Dogs
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For dog attacks and roaming animals, contact us immediately on 02 6670 2400 at any time of day - report a barking dog online.
Owner responsibilities in a public place
All dogs in New South Wales must be on a lead when in a public place, unless in a designated off-leash area.
A dog that is in a public place must be under the effective control of a competent person by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash that is attached to the dog and that is being held by (or secured to) a person.
Roaming dogs have the potential to cause community nuisance through a variety of unwanted activities including:
- defecating on public or private properties
- destructive behaviour towards property
- potential for traffic accidents
- harassing / aggressive behaviour towards others dogs or animals
- worst of all, an attack on another animal or person.
Many owners fail to realise their pet, which in many instances is an extension of their family, may be a nuisance to the rest of the neighbourhood. The best way to address these issues is to:
- ensure that your dog is always walked on a lead - enabling you to adequately control your dog at all times, while in a public place.
- adequately confine your dog to your property - ensuring the dog does not escape and roam around.
An infringement notice may be issued for not complying with relevant laws.
Dog offences and penalties
The NSW Companion Animals Regulation 2018 sets out the regulations and penalties for owning a dog in NSW. In August 2018, some of the penalties changed.
| Offence |
Penalty |
| Not picking up dog poo in a public space |
$275
|
| Dog in prohibited area, roaming, not under control in public place or off-leash in an on-leash area |
$330 |
| Unregistered Dog |
$330 |
| Dog without microchip |
$180 |
| Dog rushes, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person / animal |
$1320 |
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if I see a dog locked in a vehicle?
Please call Police immediately on 000.
Only Police have the authority to gain access to a vehicle to remove an animal.
Who can I contact if I am concerned about the welfare of an animal?
Report a case of animal cruelty online or over the phone with RSPCA New South Wales.