Nuisances & Bad Behaviour

Straying

When dogs stray, they can be a serious hazard. They may attack people, other dogs, or livestock. A major problem with straying dogs is the danger they cause to road traffic. Many accidents and injuries are caused by dogs, who have no road sense, and drivers reactions are sometimes not quick enough to avoid an accident. This can result in a severely injured or dead dog, substantial damage to the vehicle, as well as the occupants of the vehicle and other road users or pedestrians.

They are also a nuisance to other properties by fouling, digging in gardens, and scavenging other pets food. Make sure your dog is confined to your property as impounding fees can have an impact on any household budget. Your dog should always wear the current registration tag, because it makes it easier to re-unite the dog back to its family.

Fouling

A person in charge of any dog shall not allow the dog to foul in a public place with the immediate removal of the faecal material.

When you take your dog out, you should always have a suitable bag in your pocket. If the dog defecates in a place where you are required to clean it up, or anywhere it is likely to be a nuisance to other people, you should put your hand inside the bag, pick up the faeces, then turn the bag inside out and tie the top and dispose of it in a suitable place. At the earliest opportunity you should wash your hands.

Noise

We all expect dogs to bark, especially if somebody comes to the property (his domain). However, if dogs bark for prolonged periods, they can cause considerable disturbances to neighbours. If a dog's barking is sufficient to be an unreasonable intrusion into someone else's enjoyment of their property - e.g. keeping them awake, then that is a nuisance, and the Council can serve a notice on the person responsible, requiring the noise to be abated.

Dogs tend to bark for prolonged periods if they are bored when left home alone. There are various ways of encouraging dogs to stop barking as outlined in the Dog Noise Information Brochure, and our Animal Control Officer is also happy to give advice.

Missing, Lost & Impounded Dogs

If you discover that your dog is missing please contact us on 03 419 0200. The pound is open to the public by appointment only.

Keep an eye on Council's Facebook page for updates about dogs that have been impounded.

Report a Problem or Make a Complaint

For all complaints, problems, or to report a lost or found dog, please contact Animal Control by calling 0800 801 350, or click here to submit a service request.