DOG OFF LEASH ETIQUETTE
The use of Council parks by dog walkers is encouraged and recognised by Inner West Council as creating a positive sense of community, if conducted in a responsible manner.
Only exercise your dog off leash in a dedicated dog off leash exercise area.
Keep your dog under effective voice control.
Remove your dog if it becomes anxious, aggressive or annoys other dogs or people and seek professional dog behavioural advice.
Be mindful of large groups of dogs exercising together as this may lead to over excitement and subsequently escalate into anti social behaviour.
Do not exercise your dog off leash if it is under four months of age and not completed its vaccination program.
Do not socialise your dog with other dogs if they are displaying signs of illness, particularly a highly contagious virus such as kennel (canine) cough.
Do not exercise your dog off leash if it will not come to you when called, particularly when it is distracted.
If poo happens, bag it, bin it.
Toys and food are best left at home. Dogs maybe protective of their treats and toys. Shared toys could spread disease.
Ensure your dog’s vaccinations and worming treatments are up-to-date.
Dog Ownership Laws and fines
Laws relating to dog ownership are set out by the Companion Animals Act 1998 and the Companion Animals Regulation 2018.
All dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or earlier if sold or given away
All dogs must be lifetime registered by 6 months of age
All dogs must wear a collar and identification tag when outside their property
A dog in a public place must be under the effective control of a competent person and attachted to a responsible person using adequate, appropriate dog walking equiptment such as dog collar, leash, harness etc.
Dogs must not be encouraged to attack a person or animal
The owner or person in charge of a dog that defecates in a public place, must immediately remove the dog’s faeces and properly dispose of them.
Offences and Fine/Penalties
Offence | On spot penalty | Local Court penalty |
Dog attack | Minimum penaly: $1,320 | Maximum penalty: $11,000 – $77,000 |
Dog in a prohibited place | Minimum penalty: $330 – $1,760 | Maximum penalty: $1,100 – $11,000 |
Dog not on lead | Minimum penalty: $330 – $1,760 | Maximum penalty: $1,100 – $11,000 |
Animal not permanently identified (microchipped) | Minimum penalty: $180 – $1,320 | Maximum penalty: $880 – $5,500 |
Animal not registered | Minimum penalty: $330 – $1,320 | Maximum penalty: $5,500 – $7,700 |
Dog without,collar and name tag | Minimum penalty: $180 – $1,320 | Maximum penalty: $880 – $5,500 |
Fail to remove dog faeces | Minimum penalty: $275 | Maximum penalty: $880 |