Ipswich City Council

Dogs

Other Owner Obligations

Responsible Dog Ownership Guide (PDF, 2.2 mb)

Keeping Your Dog Confined to Your Property

Wandering dogs are vulnerable to disease and attacks by other animals. They are also more likely to attack other animals. Roaming dogs can often cause disputes and anxiety between neighbours, by causing other dogs to bark, fighting with other dogs or defecating in neighbouring gardens. How you prevent your dog from wandering is up to you as long as you keep your dog safe and clean.

Remember - by law you must confine your dog to your property at all times - dogs are not allowed to roam.

Fencing must be suitable to keep your dog from escaping your property. Enclosures can be used as a method of containing your dog to your property and must be a suitable size for your dog's breed and size. Runners (wire runs) and electronic fencing are not permitted under Council's Local Laws as a sole method of containing your dog.

Microchipping Your Dog

Owners must now ensure any dog is microchipped before they are sold or given away. Under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, it is now compulsory that a person who becomes the owner of a dog that is not implanted with a microchip must ensure the dog is implanted with a chip before it is 12 weeks of age. Ipswich City Council does not microchip dogs - please contact your local veterinarian for this service.

If your dog is microchipped, you may wish to have this number added to your dog registration. It is also a requirement under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 to update your microchip details if you have moved or other personal details have changed.

The Ipswich Pound and Animal Management Centre does have a microchip scanner and, where possible, will scan all dogs impounded for microchips to obtain owner identification. If you have found a dog and wish to have it checked for a microchip, contact Council on (07) 3810 6666 for assistance.

Desexing Your Dog

Whether you have a male or female dog, you should have it desexed if you do not intend breeding. Desexed dogs are less likely to develop cancers, roam, participate in fights and be aggressive. By desexing your dog, you will also help to prevent the deaths of thousands of unwanted dogs who cannot find homes.

Ipswich City Council does not provide a desexing service for dogs. If you can provide proof that your dog is desexed, you will be eligible for a discount on your dog registration.

Note: Chemical castration (injection to make dogs sterile for up to 12 months) is not acknowledged under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 as desexing. Dogs must be physically desexed (reproductive organs removed) to qualify as a desexed dog under the Act.

Regular Vet Checks and Worming

Dogs require regular worming for intestinal worms and heartworm. Regular health checks and vaccinations by your local veterinarian will ensure your dog leads a healthy, long life.

Identification Tags

In addition to having your dog microchipped and wearing its registration tag, it's a good idea to place an identification tag displaying your contact telephone number on your dog's collar. In the unfortunate event that your dog is lost or taken to the Pound, there is a greater chance it will be returned to you if it has an identification tag.

Disposal of Faeces and Urine

The smell of dog faeces and urine can be quite offensive. Ensure that you regularly collect your dog's faeces from your property and dispose of it responsibly. You can place it in your wheelie bin as long as it is appropriately wrapped.

Outdoors and Active

Dogs need regular exercise to be healthy and stop them becoming bored, barking or digging. Most dogs need to be taken for a walk (or similar) at least once a day. Active Pets = Active Owners is a new Ipswich City Council initiative aimed at encouraging dog owners to get out and get active with their companions. Fun activities that get you and your best friend moving will be provided regularly in one of the numerous off-leash parks in Ipswich.

Unsecured Dogs in Vehicles

The Queensland Government has issued a Road Sense flyer (October 2009) with the following information:

Secure your best friend

Whether taking your dog to the vet, or on a weekend outing, you need to make sure your pets are secured properly in your vehicle.

Pets should not ride unrestrained in either the front or back seats of any vehicle. A special pet harness can be attached to your vehicle's seatbelt, allowing them to sit or lie on the seat. These harnesses can be purchased from the RSPCA or pet stores and are available in a variety of sizes. Smaller pets can also be transported in pet carriers.

Pets can be put in the back of a station wagon with a cargo barrier that complies with Australian standards.

Dogs should not ride unrestrained in the back of trucks or trailers. The dog should be tethered to a short chain attached by a swivel to a central anchor point on the floor behind the cabin. The other end of the chain should be attached to the dog's collar by another swivel to prevent tangling.

If you have an animal on your lap while driving, you're not only risking their safety and yours, but also a $233 fine.

Queensland Government Road Sense - 19 October 2009 (PDF, 84 kb)

Last Updated 27 Jun 2011 |

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