Animal Information

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Dogs

Residents are encouraged to work with the Shire to address the increasing number of incidents of dogs roaming, harassing stock and creating traffic hazards. All dogs must be kept on a lead whilst they are in a public place, excluding approved dog exercise areas.

Dog Registrations

All dogs over the age of three months must be individually registered, excluding those kept in an approved kennel establishment. The dog registration period runs from 1 November to October 31.

A 50% concession rate applies to pensioners and 75% concession rates applies for working dogs. To obtain a concession rates on registration of sterilised dogs, the sterilisation certificate must be produced when registering a dog.

Dog registrations can be completed at the Shire of Murray Administration Offices between 8.30 am 4.30pm Monday to Friday or at the Dwellingup Visitors Centre during normal business hours. Registration fees are determined under the Dog Regulations 1976. Dogs can only be registered by a person over the age of 18 years and registrations need to be completed in person.

A registered dog is easier to recover when lost, and is vital component of responsible dog ownership, and allows the Shire to deliver quality services to dog owners throughout the community.

A dog registration is interchangeable across the State. Should you move within the State, the dog does not need to be re-registered, however the change of address must be provided to the Shire where the dog was previously registered. The Shire of Murray can transfer your registration from a previous locality for a small fee.

Dog Attacks

Dog attacks toward people and other dogs can be traumatic for everyone involved - the owner, the victim and/or the animal being attacked. Depending on the nature of the attack, owners can be fined anywhere between $100 to $10,000 in court. So, it’s worthwhile for everyone (including your pooch), to prevent or avoid an attack situation.

Here are some simple tips:

Always keep your dog leashed.
Ensure your dog gets regular exercise, to avoid boredom and irritability.
Ensure your dog is properly trained and disciplined. Ask your vet about dog obedience classes.
Never allow your dog to wander unsupervised.
Ensure you have appropriate and secure fencing on your property.
If your dog has displayed unpredictable behaviour previously, always keep it leashed and remain vigilant around other dogs and owners.

Keeping more than Two Dogs

Keeping more that two dogs, over the age of three months on any premises in the district is prohibited, unless an exemption or kennel establishment licence is approved. Exemptions can only be approved to keep up to 6 dogs and conditions may be applied to the approval. A non refundable application fee applies to exemptions applications.

If you require more information about kennels please refer to our Kennel Establishments page.

Wandering Dogs

Dogs not on a leash and left to wander the streets cause a hazard to motorists, pedestrians and other dog owners. These dogs have a short life span and can be expensive to their owners. Owners are responsible for ensuring their dog cannot leave their property unless on a leash and with someone who is able to control them.

Fencing Requirements

Persons wishing to register a dog must make a declaration certifying fences and gates at the premises where the dog is kept effectively confine the dog within those premises. Gates must have effective self-closing mechanisms.

Means for effectively confining the dog within the premises do not include the means whereby a dog may be tethered/chained within the premises.

Infringements

Dog infringements can be issued any number of offences, including exercising your dog off a leash or for an unregistered dog. If a Ranger witnesses or receives evidence of an offence, an owner or the person in control of the dog may be issued with an infringement.

Payments must be paid in full and by the due date. Otherwise, additional costs may apply. If you need more time to pay, please contact Ranger Services on 9531 7777.

If you wish to dispute an infringement, please write to us before the due date at:

Chief Executive Officer
Shire of Murray
PO Box 21
PINJARRA WA 6028