Dogs

Many households in Vincent share their lives with dogs. 

Big or small, dog ownership is widely embraced across the community, with more than 2,500 dogs registered in Vincent. The City is committed to making sure dogs, their owners and the wider community can live together safely and harmoniously.

The City’s Rangers play an important role in supporting responsible dog ownership and enforcing local laws relating to animals, helping to keep Vincent a welcoming place for everyone.

Important Links

Dog Registrations

Responsible Dog Ownership

Your Dog & The Law

Dog Exercise Areas

Dogs in Public Places

Dangerous Dogs

Dog Barking

Dog Pound

Restricted Dog Breeds

Your Dog and The Law

Fencing Requirements

Anyone registering a dog must declare the fence and gates at the property are adequate to securely contain the dog. Gates must be fitted with effective self-closing mechanisms

Identification and Registration Tags

The dog’s registration tag must be attached to its collar. The owner’s name and residential address must also be clearly marked on, or securely attached to, the collar. These details assist with quick identification and contact if the dog becomes lost.

Microchipping and Registration

All dogs over 3 months of age must be both microchipped and registered. A microchip is a small electronic chip implanted under the dog’s skin that cannot be removed. The dog’s details are recorded on the Australian Animal Registry.

All dogs must be microchipped prior to sale regardless of age. Microchipping does not replace registration, owners must still register their dog and ensure the registration and identification tags are worn at all times.

Sterilisation

The City encourages dog owners to consider sterilising their dog, as there are many benefits. Your vet can provide further advice on whether this is suitable for your dog.

Vincent residents may access discounted sterilisation rates through My Best Friend Veterinary Centre in Leederville.

To receive the subsidised rate, residents must complete a sterilisation subsidy application form and pay the fee at the City’s Administration Building before attending the veterinary clinic.

Proof of payment (the City receipt) must be presented to the vet at the time of the appointment. Please note My Best Friend Veterinary Centre applies additional charges for female dogs over a certain weight and for brachycephalic breeds.

For current pricing and full terms and conditions, please contact My Best Friend Veterinary Centre on 9227 8666.

Dog Waste

Dog owners must clean up after their dogs in streets and public places. Failing to remove and dispose of dog waste is an offence under the City’s Dogs Local Law 2007.

Maximum Number of Dogs

Under the City’s Dogs Local Law 2007, a maximum of 2 dogs over 3 months of age may be kept on a property, along with any puppies under that age.

An application may be made to the City for approval to keep up to 6 dogs over 3 months of age, or to operate as an approved kennel establishment, subject to the suitability of the premises and compliance with relevant conditions for keeping dogs above the prescribed limit.

 

Dogs in Public Places 

With the exception of indoor areas of cafés, bars and restaurants, dogs may be allowed in private businesses where permission has been given by the business owner.

When visiting a dog-friendly business, the following rules apply:

• Dogs must be kept under control at all times, either on a leash or securely tethered

• Dogs must not cause distress to other dogs or customers

• Business owners may ask a dog owner to remove their dog at any time

• Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up any mess made by their dog

For safety reasons, dogs are not permitted in fenced children’s playgrounds.

Dogs are also not allowed at Beatty Park Leisure Centre or the City of Vincent Library. Dogs may enter the foyer of the City of Vincent Administration Building, provided they remain on a lead.

Dog Barking

Barking is how dogs to communicate and can indicate alertness to danger or unfamiliar activity. However, a dog that barks persistently in a way that is not considered normal or habitual may be deemed a nuisance.

Ongoing or excessive barking can occur for a range of reasons, including lack of training, insufficient exercise, loneliness, inadequate shelter, poor health, or deliberate or unintentional provocation by people or roaming animals.

Many barking issues can be resolved through simple, respectful communication between neighbours. In some cases, however, addressing a barking dog can be more complex.

The laws and procedures for managing alleged dog nuisance complaints are set out in State legislation. Under the Dog Act 1976, a person may lodge a complaint in the prescribed form with an authorised officer, alleging that a dog is causing a nuisance. If the authorised officer is satisfied that the complaint is valid, they may issue an order to the person responsible for the dog, requiring the behaviour causing the nuisance to be addressed within a specified timeframe.

What can I do about a barking dog?

Restricted Dog Breeds

As per the Dog (Restricted Breeds) Regulations 2002, the restricted breeds include:

• Dogo Argentino (also known as the Argentine Dogo or Argentinian Mastiff)
• Fila Brasileiro (also known as Brazilian Mastiff or Cao de Fila)
• Japanese tosa (also known as Tosa Inu, Tosa Fighting Dog or Japanese Fighting Dog)
• American pit bull terrier (also known as Pit Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull) 
• Pit bull terrier breeds

Dangerous Dogs

If a dog is declared as a Dangerous Dog, the Dog Act 1976 requires the owner to take appropriate action to ensure the risk to the community is significantly reduced. The requirements include:

• The dog must wear a specific reflective collar at all times (red and yellow striped)
• It must be on a leash and muzzled at all times in public
• The property where the dog resides must be enclosed 
• There must also be adequate signage at the entrance to the property to warn people there is a Dangerous Dog 

If these requirements are not met, the City will take further action. If the dog offends again after being declared a Dangerous Dog then all potential fines and penalties automatically double. The City has recommended owners of Dangerous Dogs carry out behavioural training. 

If the City deems a Dangerous Dog as a serious danger, action may be taken to obtain a warrant under the Dog Act 1976 for the seizure of the dog. In some cases, the City will recommend the owner surrenders the Dangerous Dog to the Rangers for euthanasia. 

Further Information

Ranger Services
9273 6000 or [email protected]

After Hours Emergencies: (08) 6324 0329