escaping your property. This means ensuring you have adequate fencing, gates remain locked or shut and there are no holes or gaps where they can escape. 

Your dog must be microchipped and registered, and must also wear a collar and tag when outside your property. The tag must show the name of the dog, as well as your address and telephone number.

Keeping your dog under control in a public place

When out in public with your dog, it must be under the effective control of a competent person (over the age of 16) by the means of an adequate chain, cord or lead. All dogs must be walked on a lead, with the exception of when they are in Council’s off-leash exercise areas. 

Dogs are prohibited from certain areas while out in public;

• within 10 metres of a children's play area
• within 10 metres of food preparation or consumption areas (except cafes or restaurants whose owners permit dogs)
• recreation areas where dogs are prohibited
• public bathing areas where dogs are prohibited
• school grounds
• child care centres
• shopping centres where dogs are prohibited
• wildlife protection areas.

Penalties apply for dog owners (or the person in charge of the dog) for not having your dog under effective control.

Cleaning up after your dog 

Nobody likes dealing with dog mess in public. If your dog defecates in a public place, you must immediately remove the dog’s faeces and properly dispose of them. Local stores sell products and bags for the convenient and easy removal of dog mess. 

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.

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 990 777. This service is free, confidential and voluntary.
• If none of these methods work, contact Council's Ranger on 02 6895 1900.

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
• Further non-compliance may see the owner of the cat prosecuted by the local court (a request for the removal of the cat from the property may be sought).