Pet ownership regulations
Infringements
Dog droppings
Barking dogs
Relevant information
The City of Melbourne is committed to maintaining the city’s parks, gardens and streets for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. Promoting responsible pet ownership is part of this commitment.
The City of Melbourne provides information and resources to help with all aspects of pet ownership including registration, desexing, cleaning up after your dog in public places, leashing requirements and training for dogs.
If you are a new pet owner or have recently moved to the municipality, a free information and resource pack is available. To order the pack, Contact us online with your request.
Pet ownership regulations
The management of domestic pets is a statutory service provided by local government under the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994. Under this act, the City of Melbourne is responsible for:
- ensuring dog owners clean up after their dogs in the city’s streets, parks and gardens
- prohibiting animals in certain areas
- developing strategies for the future direction of animal management services.
Back to top
Did you know...
Your neighbours are entitled to enjoy their garden without your cat or dog roaming onto their property killing birds, digging or leaving excrement in their garden. If you neighbour asks you to stop your cat or dog from coming onto their property, you must do so. If your animal strays onto their land without permission more than once, it can be seized and you may be fined or prosecuted.
There are cat enclosures available that allow cats outside but keep them confined, which is safer for your cat too. Ensure your fences are in good repair and your dog cannot be let out accidentally.
If you pet is found wandering off your premises without its council identification tag it can be siezed.
Infringements as at 1 July 2010
| Infringement |
Fine |
| Failure to apply to register a dog or cat |
$239 |
| Failure to renew a cat or dog registration |
$239 |
| Registered dog or cat not wearing council identification marker outside premises |
$60 |
| Dog at large or not securely confined to owner's premises during daytime |
$179 |
| Dog at large or not securely confined to owner's premises during night time |
$239 |
| Dog or cat being a nuisance |
$60 |
| Failure for not picking up your dog faeces |
$250 |
| Failing to include declaration of restricted breed at registration |
$239 |
| Attack or bite on a person or animal by a dog other than a dangerous dog causing injury that is not in the nature of serious injury |
$299 |
| Dog or cat on private property after notice of objection served |
$60 |
| Contravening council order relating to presence of dogs and cats in public places (not having your dog on a leash or under effective control off leash) |
$119 |
| Dog rushing or chasing any person |
$119 |
| Conducting a domestic animal business that does not comply with relevant code of practice |
$478 |
For a complete list of infringements contact the City of Melbourne on (03) 9658 9658.
Back to top
Dog droppings
The Activities Local Law 1999 requires owners to collect and dispose of their dog’s droppings responsibly and to always carry an appropriate container such as a plastic bag or pooper scooper.
This law is enforced by the City of Melbourne to ensure the continued cleanliness and high standard of the city’s streets.
Did you know...
Around nine million dogs in Victoria produce 90 tonnes of dog droppings every day. In the City of Melbourne, you must carry waste bags to immediately pick up and dispose of them. Dogs droppings carry many diseases, so please pick up after your dog and keep our streets, parks and waterways clean.
POOch Pouches are available for all registered dog owners, which is a lightweight, compact, zippered pouch that can be attached to the dog’s lead near the handle. It is designed to hold dog waste bag supplies and personal items such as house keys and loose change.
Barking dogs
Excessive barking can be annoying for neighbours and the community. Dogs often bark because they are bored, lonely or frustrated due to lack of exercise and mental stimulation.
If you own a dog, ensure your dog has plenty of companionship, exercise and a comfortable place to sleep.
If your dog is barking, try taking it for more regular walks, especially if the dog is confined to a small backyard or is indoors all day. Dogs need social experience too. Obedience training can also help prevent behavioural problems such as excessive barking.
Your neighbours can complain if your dog is often noisy or disturbs the peace unreasonably. Under nuisance laws, the City of Melbourne is responsible for investigating complaints about noise from domestic animals in the community. If your dog constantly barks you may be fined or taken to court where you could be ordered to take action to stop your dog barking.
If a dog’s barking is disturbing you, contact us online or call the City of Melbourne on (03) 9658 9658.
Relevant information
Back to top