Roaming and attacks
The Council takes all dog attacks seriously and encourages all residents to report roaming dogs and/or attacks by contacting the Ranger during business hours through the Customer Service line on 6226 1477 or the On Call Duty Officer after hours on 6226 1477 and press 1.
Your responsibilities as a dog owner
The Companion Animals Act 1998 requires that all dogs must be under effective control by means of a chain, cord or leash when in public (unless in a designated off-leash area) in order to minimise the chances of an attack occurring, and to protect the welfare of the dog and members of the public.
If your dog leaves your property and injures, kills or damages a person, animal (excluding vermin) or property you, as the owner, are financially liable for all costs. If your dog is caught attacking a person or animal it may be declared a Dangerous or Menacing Dog. There are substantial fines for dogs attacking and very heavy costs to owning a declared Dangerous or Menacing Dog.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Yass Valley Council on 6226 1477 and ask to speak to the Ranger. Please report all incidents even if you can’t identify the responsible dogs as it allows Council to monitor and identify problem areas.
When is a dog roaming?
Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 any dog which is in a place (other than where it is ordinarily kept) unaccompanied by a responsible person is a “stray”.
Rural residential fencing is very rarely sufficient to contain dogs. If you own a dog, it is your responsibility to ensure it is secure on your premises.
By placing a roaming dog back within the property it comes from, and not reporting it, does not help Council work with the owner regarding dog containment.
When is a cat roaming?
Under the provisions of the NSW Companion Animal Act 1998, cats are prohibited in public food preparation/consumption areas or wildlife protection areas. In all other areas in NSW cats are considered to have no boundaries and are free to roam. This is not a Yass Valley Council position, it is in accordance with NSW government legislation. It is often difficult to determine someone's pet from a stray or homeless cat. Due to this we are unable to seize stray cats.
Cats cause considerable damage to the environment if allowed to wander. if you own a cat, you are encouraged to keep them inside at night to reduce the chances to fighting and hunting other animals.
Dog attacks
What is considered a dog attack:
The Companion Animals Act 1998 states that if a dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal, the owner of the dog, or if the owner is not present at the tie of the offence and another person who is of or above the age of 16 years is in charge of the dog at the time - that other person, is guilty of an offence.
If your dog is caught attacking a person or animal, it may be declared as a Dangerous or Menacing Dog. There are substantial fines for dogs attacking and very heavy costs to owning a declared Dangerous or Menacing Dog.
Yass Valley Council takes all dog attacks seriously and urges all residents to report incursions onto your property.
Section 22 of the Companion Animals Act 1998 details action that a person may take to protect property, person or animal.
Reporting a Dog Attack
No matter how serious the attack is, it is very important to report it to Council. To commence a dog attack investigation, Council will require details of the incident, people and dogs involved, and a formal statement of evidence maybe required to ensure the matter can be dealt with appropriately.
The Companion Animals Act 1998 gives Council broad powers to investigate and control, where sufficient evidence exists, any dog that is involved in an attack on a person or another animal.
Often, these investigations take time to obtain all the details from numerous parties involved, and Council is aware of public safety and the emotional consequences of a dog attack.
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