Ipswich City CouncilDogsIpswich City Council values responsible animal ownership with over 30,000 registered dogs. Animal Management Officers operate under Local Law 7 (Dogs) and as of 1 July, 2009 the State Government Legislation, Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008. From the same date the Act also requires owners to ensure that any dog is microchipped before they are sold or given away. It is important to have laws & regulations in place to ensure public safety and that dogs do not create a nuisance to others. If you are experiencing problems with dogs in your neighbourhood, roaming, barking or creating a nuisance please contact Council on (07) 3810 6666 and an Animal Management Officer will investigate your concerns. Dog RegistrationCouncil has determined to allow that 09/10 dog registrations are to commence from 1 June 2009 granting new customers a 13 month registration period. Please use the Dog and Cat Registration Form below for all new dog registrations. (This form can also be used for registering your cat.)
Every dog in the Ipswich area aged 3 months and over must be registered with Ipswich City Council. The registration period runs from 1 July to 30 June each year.
1. Why should I register my dog?
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Rural Land |
The address for where the dog is kept must be classified as rural - this will be checked on Council's systems.
Note: Just being zoned Rural Land does not qualify you under the new Act. Rural land for the purpose of the Legislation means your land is used for grazing stock or cultivating crops on a commercial basis. |
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Primary Producer |
A Statutory Declaration must be provided by primary producer or the owner of the dog who is engaged/employed by the primary producer, which should include information such as:
Note: A Statutory Declaration must be signed by a Justice of the Peace. |
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Droving, protecting, tending or working stock (or being trained to do so) |
This means your dog/s is usually kept on rural land (as outlined above) and is kept/owned by a primary producer (as outlined above), or a person engaged or employed by a primary producer, and is used primarily for the purpose of droving, protecting, tending, or working stock.
Note: An Ipswich City Council Animal Management Officer may be required to undertake an inspection on the property to verify these skills. |
Note: If you cannot provide this proof then you will be charged the appropriate registration fee.
The Working Dogs Self Assessment Checklist may assist you in determining if your dog would qualify as a 'working dog'.
Working Dogs Self Assessment Checklist (PDF, 126 kb)
The following dogs have to be registered however they are not required to pay any fees:
- Disability Assistance Dogs
- Guide Dogs
- Greyhounds - that are currently registered with the Greyhound Racing Control Board of Queensland
In order to receive this exemption for registration fees owners must provide the following proof:
| Disability Assistance Dogs | Documentation or a statement from the relevant organisation |
| Guide Dogs | Documentation from the relevant training institution recognised by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association of Queensland Inc. |
| Greyhounds | Documentation or a statement from the Greyhound Racing Control Board of Queensland |
Note: If you cannot provide this proof then you will be charged the appropriate registration fee.
Aggressive Dogs
Dogs in Australia attack many people each year. Councils are working hard to try to reduce this through Legislation and public education. The reasons for dog attacks are many and varied. There are however some myths regarding dog behaviour and aggression that you should be familiar with.
Some Common Myths About Dog Attacks
Myth 1: Only certain breeds of dogs will attack people.
False: Any age, breed, sex and size of dog may bite. Some dogs or breeds of dogs may be more likely to bite than others if not socialised, trained and controlled properly. What the dog owner does with the dog after it is born, is more important in prevent aggression than the dogs breed.
Myth 2: A dog that attacks livestock or animals is always dangerous to people.
False: Not all dogs which attack other animals are dangerous to people.
Myth 3: Dogs only attack if the person has provoked the dog by teasing or cruelty.
False: Dog attacks can be provoked accidentally. The victim may not be to blame.
Myth 4: Dogs will bite people if they are fed fresh meat.
False: A dog's diet will not make it attack people.
Myth 5: It is normal for a dog to growl or snap at you or other people at times.
False: These are signs of aggression and need to be controlled in the early stages or the aggression will become worse.
Early Signs of Aggression
Does your dog ever tense up, stare, raise its hackles, growl, lift its lips or snap when:
- eating or when food is around?
- its ears, paws, tail or belly are touched?
- someone goes near its bed or toys?
- someone tries to move the dog from a comfortable spot?
- it is told off?
- someone pulls on its collar?
- someone grabs the dog, or tries to pick it up?
- it is approached by people, children or other dogs?
Does your dog lunge out at people or dogs when walking past?
Does your dog rush out barking and growling at passers by?
If the answer is 'yes' to any of these questions, your dog may be aggressive. These are all early warning signs. You need to seek professional advice to control your dogs behaviour.
Dealing With Dogs - How to Avoid an Attack
When approaching dogs:
- never run towards a dog you don't know;
- in general, avoid patting dogs you don't know;
- always get permission from the owner to pat their dog;
- approach the dog on an angle, not from behind or in front;
- slowly extend the back of the hand (not an open palm) and let the dog sniff;
- stroke the dog gently on the side of the chest or under the chin (not on the head); and
- don't continue patting the dog if it backs away or doesn't sniff the hand.
When approached by a strange dog:
- never pat the dog;
- don't run away, but stand completely still;
- don't kick at the dog, squeal or jump;
- avoid eye contact with the dog;
- keep your hands firmly by your sides and don't wave them around;
- slowly back away; and
- when the dog wanders off, quietly walk away.
Understanding a Dog's Behaviour
Dogs may bite when they are frightened or when they have been provoked to act aggressively. Leave dogs alone if they show any of the following signs:
A frightened dog:
- has its ears back;
- has its tail curled under its legs; and
- tries to minimise its size by hunching or lying down.
An aggressive dog:
- shows its teeth and/or snarls;
- has its ears laid back but not totally lowered;
- has its tail raised; and
- tries to make itself look bigger by raising its hackles and standing on the tips of its paws.
Next time you come into contact with a dog, think about what your correct approach should be and attempt to interpret the dogs body language. Make sure you educate your children and continue to reinforce the message about the best way to deal with dogs.
Barking Dogs
The barking of dogs can be annoying to neighbours, though sometimes the owner is unaware that the barking is causing a nuisance. Once a person is made aware that the issue is causing a nuisance to their neighbours, most of the time, they will take steps to fix the problem.
Barking dogs is an issue which could be discussed between neighbours without the need for Council's involvement in the matter. If you wish to discuss the matter with your neighbour you may find it helpful to visit our Neighbourhood Issues page.
Barking Dogs Can be a Nuisance
A dog that barks excessively can be annoying to your family and neighbours. If the dog's barking causes a nuisance, then its owner may be liable to a fine or court action. It is in the interest of the owner and the community to train dogs so their barking is not excessive.
Why Do Dogs Bark?
All dogs bark - it's natural. However, dogs need to learn when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not. If your dog is barking because of a behavioural issue it may be because they are:
- Seeking attention
- Bored
- Lonely
- Anxious
There are many organisations that provide professional advice on training your dog. We have outlined some tips below which may help but Council advises you to contact the RSPCA, check local guides or the Internet to obtain professional advice.
Training Your Dog Not to Bark
Dogs will react to the lessons they are taught and the environment around them. If a dog is seeking attention by barking, any attention (good or bad) will meet its needs. In many cases, scolding your dog for barking is not an appropriate lesson. Scolding sometimes teaches the dog that the more it barks, the more attention it will receive. Training a dog not to bark requires lessons the dog understands and possibly a change in the dog's environment. Repeat the lessons so that good behaviour is reinforced and rewarded. Establishing effective control and leadership with your dog should encourage the correct behaviour.
When You are not at Home
Dogs often bark because of a combination of social isolation and boredom. You can spend time with your dog when you are at home which will usually relieve the problem, but when you're not, a solution can be to make your dog happy, relaxed and comfortable in its yard or ‘den'. You must make the dog happy about being confined to this area while you are out, but balance this with extra exercise when you return home. If you are keeping your dog in its yard you may need to modify its environment so that it is kept away from ‘sights and sounds' that make it bark.
Make sure the dog has shelter or somewhere comfortable to get out of the weather (heat, rain etc). Place the dog's water bowl inside its den or yard and nowhere else - so that even when you are at home, it has to go there voluntarily for a drink.
Lock the dog in its yard for 15 minutes whenever you feed it. The dog then will associate being confined with the happiness and contentment of being fed. Leave the dog in its yard for 15 minutes, then release and praise it.
When you leave for work, lock the dog in the yard and give it food to make it happy. A large bone will help do this and keep the dog occupied for some time. The dog will remain quiet because it is happy.
When You are at Home
Training your dog is the first step to achieving good behaviour. You only get back what you put in. Teach your dog commands, such as come, sit, stay and ....quiet. Through repetition and reward these messages should be easily learnt. Reward should be given when the dog carries out the correct behaviour, do not punish it for bad behaviour. Dogs have acute hearing and shouting commands are not necessary to get the message across. Repetition and reward work best.
Dogs are pack animals and love to be around you. Spending time with your dog is important to establish desired behaviour and will be rewarding for both you and the dog.
If the technique you are using does not work for your dog, seek an alternative such as teaching the dog to "speak" on command, and reward the dog when quiet.
Tips for training
- Try and identify what the stimuli is that is making your dog bark
- Spend time with your dog playing, walking, just hanging out together
- Be aware of your reaction to your dog barking, are you unintentionally rewarding your dog for bad behaviour?
- Reward your dog with treats and attention for good behaviour
- Work with your dog so it knows when it is appropriate to bark - for example if a stranger is on your property
- Repeat the lessons you want your dog to learn so it become a habit for them
Training Puppies
Take your puppy to "puppy school" and teach it from an early age the type of behaviour you expect. Reinforce these lessons at home. Spend time with your pup, give it plenty of exercise and things to play with. Make sure that your puppy has had plenty of social interaction with other pups and people.
For more information on animal behaviour and training please contact your local vet, animal behaviourist or RSPCA.
Regulated Dogs & Dog Attacks
The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 says that regulated dogs are those that are restricted, dangerous or menacing.
The following are Restricted dogs (including cross breeds) which are prohibited in the Ipswich City Council area under our local laws:
- pit bull terrier
- dogo Argentino
- fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- (plus any other breed determined by Council resolution)
* Note: The prohibition imposed by Local Law 7 (Dogs) and Subordinate Local Law 7 (Dogs) does not apply if the dog was registered with the Council, and a permit to keep a restricted dog was issued by the Council and was current as at the 30 June 2004. Different requirements for keeping restricted dogs apply. Please refer to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and Regulation 2009 for further information.
What is a dangerous dog?
A dangerous dog declaration may be made for a dog only if the dog:
- has seriously attacked, or acted in a way that caused fear to, a person or another animal; or
- in the opinion of an authorised person, based on the dogs behaviour, may seriously attack or act in a way that causes fear to a person or another animal.
* Note: different requirements for keeping dangerous dogs apply. Please refer to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and Regulation 2009 for further information.
What is a menacing dog?
A menacing dog declaration may be made for a dog only if the abovementioned has occurred except that the attack was not serious.
An attack can occur on a public place or on private property if the person, animal or thing is lawfully on the private property.
* Note: different requirements for keeping menacing dogs apply. Please refer to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and Regulation 2009 for further information.
What to do if a Dog Attacks You or Your Pet
If you or your pet are attacked by a dog, you should telephone the Ipswich City Council on
(07) 3810 6666 as soon as possible after the attack. You should provide information about the location, time and date of the attack, a description of the offending dog and if possible the address where the dog is from.
If the dog bit you, visit a doctor as soon as possible for appropriate treatment. A written statement from the doctor that your injuries are consistent with a dog bite will assist with evidence for court should it be required.
If the dog attacked your animal, take your pet to the vet so its injuries can be assessed. Sometimes there may be little outward sign of injury but internal injuries could have occurred.
Once you have contacted Council, an officer will contact you for a statement and to collect other evidence. You may be asked to identify the dog involved in the attack from a photograph. The nature of any further action will depnd on how far you wish Council to pursue the matter.
Penalties for the owner of a dog involved in an attack may include fines or seizure and destruction or removal of the dog from the area. A dog may also be declared a dangerous dog (if serious attack) or a menacing dog as a result of an attack. This declaration imposes higher registration fees and restrictions on the keeping of the dog.
Dogs in Public Places
Responsible dog owners ensure that their dogs are exercised well. This can range from playing ball in the backyard, to walking or running in public. When in public it's very important to keep your dog under control. This includes when you're exercising your dog in a leash free area.
Leash Control:
- When taking your dog for a walk anywhere in public your dog must be on a leash.
- The leash should be in good condition, under two (2) metres in length and of a suitable strength.
- The leash must be securely held by a responsible person.
- When on the leash you should be able to stop your dog from pulling the leash out of your hands and from rushing up to other people and dogs.
- Obedience training can help you and your dog achieve this level of control.
Leash Free Areas:
Council currently has leash free areas located at:
- Battye Park- Pine Mountain Road, Brassall
- Wulkuraka Park, Toongarra Road Wulkuraka
- David W Coultas Park, South Station Road Raceview
- Rex Hawkes Park, Russell Drive Redbank Plains
- Banjo Paterson Park - Duncan Street, Collingwood Park
- Noel Street reserve - Noel Street, Dinmore
- Cribb Park - Pelican Street, North Ipswich (off Bank St)
- Jack Barkley Park - Gledson Street, North Booval
Dogs must be on a leash until they are inside the boundary of the leash free area.
When in the leash free area, the dog must still be under verbal control of the owner. This means that the dog will respond immediately to the owner's command. The owner should be able to stop the dog from rushing up to people and other dogs and must hold the leash in case it is required for control.
Obedience training can help you and your dog achieve this level of control.
If you know your dog may be aggressive towards other dogs and/or people, be responsible and do not take your dog into a leash free area when in use.
Dog droppings:
Council are happy for you to take your dog out in public for exercise, however, other City residents should not have to deal with your dog's droppings on their front lawns, footpaths and in other public areas.
Council's local law states that you must dispose of your dog's droppings, and you must carry with you a scoop and/or some plastic bags to ensure droppings are collected. Specific devices for this purpose can be purchased from pet shops.
Roaming Dogs
It is not responsible of a pet owner to knowingly allow their dog to roam outside their property. When outside of your property, your dog may be stolen, injured, poisoned or even worse, killed. It could also injure a person or other animal. Roaming dogs are a nuisance and it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that their dog does not roam.
How To Stop Your Dog Roaming
If your dog is escaping from your property you must try to ascertain quickly the escape route. Often neighbours who witness the dog getting out can be helpful if the escape route isn't obvious to you. It may be something you didn't think the animal could do.
Fences:
* Note: requirements for keeping regulated dogs apply - for more information refer to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and Regulation 2009 for further information. For other dogs please refer to Council's Local Laws.
Things to consider...
Check all boundary fences and gates. Dogs can jump over, tunnel under, push over or break through fences and gates to escape your property. You must ensure that your fence is capable of keeping your dog on the property.
If your dog jumps, you can add a strong extension to the fence to add height, or alternatively, add an inward sloping extension to discourage jumping.
Tunnelling can be hindered by placing a concrete trench around the bottom of the fence or alternatively attaching a strip of chicken wire to the bottom of the fence and burying it effectively. The type of wire you use of course depends on the strength of your dog. For example, chicken wire may stop a Maltese Terrier but may do little to hinder a Rottweiler escaping.
If you have a wooden fence, check the condition of the palings and other structural elements to ensure they are strong and secure so your dog cannot push them over and walk through the fence. For wire fences, check that the wire is firmly secured to the structural elements of the fence.
Enclosures:
* Note: requirements for keeping regulated dogs apply - for more information refer to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and Regulation 2009 for further information. For other dogs please refer to Council's Local Laws.
Things to consider...
If you don't have a fence or if you rent a property and are not willing to pay for a fence, you may erect a suitable enclosure for your dog. The RSPCA can assist you in determining the correct size of enclosure for your dog.
When providing an enclosure you must consider:
- Size - the dog must be able to move about freely and exercise within the enclosure.
- Shelter - the enclosure must have a sheltered area for the dog to escape the elements and to eat and sleep comfortably.
- Position - the enclosure should be in a quiet spot where the dog won't become over-stimulated by people or other animals passing by.
- Building materials - the enclosure should be built from materials that match the strength of your dog and should be constructed such that the dog cannot escape by jumping over or tunnelling under the enclosure.
- Floor - your dog will benefit from a concrete floor in its enclosure as it is easier to keep clean and disease free. Ensure you provide some easy to clean bedding for comfort.
- Water - ensure your dog has access to clean water. Provide a large bowl in its enclosure and refill every day.
- Finally, a dog that is permanently kept in an enclosure should be exercised regularly such as a long walk or run on a lead once a day.
Running wires and tethering:
Placing your dog on a runner or tying it up are not permitted under Council's local laws. Dogs can get tangled and injury can be caused to the dog.
Problems With Confinement
Dogs, like humans, don't like to be confined. Just like people they get bored and try to find something to fill their time. Unfortunately, the dogs can cause a nuisance and may bark, damage property or injure themselves trying to break free.
What To Do To Stop These Problems:
Gradually introduce your dog to confinement by keeping it inside the enclosure for short periods of time on its own. Start when you are at home and then go out for increasingly longer periods of time until the dog is used to being inside its enclosure whilst you are gone. Ask your neighbours how the dog behaved when you were out.
Feed and play with the dog inside the enclosure so it doesn't think the enclosure is punishment.
Make sure the enclosure is secure, safe and placed in a quiet area of the property with limited visual stimulus.
Ensure that your dog has water, food, toys and is comfortable.
What Happens To Roaming Dogs?
Roaming dogs can be impounded by any member of the public or collected by Animal Management Officers from public property. If your dog is registered you will be contacted. You should immediately ring the pound if your dog is missing. Release fees and any outstanding registration will need to be paid prior to the dog being released to you.
If a dog is not claimed from the pound after 3 clear working days Council will endeavour to re-house the dog with an approved welfare agency, or if the dog is not suitable for re-housing it may be put to sleep.
Alternatively your dog could be taken in by another household if it is found roaming. It could be injured or killed by a vehicle or could injure or kill another animal. Roaming dogs may attack people and can cause terrible injuries for which you may be liable.
Working Dogs
For your dog/s to be qualified as a Working Dog under the Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008 you must answer yes to all of the following questions:
1. Are you a primary producer?
A 'Primary Producer' is a person who's main occupation is a farmer (dairy, grain, cane, fruit, grazier, etc.)
2. Do you live on Rural land?
Just being zoned Rural Land does not qualify you under the new Act. Rural land for the purpose of the legislation means your land is used for grazing stock or cultivating crops on a commercial basis.
3. Is your dog a working dog?
This means your dog/s is usually kept on rural land (as outlined above) and is kept/owned by a primary producer (as outlined above), or a person engaged or employed by a primary producer, and is used primarily for the purpose of droving, protecting, tending, or working, stock and has not been declared a dangerous or menacing dog (prescribed under Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Regulation 2009).
If you said 'no' to any of the above questions, your dog/s do not qualify as a 'working dog'
The Working Dogs Self Assessment Checklist may assist you in determining if your dog would qualify as a 'working dog'.
Working Dogs Self Assessment Checklist (PDF, 126 kb)
Further Information
- Pay your dog registration
- Dog & Cat Registration Form (PDF, 1.3 mb)
- Animal Permit Application Kit
- Find information on lost animals
- Responsible Dog Ownership Guide (PDF, 4 mb)
- Council's Fees and Charges
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| Copyright © 2009 Ipswich City CouncilPrinted From: http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/residents/animals/dogs
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