Local Laws – Domestic Animals

LOST ANIMALS

If you have lost or have found a dog or cat, please contact Council's Law Enforcement Officer on (03) 5258 1377 (BH/AH)

REGISTRATION

The Domestic (Feral & Nuisance) Animals Act, 1994, requires all dogs and cats over the age of 3 months to be registered with the Council. All cats registered within the Borough of queenscliffe must be desexed.

As of 1 May 2007 any dog or cat being registered with the Borough of Queenscliffe for the first time must be microchipped. Compulsory microchipping has been introduced to help prevent the needless destruction of cats and dogs and to provide an additional means of identification should the traditional collar and Council issued tag fall off.

Dogs and cats should wear their Council identification tags at all times.

An animal registration form can be downloaded by clicking on the link on the right of this page.

DUAL REGISTRATION

If you reside in another municipality where your dog or cat is registered and you own a property in the Borough of Queenscliffe, you may wish to have a dual registration. A fee of $6.00 will see your dog/cat registered and issued with a Queenscliff tag. This will see your animal returned to you swiftly if they are found roaming.

To obtain a registration form click on the download link below or contact Council's Customer Service Officers on (03) 5258 1377 or email info@queenscliffe.vic.gov.au

CAT CURFEW

All cats must be confined from sunset to sunrise to protect native wild life and minimise public nuisance. Cat owners are also encouraged to place bells on their animals' collars to help in this matter as well.

If you have a cat wandering on your premises you may hire a cat trap from the Borough of Queenscliffe. A security deposit fee of $50.00 applies and will be refunded when returned.

DOGS ON BEACHES

Dogs are NOT permitted on any beaches within the municipality from the 1st December until the 28th February between the hours of 8.00am and 8.00pm.

Outside of these times dogs are permitted on the beach but MUST be under effective control by means of a lead.

This law does not include the 'Narrows Beach' (formerly Known as Dog Beach), which is an off lead beach where dogs are permitted all year round.

DOG OFF LEAD AREA

Dogs are required to be leashed at all times within the municipality, unless being exercised at the 'Narrows Beach' (formerly known as 'Dog Beach') where they may be off lead but must be under effective voice control.

The 'Narrows Beach' may be accessed from the car park off the Bellarine Highway, opposite Roddick Grove. The off leash area begins at the end of the boardwalk and extends east finishing at the end of Fraser Street. Pease ensure that your dog is on a lead prior to and when leaving this area. This dog beach is available all year.


PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG

Dog Tidy Bag Dispensers are placed throughout the municipality and dog owners are reminded that it is your responsibility to pick up after your animal. Dog faeces poses a health risk not only for people but for other dogs as well, not to mention the unsightly, smelly pollution that it causes. A penalty applies to anyone found not picking up after their dog.

DOGS SECURED TO PROPERTY

It is the dog owners responsibility to ensure that their dog/s are securely confined to their property at all times. Ideally the dog should be confined in the backyard as legally, dog owners are required to provide safe access to their front door for visitors without them being stopped by the dog.

Dogs in front yards should be under supervision and are not to be left alone if there is no fence or gates are left open. Penalties apply

BARKING DOGS

All over Australia councils receive many complaints in relation to barking dogs. The excessive noise can be frustrating for neighbours while owners can be unaware or lack the skills to correct the problem. The Barking Dogs link will provide you with information regarding why dogs might bark, possible solutions for the problem and steps you will need to take to lodge a complaint with council.

Click HERE for more Information on Barking Dogs

PREPARING YOUR ANIMALS FOR AN EMERGENCY

An emergency could happen at any time so it is critical you prepare now to ensure your animals are protected. There are a variety of disasters that may place your animals in danger, including bushfires, extreme weather and storms.

Click HERE to go to the RSPCA (Victoria) - "Preparing your animals for an emergency" webpage for more information.

KEEPING ANIMALS AND BIRDS

Below is a list of animals and their maximum numbers that may be kept in a residential area. If you wish to keep any additional animals you will need to apply for a permit.

HORSES ON COUNCIL LAND

A permit must be obtained if you wish to bring a horse (or donkey) onto council land. The person in charge of the horse must ensure that no excrement from the horse is left on council land, public places or on a road.