If you’re thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family, there are many great reasons to adopt from a rescue organisation!
The WA Government has launched a major public awareness campaign encouraging people looking for a new pet to first consider adopting a dog or cat from an animal shelter or rescue organisation.
Adopting a dog or cat from a rescue organisation is a rewarding, ethical and cost-effective way to bring a new pet into your family. And you’ll be giving them a second chance at a good life. Responsible pet ownership starts when you start planning for a pet. Adopting a pet is better for the community because it relieves pressure on shelters. Additionally, the Stop Puppy Farming Act that passed in 2021 will result in new rules around pet ownership, that will come into effect in 2025.
You can find advice about responsible pet ownership, places to adopt a pet, or read about some pawsome and purrfect matches on the website below.
Adopt, Don't Shop
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. If you'd like to try and talk to your neighbour about the problem first, we've made a "Dear Neighbour" letter template for you to use.
"Dear Neighbour" Letter Template
Make a Report
Dog Attacks
The Dog Act includes substantial penalties for all offences and Rangers are required to investigate attacks on people, pets and livestock. The Shire may issue Infringement Notices or instigate prosecutions if appropriate. By investigating dog attacks it ensures that the means to effectively confine your dog exist within your premises and that dangerous dogs are identified and managed accordingly.
If you have experienced a dog attack, please call the Shire immediately.
Contact Us
Impounded Cats & Dogs
Impounded cats and dogs are kept at the pound facility in Donnybrook. If your pet is impounded, fees and charges may apply that cover food and holding them at the pound until you have collected it. Collection requirements may vary, so if your pet is missing please contact the Shire as soon as possible so that our Rangers are aware and can inform you if it is found.
Please note that an impounded cat or dog that has not been registered as required will not be released until a registration is complete. If you would like to discuss further, please contact the Shire and ask to speak with our friendly Rangers.
- If your cat or dog is not registered, you will also be required to pay the applicable registration fee.
- If your cat or dog is not microchipped, you will also be required to prepay for a microchip at your local vet and provide the microchip number at time of registration.
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.
There are multiple dog exercise areas in the Shire, where you are permitted to have your dog off-lead providing you have it under control. Please note that these locations are pending review and community consultation.
The Cat Act 2011
The following dot points summarise the main requirements for all cat owners outlined in the Cat Act 2011.
- 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.
View the Cat Act 2011
Wandering Cats
Whilst a cat wandering is not illegal, Council recommends that you contain your cat within the boundaries of your property for its own safety as well as that of other people and animals. There are provisions within the Cat Act for cats causing a nuisance, this can include:
- an activity or condition which is harmful or annoying and which gives rise to legal liability in the tort of public or private nuisance at law;
- an unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of a person’s ownership or occupation of land; or
- interference which causes material damage to land or other property on the land affected by the interference.
If your cat is found to be a creating a nuisance, penalties may be issued.