Animals play an important and varied role in the lives of Mitchell Shire Residents:
The role of Council is to assist residents in managing their animals in a way that ensures that the keeping of these animals does not create a risk or nuisance for other members of the community or other animals.
Domestic Animals Act 1994 and the Impounding of Livestock Act 1994
Local Laws Officers enforce provisions of the Domestic Animals Act. There is a limit to how many pets you can keep on your premises. You may need a permit to keep sheep, poultry, rodents, dogs, cats and other animals (see page 45 of Local Law No 1 - Community Safety & the Environment)
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986
Local Laws Officers enforce provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The rules outlined in these Acts cover all types of pets, animals and birds
Dog and Cat Registration
It is important that domestic pets such as dogs and cats do not become a risk to local wildlife or stock. Registration also ensures that should your pet go missing it can be returned to you as soon as possible. Dogs and cats over the age of 3 months must be registered with Council by April 10 each year. Animal Registration Forms are available for download at the base of this page.
From April 11 2013, a new fee schedule for pet registration will begin. Members of the community with unregistered dogs will no longer be able to attract a reduced registration fee for microchipping alone from April 11 2013. This change will not affect pets registered prior to April 11 2013.
Pet registration is a legal requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. You must register your dog(s) or cat(s) over three months of age with your local council each year. You can be fined $282.00 per pet for not complying.
Lost and Found Animals
The Local Laws Department impounds lost animals and stock.All dogs impounded are kept for eight (8) days prior to assessing their suitability for re-housing, as required by State Legislation
For more information, please contact Local Laws on 5734 6200.
For more information on lost dogs and cats please follow the link to the Lost and Found Animal Page.
If you've lost or found a pet you can also go to Council's Facebook page at Animals of Mitchell Shire
Wildlife Queries
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is the statutory authority with regard to wildlife eg kangaroos, emus, dingoes and possums. The DSE can be contacted on 136 186.
Help for Wildlife
Wildlife emergencies can be directed to Wildlife Rescuers on 0417 380 687
Stock Queries
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) looks after animal welfare issues, particularly in relation to animals and reports of exotic disease in farm animals. The DPI can be contacted on 5735 4300
Domestic Animal Queries
For domestic animal welfare issues, contact the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) on 9224 2222
Pests
- Snakes
Issues regarding snakes should be directed to the DSE as Council is unable to assist with snake removal.
DSE Customer Service line 136 186
- European Wasps / Bees
Council cannot remove wasps / bees on private land. For nests on Council land, please contact Council on 5734 6200