Keeping Dogs in the Australia Capital Territory

• Registration  
• Micro-chip
• De-sexing
• Keeping four or more dogs
• Dangerous dogs
• Animal nuisance
• Greyhounds
• Dog attacks
• Responsible dog ownership factsheet

Domestic animal policy promotes the responsible ownership of dogs whilst protecting the rights of dogs, dog owners and the community.

Being a dog owner brings with it responsibilities. The community expects to be able to enjoy public places without fear or threat of being attacked by dogs or walking on dog excrements. Residents are also entitled to enjoy their garden without dogs roaming onto their property or being disturbed by excessive noise from barking.

Dogs in the ACT must be on leash in public places except in designated off leash areas and enclosed dog parks. Visit 'Where can I take my dog' for more information about off leash areas, dog parks and prohibited areas.

When taking a dog into a public place remember the following:

• remove all dog droppings;
• carry appropriate equipment to pick up dog droppings;
• keep the dog on leash except in designated off leash areas;
• do not leave the dog unattended;
• do not take a dog into prohibited areas or places; and
• do not take a female dog on heat into a public place.

Infringement notices can be issued for the above offences.

Dog legislation in the ACT is governed by the Domestic Animals Act 2000 and is enforced by the Domestic Animal Services (DAS).

Animal cruelty and welfare issues in the ACT are dealt with by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

Registration

Dog registration is compulsory in the ACT and dogs must always wear their registration tag or a dog tag that displays their registration number.

All dogs must be registered if:

• they are over eight weeks old;
• they have been kept in the ACT for 28 days or more; and
• the dog’s keeper has been a resident of the ACT for 28 days or more.

Registration is for the lifetime of the dog and forms are available at Canberra Connect Shopfronts, Domestic Animal Services and www.canberraconnect.act.gov.au. A concession on registration is available to card holders, however payment must be made at a Canberra Connect Shopfront or Domestic Animal Services.

Micro-chip

All dogs in the ACT must be micro-chipped.

Micro-chipping is a safe procedure that requires the insertion of a micro-chip, approximately the size of a grain of rice, into the back of the neck of the dog or cat. Few animals show any signs of discomfort during this simple and quick procedure.

Dogs can be micro-chipped by Domestic Animal Services, the RSPCA or any veterinarian.

De-sexing

It is a strict liability offence under the Domestic Animals Act 2000 to own a dog which has not been de-sexed. Exemptions include:

• the dog is less than 6 months old;
• the dog was born before 21 June 2001; or
• the keeper of the dog holds a sexually entire permit issued by the Registrar of Domestic Animal Services.

Application forms to keep a dog which has not been de-sexed are available from Domestic Animal Services. Fees and conditions apply prior to the granting of the licence.

De-sexing is essential to reduce the number of neglected or abandoned dogs. It may also improve behaviour and helps to reduce reproductive health problems later in life. Female dogs do not need to produce a litter for full physical and emotional development.

Keeping four or more dogs

To have four or more dogs in the ACT you must have a keeper’s licence issued by Domestic Animal Services.

Under section 18 of the Domestic Animals Act 2000 it is an offence for a person to keep four or more dogs unless in accordance with a multiple dog licence.

Application procedure

Persons wishing to keep four or more dogs must make an application under section 19 of the Domestic Animals Act 2000 for a multiple dog licence. An application form can be obtained from Domestic Animal Services.

Prior to lodging your application each individual dog must be registered, micro-chipped and de-sexed (unless the keeper holds a sexually entire permit). You are also required to provide a map and photos of your premises, outlining any existing facilities and any proposed construction. A Ranger from Domestic Animal Services must also conduct a site inspection of your property and consult with surrounding residents.

The Registrar may take numerous things into consideration before granting a licence. This includes, but is not limited to:

• the number and kind of dogs to which the application relates;
• the size and nature of the premises where the dogs are proposed to be kept;
• the security of the premises;
• the suitability of facilities for keeping the dogs on the premises;
• the potential impact on the neighbouring premises; and
• any conviction or finding of guilt of the applicant within the last 10 years against a Territory or State law for an offence relating to the welfare, keeping or control of an animal.

Minimum requirements to hold a multiple dog licence include:

• written approval from your landlord if you are a tenant;
• no objections from your neighbours;
• pens or runs must be constructed in such a way that:
  • they are escape proof;
  • no part of the structure is closer than 2 metres from a boundary fence;
  • they are large enough to allow freedom of movement;
  • they have adequate shelter from the elements; and
  • the floor of the structure facilitates hygienic disposal of animal waste and ease of cleaning.
• adequate conditions for sanitary disposal of collected waste; and
• dogs must be penned when the house is unattended (they may use the rest of the yard for exercise when you are home).

Payment of fees

A fee is payable if the licence is granted. A yearly renewal applies and must be paid at Domestic Animal Services.

If you have any questions in relation to these guidelines, please call 13 22 81 or visit Domestic Animal Services on Mugga Lane, Symonston during opening hours.

Dangerous dogs

There are no restricted breeds in the ACT as each dog is assessed on its individual behaviour and history. A dangerous dog is a dog that:

• the Registrar of Domestic Animal Services has declared to be dangerous usually because of attack behaviour;
• has been declared dangerous in another State or Territory; or
• has been trained as a guard dog or is kept as a guard dog for guarding premises other than residential premises.

If a dog has been declared dangerous, the owner must apply for a Dangerous Dog Licence from Domestic Animal Services. A license will only be granted if the Registrar is satisfied that the dog can be kept in accordance with strict condition designed to ensure public safety.

Animal nuisance

The Domestic Animals Act 2000 states that an animal nuisance exists if the keeping or behaviour of an animal causes a condition, state or activity that constitutes:

• damage to property owned by a person other than the keeper;
• excessive disturbance to a person other than the keeper because of noise; or
• danger to the health of an animal or a person other than the keeper.

Generally nuisance behaviour relates to excessive noise caused by a dog barking.

It should be noted that all dogs bark to some degree and only some barking behaviour meets the criteria for “nuisance” as described above. For more information, see the Nuisance Dog Barking Factsheet.

Please note, it is recommended that prior to lodging a complaint with us, that you speak to your neighbours about the problem that you are having. Some people are unaware that their animals are causing a problem and sometimes this direct approach will rectify the problem quickly.

What do I need to do to lodge an Animal Nuisance Complaint?

In lodging an animal nuisance complaint you must demonstrate that the nuisance exists and has been ongoing for an extended period of time in excess of three weeks and how the nuisance behaviour is impacting upon you. To demonstrate the frequency and regularity of the nuisance we ask that you complete a bark diary for a period of 14 days. This information is essential when Domestic Animal Services is holding discussions with the dog owner to demonstrate the nature of nuisance behaviour and when it is occurring so that they can take steps to address the issue.

If you consider that you may be experiencing an animal nuisance problem in your neighbourhood please complete the form 'How to lodge an animal nuisance complaint' and send it along with the bark diary to Domestic Animal Services at GPO Box 158, Canberra City 2601. The Domestic Animals Act 2000 states that the Registrar must investigate any written animal nuisance complaint unless satisfied that the complaint is frivolous or vexatious.

You may also contact the Conflict Resolution Service to discuss the matter and receive some free dispute coaching, or enquire about mediation.

Greyhounds

Greyhounds must be muzzled in public places unless the greyhound and its carrier have completed a course in behaviour or socialisation training approved by the Registrar of Domestic Animal Services.

When walking greyhounds in a public place they must be on leash and the walker must not be in control of four or more greyhounds.

Dog attacks

Dog attacks should be immediately reported on 13 22 81.