Pet ownership guidelines and rules in local communities

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Being a responsible pet owner is more than just giving your pet food, water, and shelter.

A responsible pet owner needs to be aware of the rules and regulations that apply to their pet.

Guidelines and rules differ from region to region and council to council, so it is important to contact your local council to find out the rules that affect your particular pet.

Some pets are not allowed to be kept in certain areas. For example, rabbits aren’t allowed as pets in Queensland. Some councils also require you to get a licence for pets such as lizards.

If you fail to comply with legal requirements, such as microchipping, registration, and confinement of dogs to the property, you can be fined. There can also be additional legal requirements depending on where you live.

Check with your council to see if they have any local laws. For example, some councils have introduced compulsory desexing.

Registering your pet

Registering your cat or dog is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. You should register your pet in case it strays, gets lost or is injured. This will make it easier for your pet to be returned.

Microchips

Another way to help your pet is to have it micro-chipped. Microchips are tiny computer chips that can be scanned to identify your pet and its details.

Desexing

Desexing helps make cats and dogs less aggressive and easier to control. It is strongly recommended that pets be desexed if they are not intended for breeding. This helps in preventing the problem of pet over-population

Dogs and leads

Once your dog is off your premises, it should be on a lead. Councils set aside special off-lead areas for dogs. These areas are great for your dog to exercise and let off some steam.

Outside of these areas, your dog must be on a leash at all times. Always remember to carry a bag to collect their doggy droppings!

Obedience and training

It is never too early to train your pet. Simple tasks can be taught at a very young age.

Dogs and cats need to be taught what is expected of them. Obedience training can teach your dog to stop whatever it is doing and obey certain signals and commands.

Obedience classes also teach dog owners how to train their dogs.

Barking

A constantly barking dog cannot only annoy your neighbours, but it could also get you in trouble with the local council.

Make sure your dog has plenty to occupy itself and make time to spend with him each day. Dogs tend to bark when they are frightened, bored or lonely.

Dangerous dogs

Most councils have strict laws and guidelines in regard to dogs that have been declared dangerous.

A dog is 'dangerous' if it has, without provocation, attacked or killed a person or animal, or, repeatedly threatened to attack or repeatedly chased a person or animal.

You should never touch a strange dog if its owner is not around, if it lifts its lips and bares its teeth, snarls, growls or snaps, backs away or raises the hair on the back of its neck.