Ballina Shire Council has a Companion Animals Management Plan. The Plan acknowledges the importance of pets to many people and works with the community to promote responsible pet ownership, and to provide a healthy environment in which animals, their owners and the wider community can comfortably live:
Barking dogs are a common complaint made to Council. These matters are often very difficult to resolve because:
Council encourages people to discuss their concerns regarding nuisance barking with the owner of the dog before lodging a complaint with Council. The dog owner may not be aware their dog is barking, particularly if it is only when they are out. In most cases owners will want to do the right thing and will cooperate.
If your dog continues to bark excessively despite the fact that you have tried all of the above suggestions you may consider purchasing an anti-barking collar. A citronella anti-barking collar has a microphone that picks up the barking noise and a mechanism triggers a spray of strong smelling citronella under the dog's nose which deters it from barking. Citronella does not harm the dog in any way.
Please note that two written complaints must be lodged regarding a barking dog before Council will take action. Along with your written complaint, you will need to complete the Barking Dog Diary and Information Sheet (pdf) for at least 14 days:
It is an offence against the Companion Animals Act 1998 (the Act) for any dog to be outside its own property at any time, unless it is under the effective control of a competent person by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash, that is attached to the dog and is being held by (or secured to) the person that must be 16 years and older.
Under Section 16 of the Act, a person who owns a dog or is in charge of a dog, is guilty of an offence 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.
For your dog’s safety, ensure that you have secure fencing so that your dog cannot roam the streets. Roaming pets are also at risk of being stolen, injured, hit by a vehicle, attacked by other animals, and may be more exposed to disease, parasites or poisons. All pets must wear a collar around their neck with a tag attached that shows name of animal and address or telephone number of the owner.
Dogs can get scared during fireworks displays and thunderstorms, please make sure your pets are confined securely to prevent them from running away or injuring themselves.
If your animal is impounded, Council has a new animal shelter for impounded animals and your pet will be cared for to a high standard whilst Council’s responsibility. However it is an unfamiliar environment for your pet so preventing it from being handed to or seized by a Ranger is the best action.
Fees and charges apply to all owners of animals that have been impounded.
Additionally, if your pet has been impounded, it will need to be micro-chipped and lifetime registered prior to its release from the animal shelter to you.
Rangers conduct patrols of local areas and any unattended dogs are likely to be impounded. In addition to this the owner of any dog may be issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) exceeding $330 for allowing their dog to be in the street and not on a leash.
Responsible cat ownership includes proper housing, feeding, control, care and breeding. Cat owners also need to be aware of the problems which can occur if their pets are allowed to roam.
Cats can 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 of fighting and hunting other animals. It is also a good idea for your cat to wear a bell on its collar to warn other wildlife.
Many people do not like the presence of a cat in their backyard for a range of reasons, as the cat may be noisy, may defecate in their yard, may attack their pets, damage property or kill wildlife.
Every individual will have a different view as to what constitutes a nuisance cat. Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 a cat is a nuisance if it:
If you have issues with a cat, Council recommends you discuss your concerns with the cat owner first. In most cases owners will want to do the right thing and will cooperate. The Nuisance Cat Information Package (pdf) may assist you and the cat owner in reaching a favourable outcome.
Small Animal traps are available for hire from Council with the payment of a refundable deposit. Cats may be seized 'if it is reasonable and necessary for the protection of any person or animal (other than vermin) from injury or death'. If you seize a cat, it must be returned to its owner or to Council's ranger as soon as possible.
Written complaints may be lodged with Council, however Council will generally not take further action unless a Nuisance Cat Information Sheet and Nuisance Cat Diary (2mb pdf form) has been completed for at least 14 days. You will also be required to act as a witness in court should the matter proceed to Court.
The General Manager
Ballina Shire Council
PO Box 450
Ballina NSW 2478
40 Cherry Street
Ballina NSW 2478
Opening Hours
8:15am - 4:30pm
Monday to Friday
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