Here is everything you need to know about animals and pets, whether it's a new puppy, a wandering cat, or a possum in the roof.
Pet Registrations - Dogs
Microchipping & Registrations
Microchipping of all dogs is compulsory, and all dogs over the age of three months must be registered from 1 November annually. Registration periods are for one year, three years, or lifetime.
Registration Information
Before registering your dog(s), review the following to make sure you've got all bases covered and don't miss anything:
- Dog owners must fill in all contact and residential information on the Dog Registration Forms, including an Emergency Contact
- If your dog is sterilised, proof is mandatory, as without it we cannot process the registration
- Microchip documentation is mandatory, as without it we cannot process the registration.If your dog is both sterilised and microchipped, this proof will be on your sterilisation documentation, which is also acceptable
- If you would like to submit an application with concession, a valid concession card must be provided
- If your dog is a working dog for agricultural or industrial purposes, a declaration acknowledging this must be provided
- If there are any changes to particular details contained in your dog registration, including the sale, change of ownership or death of the dog, you must the Shire Administration Office as soon as possible so that we can update our systems
- All dangerous dogs, which includes restricted breeds, dogs declared dangerous and commercial security dogs, must be declared upon registration
Registration Fees
Dog Registration Form Local Laws for Dogs
Responsible Pet Ownership - Dogs
Noise Complaints
Complaints about noise from barking dogs are common, and whilst it is impossible to always keep your dog quiet, it is your responsibility to ensure that it does not become a nuisance to your neighbours.
Dog Attacks
Rangers are required to investigate dog attacks on people, pets and livestock and issue Infringement Notices or instigate prosecutions if appropriate. The Dog Act includes substantial penalties for all offences. It also requires that the means to effectively confine your dog exist within your premises.
Governance & Transparency
Impounded Dogs
Impounded dogs are kept at the pound facility in Donnybrook. To reclaim your dog you must first pay all fees involved at Shire’s Administration Office at 1 Bentley Street, Donnybrook. Your dog will be released once these fees are paid.
- If your dog is not registered you will also be required to pay the applicable registration fee.
- If your dog is not micro chipped you will also be required to prepay for a microchip at your local vet and provide microchip number at time of registration.
Dog Exercise Areas
The following areas are allocated Dog Exercise Areas within the Shire:
- Location 5817 Cnr Tallowood Drive and Withers Drive Donnybrook.
- Lot 521 Marmion Street Donnybrook behind the Guide Hall.
- Reserve 34972 on the eastern side of the Preston River at the rear of Palmer Street Donnybrook. Bounded to the north by the suspension bridge and to the south by the Gabion Rock bridge.
- Crown Res 13551 Balinga Drive Balingup adjacent to rail corridor heading north of Balinga Drive
Dog Prohibited Areas
Dogs are prohibited absolutely, subject to Section 8 of the Act and Section 66J of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, from entering or being in any of the following places:
- Where so indicated by a sign, a public building.
- A theatre or picture gardens.
- All premises or vehicle classified as food premises or food vehicle under the Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations.
- A public swimming pool.
- Within any fenced area set aside as a children’s playground.
If a dog enters or is found in a place in subclause (1), every person liable for the control of the dog is considered as having committed an offence.
Pet Registrations - Cats
The Cat Act 2011
In 2012 the State Government introduced the Cat Act, requiring sterilisation and registration of all domestic cats in Western Australia. Implementation of all provisions of the Cat Act came into effect on 1 November 2013 and apply to all domestic cats in the state, and still do to this day.
Governance & Transparency
Registration Information
Before registering your cat(s), review the following to make sure you've got all bases covered and don't miss anything:
- Cat owners must fill in all contact and residential information on the Cat Registration Forms, including an Emergency Contact
- Your cat must be sterilised if over six (6) months old - proof is mandatory, as without it we cannot process the registration
- Microchip documentation is mandatory, as without it we cannot process the registration.If your cat is both sterilised and microchipped, this proof will be on your sterilisation documentation, which is also acceptable
- If you would like to submit an application with concession, a valid concession card must be provided
- If there are any changes to particular details contained in your cat registration, including the sale, change of ownership or death of the cat, you must the Shire Administration Office as soon as possible so that we can update our systems
Cat Registration Form
Responsible Pet Ownership - Cats
The Cat Act 2011 - expanded
All cats over the age of six months must be sterilised, micro-chipped and registered with the Shire.
- Cats over the age of six months must be sterilised
- Exemption to this provision may be applicable to approved/registered Cat breeders
- Cats must be at least twelve weeks of age to be sterilised
- Cats over the age of six months must be microchipped
- Cats over the age of six months must be registered with their local government (all registrations are due on 31 October and can be renewed for either one year, three years, or lifetime)
- Cats must wear a collar with identification and registration tags
- Council recommends that you contain your cat within the boundary of your property
Laws & Information for Responsible Cat Owners
Cat Registration Form Local Laws for Cats
Wildlife concerns
I need help for a wild animal (native wildlife, etc)
Our Local Government Rangers are not authorised to capture or manage any wildlife issues.
For information, resources, and further assistance, please reach out to a professional - you can find a wide range of options and help via the following:
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
DBCA Contact List
- Department of Parks and Wildlife - Kirup Work Centre
Phone (08) 9731 6232
DPAW Website
Livestock
It is the responsibility of the stock owner to contain livestock within their property boundaries. The containment of livestock is imperative for the safety of the community and to reduce the spread of disease and infection. It also means that your animals are protected and maintained properly.
Management of Livestock
Livestock is not permitted to be kept on premises within a townsite without Shire approval, and all livestock is to be registered and tagged with Australia's National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).
The NLIS is Australia’s system for the identification and traceability of cattle, sheep and goats. NLIS reflects Australia’s commitment to biosecurity and food safety, and provides a competitive advantage in a global market.
Visit the NLIS Website
Wandering Livestock
These incidents pose a significant danger to the public travelling on roads and in most cases are preventable by the provision of sufficient, appropriate and well maintained fences.
Rangers should be contacted for staying livestock that is on roads, as well as be in attendance to ensure roadways are safe and fencing issues are rectified.
Other Information
Animal Traps
The Shire has a number of animal traps available for residents to use, free of charge, including:
- 1 x dog trap
- 2 x fox traps
- 6 x cat traps
These traps are not harmful to the animal and can be hired for up to 14 days at a time. If you would like to hire a trap, contact the Shire Administration Office to check availability and arrange a time to come in and collect the specific trap.