Your Dog and the Law
State Government Acts
Council is required to enforce various State Government Acts in relation to the keeping and control of animals.
These Acts include the:
- Dog Control Act 2000and Regulations;
- Local Government Act 1993 and Regulations;
What is the Dog Control Act?
The Dog Control Act 2000 provides the legislative framework for the management of dogs in Tasmania. It primarily empowers the General Managers of Councils to enforce the provisions of the Act.
The owner or person in charge of a dog is responsible for the dog’s actions at all times.
What the Law Expects of You
Registration
Dogs must be registered with the Council when they reach 6 months of age. A form (Application for Registration) must be lodged with the Council where you reside each year. Renewal notices are sent out by Council annually.
You must notify Council within 14 days of:
- changes in ownership or address;
- the death, loss or disposal of a dog;
- the transfer of a dog to another Council.
On Leash
When in a built-up area*, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 2 metres which is held by a person of sufficient age and strength to control the dog.
Effective Control
If a dog is off a leash in a public place*, it is deemed to be under effective control if it is in close proximity to the person, it is in sight of the person and it is responsive to the persons commands.
- dogs must not be tethered to a fixed object in a public place by a lead longer than 2 metres or for longer than 30 minutes;
- a person must not have in their charge more than 2 dogs on a lead on a footpath or road;
- a person must not have in their charge more than 4 dogs in a public place;
- when on private property dogs must be securely confined to that property.
Collars and Tags
Dogs must wear a collar and registration tag when in a public place.
Prohibited/Restricted Areas
Council may declare certain areas that prohibit or restrict the access of dogs. These areas will be advertised by public notice and signage in place to advise of any prohibition or restriction.
Prohibited Public Areas
Dogs are not permitted at any time into:
- any place for the reception of children
- any shop or shopping centre (vets excepted)
- the grounds of a public swimming pool
- the playing area of a sportsground
- within 10 metres of a child’s playground.
Nuisances
A person must not allow a dog to become or create a nuisance* either on private premises or in a public place.
Kennel Licence
Any person wanting to keep more than 2 dogs on their property must apply to Council for a kennel licence. It is necessary if more than two (2) dogs over the age of six (6) months are to be kept at a property; in the case of working dogs this is higher at four (4) dogs. The licence if granted is renewed annually and specific conditions will apply to the keeping of the dogs.
Guard Dogs
The owner of a dog, which is used to guard non-residential properties, must notify the General Manager in writing that the dog is a guard dog. The dog will then be declared a dangerous dog and all conditions relating to a dangerous dog will apply.
Dangerous Dogs
The General Manager may declare a dog to be a dangerous dog if it causes or there is reasonable cause to believe that, the dog is likely to seriously injure a person or another animal.
The owner of a dog that has been declared dangerous must ensure that when the dog is in a public place it is muzzled, on a lead no longer than 2 metres and under the control of a person who is at least 18 years of age.
When a declared dangerous dog is on private premises and not under adult supervision it is to be housed in a childproof enclosure or restrained by a lead no longer than 2 metres.
A dangerous dog must at all times wear an approved Dangerous Dog Collar (available only from Council).
The property where a dangerous dog is kept must have displayed at all entrances, approved "Dangerous Dog" signs (available only from Council).
A declared dangerous dog must be micro-chipped within 30 days of its declaration.
The owner or person in charge of a dangerous dog must notify Council as soon as practical after becoming aware that the dog is missing or dies and within 24 hours if the dog is sold or given away.
Definitions
Built-Up Area
An area where there are buildings on land next to the road and there is street lighting at intervals not over 100 metres for a distance of at least 500 metres. If the road is shorter than 500 metres, street lighting for the whole road.
Public Place
As defined in the Police Offences Act 1935. Meaning, any place to which the public ordinarily has access, whether or not by payment or invitation.
Nuisance
An act that is injurious or dangerous to the health of any person, or noise, by barking or otherwise, that persistently occurs or continues to such extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort, or convenience, of a person in any premises or public place.