Responsible animal ownership

Dog and cat owners are responsible for ensuring their animals are properly controlled at all times.

Dogs and cats must not wander outside their owner’s property unless they are under effective control.

Registered dogs and cats found outside their premises will be returned to their owner free of charge on the first occasion. Subsequent incidents will incur a fee.

Owners must ensure their dog or cat is wearing a current Council registration ID tag, which enables a quick and efficient return of your pet.

If your pet’s registration tag has been misplaced, a replacement tag can be issued free of charge by contacting Council on (03) 5494 1200.

Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, dog and cat owners may be fined or prosecuted if:

• A dog or cat is found outside the owner’s premises (animals may also be impounded)
• A dog or cat is found in a public area declared off-limits by Council (such as parks)
• An owner encourages or allows a dog to attack, bite, worry, or chase a person or another animal
• An owner encourages or allows a dog or cat to be a nuisance

How many animals can I have?

Loddon Shire Council’s Community Local Law regulates the keeping of animals.

For most properties, a permit is required when:

• More than four different types of animals are kept on a property, or
• The number of animals exceeds the limits outlined below

Table 1: Permitted Number of Animals per Property (No Permit Required)

 Note: “Permit required for any” means a Local Law permit is required regardless of the number of animals kept.

Dog Attacks

Local Laws staff have the authority to seize dogs involved in an attack. This includes attacks on:

• A person
• Another dog or a cat
• Livestock

Following an attack, a dog may be seized and held pending court proceedings.

In some circumstances, Council may propose that a dog be declared "Dangerous" or "Menacing" under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. These declarations impose strict conditions and restrictions on what the dog can and cannot do, including containment, muzzling, signage, and control requirements.

Dogs declared Dangerous or Menacing are regularly monitored by Local Laws staff to ensure compliance, protect community safety, and prevent further incidents.

Keeping More Animals Than Permitted

You may be able to keep animals in excess of the numbers listed above, however a Local Law permit must be obtained prior to locating the animals on your property.

To discuss permit requirements, please contact Local Laws on (03) 5494 1200 or complete an Application for a Local Law Permit..

Reporting Lost, Found, Wandering or Nuisance Dogs and Cats

If you have lost or found a dog or cat, or wish to report a wandering or nuisance dog or cat, please contact Local Laws staff on (03) 5494 1200 for assistance.

Microchipping

Microchipping is an important part of responsible pet ownership.

Owners should ensure their dog or cat’s microchip details are current, including up-to-date phone numbers and alternative contacts. This helps ensure a quick and prompt return of your pet if it becomes lost.

If you are unsure whether your dog or cat’s microchip details are correct, Local Laws staff can verify this for you and provide the necessary forms to update the information.

Council pound

Dogs and cats found wandering within the municipality may be impounded and cared for by Council’s Local Laws staff at the Council Pound in Wedderburn.

Impounded animals are managed in accordance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

Impounding fees, animal care charges and fines will apply when collecting an animal from the pound.