Animal Control Officers are authorised to seize and impound any dog found at large or not under proper control.

Dog owners are legally responsible for ensuring their dog is contained at all times. Failure to do so is an offence under Section 53 of the Dog Control Act 1996 and may result in a fine of up to $3000 or an infringement fee of $200. Any dog found at large can be impounded at the owner's expense.

Below is a list of fees and charges that will come into effect on 1 July 2026:

Impounding fees are:

• Impounding: $100
• Second impounding: $200
• Third and subsequent impounding within a registration year: $250
• Daily sustenance: $16
• Microchipping: $81

All applicable fees must be paid in full before a dog is released.

Where a dog is unregistered, all outstanding registration fees must also be paid prior to release.

Dogs must be microchipped before release where this requirement has not already been met.

The best way to find your dog if it gets lost, is to have it registered. Where possible, animal control will attempt to notify the owner of an impounded dog that is identifiable by telephone or written notice.

Dogs may be collected between 8.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Dogs not claimed within seven days may be treated as unclaimed under the Dog Control Act 1996.

Council may then:

• rehome the dog where suitable homes are available, or
• arrange humane euthanasia where rehoming is not appropriate.