PET CARE: IT’S NOT PUPPY LOVE

Having a dog is a wonderful and rewarding experience, but dog owners have responsibilities – to their pets and to the community they live in.

DOG OBEDIENCE

If you have on-going problems with your dog’s behaviour, dog obedience classes are an excellent choice. Dog obedience clases are held Thursday nights at Blatherskite Park, on Len Kittle Drive. Please phone 0404 292 853 for more information.

WHAT IF YOUR DOG GETS LOST?

Check the animal pound on Len Kittle Drive - 08 8952 4072.

If they do not have your dog, contact Council on 08 8950 0500 as soon as possible.

DOG COMPLAINTS

If you have a problem with a neighbour’s pet, politely tell the owner of the dog. He or she may not be aware of the problem. If the problem continues, cmplaints can be directed to Council – either in person (Civic Centre, 93 Todd St, Alice Springs,) or via telephone (08 8950 0500) during business hours.

When reporting a complaint you will need to provide your name, address, telephone number, plus details of your complaint, a description of the dog, and the address or location of the offending dog (if known). This information will be recorded and a Council ranger will take appropriate action.

With the exception of a serious dog attack, Council rangers will usually caution an owner for the first complaint. In most cases, owners will take action to solve the problem at this stage.

An infirngement notice will generally only be issued if the problem persists. Council prefers to with owners to solve problems rather than force owners to pay fines or part with their pets.

For serious problems after hours you can ring the Council emergency number on 0417 884 449.

In the event of a serious after-hours dog attack, if Council rangers cannot be contacted, you can phone police on 08 8951 8888.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Council receives complaints when dogs are noisy, entering other yards, chasing people, cars or bicycles, and so on. Under the recently re-written Animal management By-Laws, some offences can attract heavy fines. Please refer to the by-law document on the Pets page for more information.

Under these By-Laws, offending dogs owners may issued with an ‘on-the-spot’ fine that must be paid within 14 days. If the fine is not paid, court action may be taken. Owners who permit their dog to be a nuisance may be fined for each offence, as well as for their dogs being ‘at large’.

A dog is ‘at large’ when it is not on its owner’s property and is not uner effective control. Effective control generally means that a dog is being restrained by a leash that is held by a person over the age of 10 years.

There are penalties for a dog attacking or menacing another animal or person. Even if this occurs on the dog owner’s property, it may still be an offence.

Callers have an implied right to approach your front door nearest the street without fear of injury from dog attack or menace. If you have a guard dog, please ensure callers can get to and from your front door safely.

Council rangers can help with any problems associated with your dog’s behaviour. We have barking assistance devices for loan – including citronella collars.

If you have three or dogs on your property you must have a kennel license.

WHAT IF YOUR DOG DIES?

It is always sad to lose a beloved pet.

If your dog dies, you will need to arrange for it to be buried at the Landfill, and contact the Council’s ranger unit on 08 8950 0500.

Dead pets should NOT be put into your everday bin for collection, as they are required by law to be buried to a certain depth. It is a good idea to call ahead at the Landfill weighbridge on 08 8953 3674 before you intend to deposit your pet to check the burial fee.

If you do not wish to transport your pet yourself, you can contact WasteMaster on 08 8952 1336 who will provide this service at an extra cost.

AVOIDING DOG ATTACKS

The Council has a brochure available specifically outlining how to avoid and prevent dog attacks. This is available under Council Publications on our website, our come in to the Civic Centre, 93 Todd St, and pick up a hard copy during business hours.

DRIVING WITH YOUR DOG

If you go driving with your dog you must restrain or enclose your dog to prevent it falling from you vehicle. This is a requirement under the Nothern Territory Welfare Act.

If your dog is transported in the open back of your vehicle, you must use a cage or appropriate collar or harness and lead. A choker collar or choker chain is not suitable. Cages or fully enclosed trays are also appropriate.

If your dog is transported inside your vehicle check that windows are up high enough to prevent the dog from falling out.