Animal control

The Council provides an animal control service to protect public health and safety; to protect the public from nuisances caused by animals; and to encourage better care and control of dogs.

A team of rangers, based in the main Council building in Guyton Street, administers dog laws and the Council's Dog Control Policy. Animal control services are available through the Council’s front counter and telephone services from 8am to 5pm on weekdays. After hours response services are available through the Council’s after hours telephone service; however, response is determined by the urgency of the problem. A dog control officer undertakes ranging and surveillance programmes during the weekends as well.

The dog pound is located in Ridgway Street. It is open between 12pm to 1pm and 3.30pm to 4.30pm weekdays (or by prior arrangement); and 12pm to 1pm Saturdays.

Currently the rangers respond to 3500 enquiries per year, carry out regular patrols and inspections, register 7100 dogs per year, and impound 1000 dogs per year as well as wandering stock in the rural area.

The services provided include

• Dog registration in accordance with the Dog Control Act. The goal is to register all dogs.
• Impounding in accordance with the Impounding Act 1956 and Dog Control Act 1996, including provision and maintenance of pounds.
• Ranging programme including requests for service and after hours on-call response.
• 22 signed exercise areas with serviced ‘doggy poo’ bins.
• Information and advice, including school visits, particularly relating to housing and welfare of animals.
• Prosecution of offenders.