Rural & Animal
3. Companion Animals
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 25 Aug 2015
- All states and territories have the power to regulate the responsibilities of people who care for a companion animal. Companion animals are generally those kept in your household as a pet. Pets are generally cats and dogs but can cover any animal that is kept within residential premises.
- Local councils have the authority to introduce a range of measures into their communities to prevent animals from causing harm to people and property. For example all cats and dogs in NSW are required to be registered with their local council.
- There are usually restrictions on where dogs and cats are allowed to go in public places.
- The law prevents cats from being in food preparation and consumption areas and they must be separated from all wildlife protection areas. This is to preserve health and hygiene and to protect native species.
- In NSW dogs are not permitted to be:
- in children’s play areas;
- prohibited recreation areas;
- prohibited public bathing areas;
- school grounds;
- food preparation and consumption area;
- childcare centres;
- prohibited shopping areas; and
- prohibited wildlife protection areas.
- There are also regulations in relation to the disposal of animal faeces.
- As a responsible pet owner you must make sure your yard is secure and prevent your dog from escaping. All reasonable steps must be taken for example ensuring fences are of a reasonable height and that you block up any gaps in the fencing.
- Local councils will usually set regulations about the number of animals that you can keep at your premises. This is usually for noise and hygiene purposes.
- No person may have more than four animals under their control in a public place at any one time.
- Exceptions to most of these requirements exist for assistance animals such as guide dogs for individuals with vision impairment or other medical needs.
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