Shoalhaven dog owners risk a fine for not controlling or registering their dog, as Council reminds the community to take full responsibility for their animals. Shoalhaven City Council has adopted a zero tolerance for unregistered dogs, dog attacks and unsafe dog behaviour.

A dog attack outside of a dog owner’s property, no matter how minor, will now attract a penalty up to $1320. Owners who are also caught with an unregistered dog will be given a $305 on the spot penalty notice.

Council will continue to monitor dog owners to ensure correct control requirements are put in place to ensure the animal is appropriately housed, posing no risk to the community. If your dog is not registered, it is recommended you contact Council immediately and rectify this situation.

Director of Planning Environment & Development Phil Costello said, “All dog owners should ensure their animals are properly secured, especially dogs of a dangerous, menacing or a restricted breed.”

“The safety of our community is not negotiable and reported dog attacks are given high importance by Ranger Services,” he said.

“Rangers will continue to investigate offences and ensure dog owners fully comply with all requirements before permission is given to keep a dog proven to be responsible for dangerous behaviour, including a dog attack,”

All dogs in NSW must be permanently identified with a microchip before the animal is 12 weeks old or when the animal is sold or given away. All dogs in NSW must be lifetime registered by the time they are six months old. The cost for lifetime registration is $210 (all un-desexed dogs), $58 (desexed dogs) and $25 (Pensioners desexed dog). There is no pensioner discount if the dog is not desexed.