Ranger Services

Dogs

• It is important that all dog owners raise their pets appropriately and have respect for others in the community.
• This can be achieved by keeping dogs adequately confined on their properties, on a leash in public places, preventing aggressive behaviour and controlling excessive barking.
• The Dog Act 1976is administered and enforced by local governments within their respective districts. The Act addresses the control and registration of dogs; the ownership and keeping of dogs; and the obligations and rights of dog owners and others.
• Everyone who is a dog owner has a responsibility to ensure that his or her dog is well looked after.

Ownership

The registered owner of dog must not be under the age of 18.

An owner within the Boddington – Ranford ‘town site’ cannot register more than 2 dogs over the age of 3 months old, unless special approval is granted by Council.

Dogs Local Law 2020

The purpose of the Shire of Boddington, Dogs Local Law 2000, is to provide for the management of dogs throughout the Shire of Boddington. The effect of the local law is to promote responsible dog. This local law was resolved by the Council of the Shire of Boddington on 18 October 2000. (**Add hyperlink?)

Dog Registration

A dog owner is legally required to register his or her dog with the appropriate local government if it is more than three months old. If the dog is sterilized a discount is offered. Proof by means of Vet receipt or Statutory Declaration is required.

• The registration period is from 1 November to 31 October.
• Registration renewals are forwarded to registered pet owners in October each year.
• 1 year and 3 year registrations expire 31 October regardless of the month your animal is registered.
  
  

Dog Registration Fees & Charges

(Subject to change, list below current as at 1 June 2024)

• Dog Registration – Unsterilised 1 Year: $50 (GST Incl)
• Dog Registration – Unsterilised 3 Years: $120 (GST Incl)
• Dog Registration – Unsterilised Lifetime: $250 (GST Incl)
• Dog Registration – Sterilised 1 Year: $20 (GST Incl)
• Dog Registration – Sterilised 3 Years: $42.50 (GST Incl)
• Dog Registration – Sterilised Lifetime: $100 (GST Incl)
• Dog Registration – Pensioner Concession: 50% Off The Above
• Dog Registration – Working Dogs: 50% Off The Above

All Dog Registration Fees Are Legislated In The Dog Act. Proof of sterilisation and microchip number is required.

Dog Identification

• Your dog is required to wear a collar to which must be attached a valid registration tag. This tag will be issued by your local government when you pay your registration fee.
• As of 1 November 2015 ALL dogs (new & old) must be microchipped as per the new rules in the Dog Act 1976.
• If a dog is impounded it needs to be registered and microchipped prior to release.
• You can provide a receipt or certificate from your Vet advising the dog will be microchipped on the date stated.

Cancellation of Registration

Dog Registration can be cancelled if:

• The owner is fined or convicted for 2 or more offences in any one year
• The dog has been shown to be destructive, dangerous, vicious, unduly mischievous, or to be suffering from an infectious disease
• The council is not satisfied that fencing requirements of the place at which the dog is ordinarily kept are satisfactory.

Update Information

As a dog owner, you are required to notify the Shire of Boddington of any change of ownership or address, and of your dog's sterilisation, microchip number or passing.

Dog control

• If you own a dog, you have a legal responsibility to keep it under control.
• Fencing – The premise to which the dog is regularly kept will satisfactorily contain the dog.
• Public – On a leash and held by a person capable of control the dog.
• Off leash only in designated areas and able to be controlled by voice command.

Dogs barking

As a dog owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your dog is not creating a public nuisance by barking excessively. Nuisance barking also covers public places adjoining the premises.

Barking is a dog’s natural means of communication and often signifies its alertness to danger of intruders. However a dog which persistently barks in a manner which is not considered to be normally habitual in dogs, may constitute a nuisance.

Many dog owners become nonchalant to the fact their own dog is barking, however it can disturb their neighbours. The Shire has a form called the “Dog Barking Journal”. Complainants should beware that should legal action be necessary, they may be required to give evidence in Court. For more information and advice contact the Ranger Services on 9883 4999 or visit the Boddington Shire Office.

Click here to download a Dog Barking Journal 

Dog attacks

A dog attack is a very serious matter. If your dog attacks a person or another animal, you will be held responsible even if you are not there at the time.

Serious dog attacks

Recent amendments to the Act have introduced separate penalties for a serious dog attack where physical injury occurs, and a minor dog attack where no physical injury occurs.

This means that a dog attack can include a dog aggressively rushing at or attempting to attack a person or animal, as well as tearing clothing, biting or causing physical injury.

Court imposed penalties

Court imposed penalties for dog attacks range from $3,000 to $20,000 depending on the seriousness of the attack and whether the dog is known to be dangerous. A local government may also choose to issue an infringement notice.

If you urge your dog to attack, you may receive a penalty of up to $10,000 and 12 months imprisonment, or $20,000 and 2 years imprisonment for dangerous dogs.

You may have a defence if your dog is provoked, attacked or abused, or if someone unlawfully enters your premises, including a private residence or vehicle.

 Local governments may seek a court order for a dog to be destroyed if it has attacked and caused injury or damage.

Liability for injury or damage

The dog’s owner is also liable for any injury or damage resulting from a dog attack. A person who has been attacked may take private legal action for any injury or damage.

Preventing dog attacks

To reduce the potential for dog attacks, dog owners should:

•     Limit the risky genetics (select an appropriate breed).
•     Understand the animal.
•     Train the animal.
•     Limit the risky circumstances (restrain the animal in potential attack situations).

Removal of dog excreta

Dog droppings are a source of annoyance to other users of footpaths and recreation areas. The person in charge of the dog in a public place is required to remove their dog’s droppings and adequately dispose of it. Penalties of $200 may be issued if not adhered to.

Roaming dogs

• Dogs that roam are potentially a public safety risk to motorists, pedestrians and other animals. Irresponsible owners will be liable for any injuries or damage caused by their dog.
• Dog attacks on adults are caused mostly by dogs roaming outside their owners’ properties. Children who come into contact with roaming dogs at parks and other public places are more vulnerable to dog attacks.
• Keep your dog adequately confined on your property and follow the rules of responsible pet ownership to help prevent your dog attacking someone. Roaming dogs often approach and sometimes attack other dogs.
• Everyone is entitled to walk in their neighbourhood without being harassed or attacked by uncontrolled and often quite frightening dogs.
• Even if your dog is well behaved, it can be frightening to other people if it is roaming unattended.
• Although you may think your dog is unlikely to attack a person, roaming dogs often approach and sometimes attack other dogs. Responsible pet owners and their dogs are often targets of these attacks.

Lost and Found Dogs

If your dog has wandered off call the Ranger immediately and the details will be put onto a lost and found register. That way when the dog is located the Ranger can call the owner rather than have the dog unnecessarily impounded.

Alternatively if your dog wanders from home or is lost (without any ID) it may be collected by the Shire Ranger and taken to the pound.

If your dog is impounded you will have to pay to have it released.

The cost if your dog is impounded is:

(Subject to change, list below current as at 1 June 2024)

• Impounding Mon-Fri 8am – 5pm (Excluding public holidays): $72.50 (GST Incl)
• Impounding All Other Times:                        $194.50 (GST Incl)
• Sustenance Per Day:                         $23.50 (GST Incl)

What is a restricted breed?

A restricted breed is a dog that is prohibited under the Dog (Restricted Breed) Regulation 2006 which includes Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, dogo Argentio, fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa and Presa Canario. They may also be either mixed breed that visibly contain any of the above prohibited breeds. These breeds are automatically considered as dangerous dogs (See below).

Dangerous Dogs

Restricted Breeds as above are automatically considered as dangerous dogs. Any Dog may also be declared as a ‘Dangerous Dog’ at any time by an Authorised person from the Shire.

What do I do if I own a restricted breed or declared dangerous dog?

There are a considerable number of restrictions that must be strictly adhered to, for example:

• A “dangerous dog” warning sign must be on each entrance to your property
• Dog must be muzzled, wearing a hazard collar and on a leash in public at all times

Snakes & Animal Welfare Concerns

Snakes

For advice on what to do if you come across a snake in its natural habitat, check out the DPaW’s website.

Wildcare Helpline: 08 9474 9055

If you come across a snake in a private place, you may need to contact a local snake catcher. This will be a private arrangement between you and the snake catcher, fees may apply?

If you come across a snake in a public place, please advise Ranger Services.

Animal Welfare

The Shire of Boddington shares concern of the cruelty to animals, this includes neglect or abandonment. Shire Rangers are not currently permitted to handle animal welfare issues.

Please contact the RSPCA on 1300 CRUELTY or submit a report on their website at https://www.rspcawa.org.au/forms/rspca-wa-online-cruelty-report-form if you feel the welfare of an animal is at risk.

Wandering Livestock

If you come across stray livestock on the road, please contact the Police as soon as possible to report the details. Please tell them which road the livestock are on and if possible the nearest crossroad or address number, the type of animal, how many, a description and which direction they are going. The Police will contact Ranger Services but you may choose to report it to us as well, including after-hours on 9883 4999.

If your neighbour’s livestock are wandering on to your property, in the first instance you should talk to your neighbour if you feel it is safe to do so. If the problem is not resolved or you do not wish to approach your neighbour, please contact Ranger Services. To report the problem.

Confining livestock, including horses, cattle, sheep and goats etc…, to your property is important for the safety of the community. Wandering livestock can create a serious public safety risk, particularly when they are on or near roads. You should check and maintain your fences and gates regularly to ensure your livestock cannot escape.

Penalties may apply to owners of wandering livestock.

The Shire of Boddington has Local Law relating to livestock in public places and wandering at large 2007.

Also, under the ‘Highways (Liability for Straying Animals) Act 1983’, owners of wandering livestock can be liable for damage caused by animals straying.

Littering & Illegal Dumping

Litter is a huge problem worldwide. It is unattractive and can cause injury to people and wildlife. The build-up of litter can also encourage people to contribute to further litter in an area. Illegal dumping of rubbish incurs a cost that is ultimately paid for by the whole community.

Many forms of littering take place domestic waste, green waste dumping, cigarette butts, abandoned shopping trolleys and also abandoned vehicles. The dumping of domestic or commercial waste in a public bin is classified as littering, as is items escaping from unsecured loads.

The law doesn't distinguish between organic and artificial waste. Therefore, throwing out organic material like apple cores in public places is the same as throwing plastic or cigarette butts.

Within the Shire of Boddington, rangers patrol and inspect regularly for littering and illegal dumping under the Litter Act 1979. If waste is found, investigations take place and can sometimes be traced back to offenders.

The community is encouraged to assist in cracking down on littering. Please report any known littering to Ranger Services.

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