Keeping an animal is an important responsibility.  To be a responsible owner is it important to be aware of the laws regarding keeping animals in your area, and to be mindful of the impact stock have on the environment.  The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food provides a wide range of advice and publications that will assist you in being a responsible keeper of livestock and pets.

Land owners should also be aware that Council approval is required for the keeping of animals in Special Rural Zones under the Town Planning Scheme No 3.

More information is provided in the Planning section of this site under Rural Pursuits.If you are a dog owner or plan to get a dog, please read the relevant information regarding the keeping of dogs.

Dog Control

Registration of Dogs
The Dog Act 1976 requires all dogs over the age of 3 months to be registered in their local government district. Dog registrations are a requirement throughout the State of Western Australia. It is important that you advise your local council of any changes in your or your dog’s personal details, so they can maintain accurate records.

Dog registration fees are:

* Proof of sterilisation required

# Pensioner concession 50%; dogs used for droving or tending stock - 25% concession of fee otherwise payable

Dangerous Dogs/Restricted Breeds
Certain dog breeds are declared as dangerous under State Legislation and there are strict regulations in place in regard to the keeping of such dogs.  Please refer to the WA Rangers Association for details.

Pound Facility
If your dog is missing it may have been impounded. You can check by contacting the Shire Ranger on 9574 2258 or 9574 4555. Collection of dogs is strictly by appointment with the Shire Ranger and remember that before a dog can be released from the pound it must be registered. You will be required to provide proof that you are either its owner or a person acting on behalf of the owner.

Maximum Number of Dogs
A person is allowed to keep 2 dogs over the age of 3 months and the young of those dogs under the age of 3 months on any premises. If you would like to keep more than two dogs you must apply to Council for a permit prior to obtaining any additional dog/s. Please refer to Policy TP.8 Keeping of 3 to 6 Dogs

Fencing Requirements
All dog owners, or the occupier of premises where a dog is ordinarily kept, are responsible for providing means for effectively confining the dog to those premises.

Fouling of Streets and Public Places
All dog owners need to be mindful that it is a requirement to clean up after your dog. Failure to do so may result in a $40 fine. Doggie bags are available at Newcastle Park, Duidgee Park and the Showgrounds. If you notice the bags are empty please notify the Shire Ranger Services.

Control of Dogs in Public Places
A person must hold a dog on a leash in all public places and be capable of controlling the dog at all times.

Dog Exercise Area
The Shire of Toodyay will allow the exercising of dogs off the leash on the Toodyay Show Grounds except when in use. Dogs being exercised off a leash in the Show Grounds must be kept under control by a person who is carrying a leash and please remember to clean up after your dog.

Prohibited Dog Areas
Dogs are prohibited on children’s play areas, recreation areas where indicated by signs, food preparation and consumption areas.

Barking Dogs
Ranger Services fully appreciates that a barking dog can often severely disrupt people’s lives and erode their quality of life. Laws relating to an alleged dog nuisance are prescribed by State Legislation and the Shire of Toodyay is bound to follow that process. The first step in dealing with nuisance barking is to approach the owners. If the matter cannot be resolved please contact Ranger Services for further advice.

Further Information

The Department of Local Government and Regional Development and the WA Rangers Association also provides useful information on dog ownership.