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Lost Pets (Cats and Dogs) I Stray Dogs I Stray Cats I Nuisance Dogs I Nuisance Cats I Animal Pound I Sick and Injured Animals I Dead Animals
Lost Pets (Cats and Dogs)
If your microchipped and registered cat or dog has been missing for more than 3 days, notify Council's Customer Service Centre (call 9562 1666) by the fourth day. If it's taken to a Pound, you will be identified as the owner by the microchip number and you will be contacted by the Pound staff.
If your pet is wearing a collar with your phone number or address, someone may find it and return it directly to you. Please contact Council's Customer Service Centre (call 9562 1666) to notify us that the animal has been found.
If your cat or dog is not microchipped or identifiable, contact the various Pounds in the area in case your pet has been collected, and conduct your own search.
Stray Dogs
A dog is a 'stray' and can be 'seized' (collected) and either returned to its owner or taken to the Pound when:
- It is in a public place without its owner
- It is in a prohibited place
- It has attacked a person or animal and is on property owned or occupied by the person seizing the dog.
To have a stray dog collected, please contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 9562 1666 during business hours or St George Animal Rescue on 9150 6545 after hours.
Stray Cats
Unlike dogs, cats are allowed to roam around public places and onto private property. It is illegal to 'seize' and 'impound' a cat unless:
- It is in a prohibited public place (under the Companion Animals Act cats are prohibited from public areas where food is produced or consumed and from wildlife protection areas).
- It is reasonable and necessary for the protection of any person or animal.
Where a person legally 'seizes' a cat on private property, it must be either returned to its owner or delivered to the Pound (Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, phone 9587 9611).
If the cat has been restrained or caged, notify St George Animal Rescue on 9150 6545.
Please note that cages to trap cats are not provided by Council. Residents may contact Council's contractor, St George Animal Rescue Centre (9150 6545) for details on providing a cage.
Nuisance Dogs
Council can issue a Nuisance Order to the owner of a dog which is:
- Habitually 'at large' (that is, wandering around alone)
- Excessively barking, howling or making other noise
- Repeatedly defecating on other property
- Repeatedly running at, or chasing, any person, animal (other than vermin) or vehicle
- Endangering the health of any person or animal (other than vermin)
- Repeatedly causing damage to anything outside the property on which it is ordinarily kept.
- If the owner does not stop the dog from acting as a nuisance, they can be fined up to $550.
Nuisance Cats
Council can issue a Nuisance Order to the owner of a cat if satisfied that the cat:
- Persistently makes excessive noise, or repeatedly damages anything outside the property on which it is ordinarily kept.
Animal Pound
Cats or dogs seized by Council will be taken to the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home (9587 9611). To arrange an after hours impounding of a stray, contact St George Animal Rescue (9150 6545).
Unclaimed cats and dogs are for sale. Call Sydney Dogs and Cats Home on 9587 9611 for details.
Sick and Injured Animals
Generally, Council is not responsible for treating sick or injured animals. If you injure a cat or dog while driving a motor vehicle you are required, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, to make sure the animal receives treatment.
If an animal is injured and abandoned in a public place, Council will impound it, provide treatment to prevent suffering and then take the appropriate action for a 'straying' animal.
Dead Animals
When a pet dies, the owner is responsible for the disposal of the animal.
If you find an unidentified dead animal in a public place, notify Council's Customer Service Centre on 9562 1666 during business hours or St George Animal Rescue on 9150 6545 after hours. |