Reporting nuisance dogs and attacks

Reporting nuisance dogs and attacks

We understand a barking dog can become a nuisance and that everyone has different tolerance levels. We can work with you to address the concern.

Why dogs bark

Ongoing barking could be a symptom of another problem, and taking the time to understand why a dog is barking should always be the first step.

It could be separation anxiety, boredom, fear of people, objects or other dogs, lack of exercise, not enough yard space, being too hot or cold, hungry or thirsty, a medical issue, or a combination of these reasons. Small changes can help to manage barking behaviour.

Nuisance barking complaint

Whenever possible, speak with the dog’s owner as soon as the problem arises, as they may not be aware of the behaviour.

To make a barking complaint, complete the Nuisance Complaint Form and our Rangers can assist you further. You will also be required to complete the Nuisance Animal Diary form.

Dog attacks and menaces

If you are the victim of or have witnessed a dog attack, please contact us immediately.

Dogs are living creatures and can be sensitive to changes in their surroundings. Even the most docile dog may bite while playing, feeling threatened, or in a moment of anxiety.

It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog is adequately contained, including suitable property fencing, and under effective control when in a public place.

Dog attack is when there is physical contact between the dog and a person or another animal, including their clothing or other property in immediate possession, regardless of any injury or damage to the person, animal, or property.

Dog menace is when a dog chases, harasses, rushes at or threatens to bite a person or animal in a manner that causes a reasonable apprehension of fear in the person or animal.

Reporting an incident

Contact us immediately. The incident will be thoroughly investigated and, if the attack is substantiated, the owner can face possible warnings, restrictions on their pet registration and/or specific conditions placed on infringement notices, they may be re-registered and removed from the municipality, or prosecuted in Court.

Actions taken against a pet owner depend on the specific circumstances involved in the attack. For example in a severe attack, we may cancel a dog's registration, requiring it to be removed from the municipality, or seek a court order to have the dog destroyed.