While owning a dog is a very rewarding experience, it is a significant commitment for you and your family, over many years.
Important considerations before and after getting a dog
To assist you, the following are some considerations to ensure the decision is right for you, your family:
- Is your current lifestyle, or potential change of lifestyle, such as having children, compatible with having a dog? Dogs, particularly puppies, need a lot of attention, training and care.
- Consider a breed that matches your lifestyle, needs and abilities. Some breeds are higher energy, some are lower. Select the breed that best matches the time and energy you and your family are able to provide.
- Speak with your local veterinarian about any health considerations of owning a dog, or particular breed of dog. Some dogs may have certain health matters which are specific to the breed of dog you may be considering.
- Speak with other dog owners and clubs to gain insight into owning a dog or a particular breed of dog. Some breed of dogs have traits and behaviours specific to the breed, regardless, its useful to hear from other dog owners to understand the challenges, and of course the enjoyment, of owning a dog.
- Research ethical breeders or rescue organisations. It is not recommended to purchase a dog from places such as Gumtree.
- Gather as much information as you can to aid you in your decision.
- Never buy a dog on impulse – dogs often live to around 12 years of age and some dogs much longer.
- Attend animal behaviour training, or engage a suitable qualified trainer or behaviourist to assist with adequate exposure, socialisation, and training of your new dog.
- Research locations suitable for exercising your dog, for example, Hillarys Dog Beach and the many dog friendly parks in the City of Joondalup.
Dog management
Dog owners may not be aware their dog is barking excessively when they are away from home and should be provided the opportunity to rectify the issue. Affected residents must provide proof that the dog in question is barking consistently and to a level that constitutes a nuisance as per the State guidelines. The City accepts proof in the form of a Barking Dog Diary covering a period of 7 to 14 days, and will investigate complaints upon receipt of a completed diary.
Upon receipt of a completed diary, the City will:
- Investigate the barking dog complaint
- Take the appropriate action based on investigation outcomes. Dogs bark for many reasons including:
- Separation anxiety – they become stressed when their owner leaves.
- Fear – nervous or scared dogs bark out of fear.
- Boredom – barking, digging, and chewing can be signs of a bored dog.
- Territorial – some dogs are protecting their territory.
- Fence line distraction – some dogs behind a barrier may bark at passers-by.
For further information, or to request a barking dog diary, please call 9400 4000.
The City will follow up every reported dog attack. Dog attacks take many forms and include:
- Aggressively rushing at, chasing, or harassing any person or animal.
- Biting or causing physical injury to a person or animal.
- Tearing clothing on or causing damage to the property of any person attacked.
- Attempting to attack or behaving in a manner that would cause fear of physical injury.
Upon notification of a dog attack report, the City will investigate the report and take the appropriate action based on the investigation outcomes.
Dogs may be impounded if they are found wandering in public areas or are on private property without the owner’s consent. Every effort is made to contact the registered owner and reunite a lost dog with their owner.
If there is no means of identifying an owner, City Officers will take the dog to the RSPCA Animal Shelter in Malaga. If the dog remains unclaimed after seven days, the RSPCA will endeavour to re-home them.
What happens when a dog is impounded?
There will be an impound fee payable prior to the release of your dog. If your dog is not registered or microchipped there is a requirement to have this done prior to its release. Penalties may also apply for an unregistered dog and a wandering dog.
Any dog can be dangerous however there are three identified types of dangerous dogs:
- restricted breeds
- declared
- commercial security dogs.
Requirements for owners of dangerous dogs
Requirements for owners of dangerous dogs when in public areas include:
- wearing of specified collars
- wearing a muzzle
- on leash at all times
- under control by a capable person.
Properties housing a dangerous dog must have:
- An adequate enclosure or fencing to prevent the dog from escaping.
- Dangerous dog signage displayed at all entrances to the property.
Restricted breeds
Some breeds have been identified and declared restricted in Australia. These also include a mix of two or more breeds, one being a restricted breed. The following breeds are classified as restricted:
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario.
Declared
Local Governments can declare any dog as dangerous, based on its behaviour and regardless of the breed. A dog may be declared dangerous due to:
- Causing injury or damage by an attack or by chasing a person or animal.
- Repeatedly showing a tendency to attack or chase a person, animal, or vehicle.
- Threatening to attack.
Commercial security dogs
An owner of a commercial security dog must ensure that:
- The dog wears the specified collar worn by commercial security dogs with information attached to or endorsed on the collar.
- When a commercial security dog is working at any premises, every person responsible for the control of the dog must ensure that the dog is confined to the premises.
- The person who arranges for the dog to guard or protect the premises must ensure the dog is confined to the premises.
- The enclosure where the dog is confined will prevent escape, removal, or release from that enclosure.
- Children under seven years of age are prevented from entering or inserting any part of their body into an enclosure.