The Dog Act 1976

If you own a dog in Perth, the best way to avoid getting yourself in the doghouse is to acquaint yourself with The Dog Act 1976. This way, you can ensure you are abiding by the rules set in place by your local government.

“So, what is The Dog Act 1976? How does it apply to me?”

If you are a dog owner based in Perth, then this Act directly impacts you. At Cornerstone Legal, we have created a detailed snapshot of what The Dog Act 1976 is and how to best navigate through your community while staying safe and respectful of others around you.

Dog Registration Act

The Dog Act 1976 is administered and enforced by local governments within their respective districts. This Act addresses and polices the control of canines in your community. This includes the registration of your dog, ownership entitlements and processes, legal processes involved in keeping your dog and the obligations and rights you have as a dog owner.

Every dog owner has an inherent responsibility to ensure that their dog is well looked after and that their needs are met. Dog owners are required to keep dogs adequately confined in your properties, on a leash in public places, preventing aggressive behavior and controlling excessive barking.

The Dog Act 1976 endeavors to ensure responsible dog ownership and protect the community from attack. As a result, the onus placed on a dog owner is very heavy. If your dog gets out, it is your responsibility, and any harm that may be done by the dog is equally your responsibility. You may be prosecuted for offences and this may result in criminal convictions.

The Dog Act 1976 creates what is known as strict liability offences for persons liable for the control of a dog, this means that – knowledge of the incident is not an element of the offence.

Some of your key responsibilities as a dog owner, under The Dog Act 1976, include:

• Dog control: As this responsibility implies, if you own a dog, you have a legal responsibility to keep your canine companion under control. This can be either within a fenced area on your property or on a leash when in public.
• Dogs barking: Yes, dogs bark. But this should never be at the expense of your neighbour’s peace. As a dog owner in Perth, you are responsible for ensuring your dog’s barking doesn’t become a public nuisance to your community. Excessive barking can lead up to fines, so be sure to keep this under control. Please also note, nuisance barking also covers public places adjoining the premises.
• Penalties for dog attacks: Every member of your community has the right to feel safe. A dog attack is a very serious issue and can result in imprisonment. If your dog attacks a person or another animal, you will be held responsible, even if you are not there during the time of occurrence. If your dog is not adequately trained or tends to display aggression, consider purchasitng a muzzle to avoid this consequence becoming a reality.
• Dog registration: A dog owner is legally required to register their dog with the appropriate local government if it is more than three months old. The best way to abide by this is to contact your local government for a registration form and list of applicable fees. Endeavour to be timely with this!
• Registration tags: Your dog is required to wear a collar on which a valid registration tag must be clearly presented. This tag will be issued by your local government when you pay your relevant registration fees.

The Dog Act 1976 creates what is known as strict liability offences for persons liable for the control of a dog – knowledge of the incident in not an element of the offence.

The onus placed on a dog owner is one that is very heavy. If your dog gets out, it is your responsibility, and any harm that may be done by the dog, is equally your responsibility.

The only defences available are those contained in the Dog Act itself.

The upshot of this is that Dog Owners need to be vigilant in ensuring their pets are adequately secured at all times.

At Cornerstone Legal, we act for many local governments in respect of breaches of the Dog Act. Dog owners in Perth to be well-versed with the laws surrounding their beloved canine companion. The Dog Act 1976 places the onus on dog owners to remain vigilant, responsible and ensure the safety and security of their pet at all times.

For more information, get in touch with our team of local government lawyers in Perth. We are on the WALGA panel of local government suppliers and have provided countless legal advice to our government clients. Chat to us today!