Companion Animals

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Registration Rates and Charges >>

Registration Information

• Companion Animals Management Plan (:106KB)
• Information for Dog Owners in NSW Brochure (:188KB)
• Information for Cat Owners in NSW Brochure (:171KB)
• Dogs in Rural Communities Brochure (:166KB)
• Restricted and Dangerous Dogs in NSW Brochure (:142KB)

Registration Frequently Asked Questions

The Department of Local Government has put the following list of FAQ together.

1. REGISTRATION AND MICROCHIPPING

• Do all companion animals have to be microchipped?
• Will microchipping hurt my animal?
• What if my animal is already microchipped?
• Why do I have to register my animal as well as have it microchipped?
• Will my cat have to be registered?
• How much will lifetime registration cost?
• Are there any refunds on registration fees?
• Does my farm working dog have to be registered?
• Can my cat or dog loose its exemption to be microchipped and lifetime registered?
• Who will have access to my registration information?
• What happens if I move house?

2. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• What are my responsibilities as a companion animal owner?
• What should I do when exercising my dog?
• Do I have to I keep my cat inside?
• Does my cat have to wear a collar?
• What if my cat or dog gets lost?
• Does my cat or dog have to be desexed?
• Will there be a limit on the number of animals I can own?

3. PENALTIES AND POWERS

• What happens if I don't register my dog or my new cat?
• Can I be fined if my cat or dog walks into my neighbour's yard?
• Will I be fined if my dog barks?
• Are cats be banned from some areas?
• Can my dog be removed from my property by someone else?
• What can a council officer do to enforce the legislation?

4. NUISANCE ANIMALS AND DANGEROUS DOGS

• What is a nuisance animal?
• What is a dangerous dog?
• What is a restricted breed?
• I have a dog to guard my house. Is it a dangerous dog?

5. BUYING, SELLING AND BREEDING

• If I want to breed from my animal, what should I do?

6. WHEN AND WHO

• What new responsibilities do councils have?

Animal Statistics

2000/2001 there were 40,132 dogs seized in New South Wales and taken to the pound. Only 2,392 were returned to their owners. That represents 7% of all dogs seized.

The total amount of cats seized and taken to the pound for the same year was 8,169. The total amount returned to their owners was 52. 1% of all cats seized.

2000/2001 there were 8,019 dogs surrendered to pounds across New South Wales and 3,009 cats.

A total of 26,856 dogs and 8,644 cats were euthanased. This represents 56% of all dogs and 77% of all cats leaving a pound. Euthanasia was the most common outcome for both cats and dogs at a pound.

How Can I Help?

Wentworth Shire Council currently has a number of unwanted companion animals that need a caring home. If you think you could give one of our abandoned animals a second chance. Please contact Council for further information on (03) 5027 5027.