Lost Dogs
Lost and wandering Dogs often come to the attention of the Litchfield Council Regulatory Services Manager. This is either when complaints are made by residents that wandering dogs are causing problems or when a resident is concerned for the wandering dogs' welfare.
Every endeavour will be made to find the owner and return immediately, particularly if the animal is micro chipped.
As the Litchfield Council do not have any impounding services, all lost dogs are taken to the RSPCA facility in Berrimah- phone 8984 3795.
Please call the Litchfield Council Regulatory Services Manager on 89830600 for further information.
A range of useful tip sheets are available for you to view below.
A family of lost dogs picked up in 2009 creating a
nuisance with neighbours dogs!
Dog Management
Council will endeavour to manage the control of dogs through partnership, assistance, community consultation and effort, which aims to provide for the keeping of dogs within the Litchfield Municipality in a manner compatible with the enjoyment of all residents in a rural environment. The Litchfield Council motto - Community Effort is Essential is important when we look at addressing the Dog Management Strategy.
Dog Management and Control within the Litchfield Municipality is a complex issue. Council is aware that standard urban type Dog By-Laws will not be effective and that different and alternative methods of dog management will be required to provide a successful service to the community without impacting or hampering Litchfield's unique rural living environment and the recreational requirements of residents.
Council is responsible for the administration of By-laws authorised by The Local Government Act 2008 Part 13.1, 188 and 195. The Act requires certain duties and obligations to be fulfilled by Council. This dog control strategy will provide Council with a sound basis and direction from which it can develop, provide and make future decisions to meet the needs of the community.
Dog Management By-laws will place an emphasis on public safety and maintaining a congenial living environment in the rural area. Council recognises that legislation alone will not change irresponsible dog owners attitudes and behaviour. Council will strive to place a high emphasis on education and owner assistance to implement positive communication and long lasting community involvement in the management of dogs within the Litchfield Municipality.
In adopting and implementing By-laws and dog control and management policies Council must take in to account the following:
- the importance of allowing members of the public to utilise roads, streets and public facilities without fear or apprehension by aggressive, feral or stray dogs
- the importance of reducing dog nuisances to the general community
- reducing the number of dogs wandering in public areas, recreational areas and places frequented by children
- the recreational and exercise needs of dogs and their owners
- the cost of establishing and the ongoing operational costs of all aspects of animal control and management
Scope of Strategy
Litchfield Council's Public Safety and Order Department (Regulatory Services) is in the process of researching and documenting, for the approval of Council, policies, procedures and dog control by-laws. Public and stakeholder consultation and feedback will be sought on the draft Litchfield Council Dog Management By-Laws as they are developed.
Animal control activities will include the following:
- Dog Identification
- Impounding and trapping of stray or dogs 'At large'
- Dog owner education and assistance with dog nuisance behaviours
- Lower primary school dog safety education program
- Enforcement of Litchfield Council Dog Management By-Laws
- Wild / Feral Dog Management Program
Litchfield Councils Dog Control Policy is designed to specify the effect and the Councils position on any Dog Control By-Laws implemented. Council is in the process of developing draft policies for stakeholder and public consultation.
To view the Draft Dog Management By-laws and consultation papers click here