Information for Dog Owners

Dog Attacks

A dog attack is a serious matter and if your dog, or a dog in your care, attacks another person or animal you will be held accountable.  If found guilty, you could face penalties up to $10,000 plus court costs.

A dog attack includes:

• rushing aggressively at or attempting to attack a person or animal
• tearing of clothing
• biting
• causing physical injury or damage to the person or animal
• attacking or behaving in such a manner towards a person that makes a reasonable person to fear harm.

Dog attacks must be reported immediately to the Rangers on (08) 9339 9339.

If you sustain a physical injury, make sure to take photographs of your injuries and keep a record of any medical treatments and reports. 

You should also document any interviews with the ranger and provide a written statement. The more evidence and statements, including from witnesses, the more chance you will have of a successful prosecution. When gathering witness statements please note their name, address and phone number. 

Breaches and Contravention of the Dog Act

A short guide of common breaches/contravention of both the Dog Act and Dog Local Laws is listed below.

Note: that not all penalties/contraventions are listed. It is your responsibility as a dog owners/career to read and be compliant with the provisions of both the Dog Act and Dog Local Laws.

SECTION	OFFENCE	GENERAL PENALTY	DANGEROUS DOG
7(1)	Unregistered dog	$200	$400
31(3)	Dog not held on leash in public places	$200	$400
38(1a)	Dog causing nuisance	$200
33A(3)	Dog on a place without consent	$200
30(2)	Dog in a public place without a collar or registration tag	$200
30(2)	Owner's name and address not on a collar	$200
26 (4)	Keeping more than the prescribed number of dogs	$200
43(A)	Failure of alleged offender to give name and address	$200
38(5)	Failure to comply with nuisance dog order	$200
33D(1)	Dog attack or chase causing physical injury	$400
33D(2A)	Dog attack or chase causing no physical injury	$200
21(1), (2)	Failure to ensure dog is microchipped	$200
2.3(2)	Dog excreting in a prohibited place	$100

Stray Dogs

You can report a stray dog to the Ranger by phoning (08) 9339 9339.

It is advised to not take the stray dog home for the rangers to collect. Even if the dog appears to be friendly, it may turn aggressive when approached or put in an unfamiliar environment such as your car or home. Dog attacks can occur quickly, and people can sustain significant injuries that may result in life-long disabilities.

All dog's impounded by the Town are taken to South Perth Animal Care Facility for 72 hours to enable the dog owner(s) to reclaim the dog after paying all relevant fees and charges. Fees and charges are detailed below.

If your dog is not claimed within 72 hours, it will be re-homed with new owners via South Perth Animal Care Facility.

Dog Refuge Details

Address:	South Perth Animal Care Facility, 199 Thelma Street, Como
Telephone:	(08) 9474 0777
Hours:	Standard hours Monday – Sunday: 12pm-3pm Public Holidays: 12pm – 1pm (please note that the facility may be closed during public holidays depending on operational requirements).
Closed:	Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday
Impound Fee	View Schedule of Fees and Charges
Sustenance fee:	View Schedule of Fees and Charges

The Animal Care Facility also offers an advisory service for owners of dangerous pets and pets that are no longer safe in the community. 

The South Perth Facility is equipped with heating and cooling, outside exercise areas for the dogs and play equipment for cats. Fresh linen is provided to all animals to ensure they are kept in a warm safe environment along with good quality food for daily feeds. 

If your dog or cat has been impounded, you are required to pay a fee prior to release and a daily sustenance fee for the upkeep of your pet. It is also a requirement that if your dog or cat is not microchipped, then it must be microchipped prior to release. Similarly, if your dog or cat is not registered, you must also register them prior to release. If the dog or cat is registered, you will need to provide proof of this.