Roaming dogs can pose a threat to themselves and others. When outside your property, your dog may be stolen, injured, poisoned or killed.  It could also injure another person or animal.  Roaming dogs can be a nuisance and present a threat to community safety, for example most dog attacks reported to Council involve a roaming incident.

Dogs must be confined to the owner's property at all times - dogs are not allowed to roam. it is your responsibility to ensure your dog is adequately contained and supervised at all times. Remember, your dog may behave differently when roaming.

Reporting a roaming dog

If you see a roaming dog, check if it has a red Council registration tag or any other identification that may help identify the owner.

If you are unable to locate the owner, you can report the roaming online via MyIpswich or contact Council on (07) 3810 6666 with the necessary information including location, address, breed (if known) and colour of the roaming dog/s. If the address is unknown, patrols will be carried out to try and locate the dog.

Council has developed a letterbox form which you can use to communicate the issue of the nuisance dog to your neighbour. Simply print out the Roaming Dogs Neighbour Handout, fill in your details (this is optional) and place in your neighbour's letterbox.

If a dog has roamed onto your property

Secure the dog to the property if it is possible and safe to do so. You can also check for a red Council registration tag or other identification to see if an owner can be contacted.

If an owner can't be contacted, call Council on (07) 3810 6666 to arrange an Animal Management Officer to collect the animal. Please note, an adult must be present on the property for the Animal Management Officer's visit so that they can give authority for the removal of the animal from their property.

If your dog is lost

Roaming dogs may be taken to the Ipswich Pound and Animal Management Centre at 6 Hooper Street West Ipswich as long as the dog was found in the Ipswich Council area and the customer lives in the Ipswich Council area. See Lost and Injured Animals for more information.

Ipswich Rehoming Centre

Dog owners may choose to surrender their pet to the RSPCA at the Ipswich Rehoming Centre at 6 Hooper Street, West Ipswich by appointment (see map below). Before surrendering your pet, first visit the RSPCA Surrender Portal and consider your options.

Please note that all fees and charges for surrenders are determined by the RSPCA and not Ipswich City Council.

Local Laws and Council's role

The following laws apply to roaming dogs:

Once a roaming dog has been reported, a Council Officer will conduct an investigation. This may include checking fencing to ensure a proper enclosure is in place and liaising with the dog owner, if an owner is identified.

More information