Nuisance animals

To report a dog attack, contact us immediately on 1300 581 299.

A dog is considered a nuisance if it:

• is habitually at large

• makes a noise that persistently occurs or continues to such a degree or extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises

• repeatedly defecates on property (other than a public place) outside the property on which it is ordinarily kept

• repeatedly runs at or chases any person, animal (other than vermin) or vehicle

• endangers the health of any person or animal (other than vermin)

• Repeatedly causes substantial damage to anything outside the property on which it is ordinarily kept.

If a dog in your neighbourhood is causing problems:

• talk to the dog's owner. They may not even be aware of the problem

• if you can't agree on a solution, contact us on 1300 581 299 to ask our Rangers to attend

• one of our Rangers will contact you to discuss your complaint

• if the problem isn't resolved, our Rangers can issue a nuisance order and possibly a fine to the dog's owner.

We encourage you to report dog attacks and other problems, such as owners not following the rules.

We also visit local parks, including designated off-leash areas, to make sure pets and people are doing the right thing.

Under the Companion Animals Act, 1998 (the Act), cats are allowed in public places without a leash or under the control of a person, but are not allowed within 10 meters of food preparation and consumption areas, or wildlife protection areas. 

Cats may be considered a nuisance under the Act if they:

• Make a noise that persistently occurs or continues to such a degree or extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises, or
• Repeatedly damage anything outside the property on which it is ordinarily kept.

The Act also provides for the protection of persons and animals (other than vermin) from injury or death from a cat attack.

We recommend contacting Customer service if you see a cat in a prohibited area, or attacking a person or animal. 

Our rangers can seize a cat in areas where they are prohibited, such as a wildlife protection area, commercial kitchen, restaurant or café, or if they have injured a person or another animal.

Unknown cats, or ‘strays’, are permitted to be in public places and can’t be seized by our rangers unless they’re near wildlife protected areas, or food preparation areas in accordance with the Act.

We encourage residents to not feed cats they’re unfamiliar with, as they are known to group in areas where they can easily access food. It is also recommended that residents securely close their bins as cats are known to be attracted by easily accessed garbage.

There are many sprays and repellents available on the market that are effective in deterring unknown cats from visiting your area or property.

If you have a pet that is causing nuisance, we may issue you with an order to stop the behaviour that constituted the nuisance.

You have 7 days after the date the notice is given in which to object to a proposed order. An order remains in force for 6 months after it is issued. If you receive a subsequent fine it will be substantially higher in value.

If we have issues you more than 5 orders, we may then issue you with a Court Attendance Notice.