For the 2023-24 financial year, animal-related fines range from $95 to $477 depending on the offence.
Fines can be issued under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and the Activities Local Law 2019.
| Infringement | Fine |
|---|---|
| Failure to apply to register a dog or cat | $385 |
| Failure to renew a cat or dog registration | $385 |
| Registered dog or cat not wearing council identification marker outside premises | $96 |
| Dog at large or not securely confined to owner's premises during daytime | $288 |
| Dog at large or not securely confined to owner's premises during night time | $385 |
| Dog or cat being a nuisance | $96 |
| Failure to pick up dog waste | $250 |
| Failing to include declaration of restricted breed at registration | $385 |
| 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 | $481 |
| Dog or cat on private property after notice of objection served | $96 |
| 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) | $195 |
For a complete list of infringements call us on 03 9658 9658.
Pay your fine
Pay your animal fine
Includes offences like having your dog off leash or at large, or failure to register your pet (issued under the Domestic Animals Act 1994). Visa and MasterCard only.
Pay your dog waste fine
Includes offences like failing to remove animal waste or having an effective means to remove animal waste (issued under the Activities Local Law 2024). Visa and MasterCard only.
Alternatively, you can request an infringement review, request a payment plan or extension (below) or elect to have the matter heard at court.
If you don’t act before the due date on your fine, it will continue through the infringements processOpens in new tab and additional costs may be added. Act now to avoid further costs and enforcement action.
If you have lost your fine and need the reference number to pay it, please call us on 9658 9658.
Prosecution
In some circumstances or with repeat offending, the owner or person responsible may be prosecuted in court, have their dog seized, declared dangerous or menacing or, in some instances, the dog may be put down.
In some cases where there has been a serious injury or death to a victim (person or other animal) as a result of a dog attack, we cannot issue a fine and the matter will be referred directly to court. The City of Melbourne will also refer matters to court where an owner repeat offends.
Penalties imposed by the court may include:
- fines
- payment of court and council costs and any expenses incurred by a victim
- being banned from owning a dog for up to 10 years
- imprisonment (in extreme circumstances).
The City of Melbourne may also choose to declare your dog menacing or dangerous and in some cases the court may order your dog to be put down. See Court proceedings for information about what to expect at court.
Payment arrangements and extensions
You can only apply for a payment arrangement or extension if you are the person or corporation issued with and named on the fine. Payment arrangements are only possible for fines issued under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
There are three types of payment arrangements and extensions:
- receiving a payment extension
- paying in instalments (if you are eligible) or
- requesting a payment arrangement with Fines Victoria.
If you wish to apply for a payment arrangement or extension, you must complete an application before the due date or the fine will continue through the infringements processOpens in new tab and additional costs may be added. See details below.
A payment extension may be granted at the City of Melbourne’s discretion. You can apply for a payment extension by completing the form below.
Please note: partial payments are not accepted. The full amount is required to finalise the matter.
Apply for a payment extensionOpens in new tab
You can also contact us to apply for a payment extension using the details below:
Phone: 03 9658 9658
Mail:
City of Melbourne
PO Box 244
Melbourne VIC 3000
In person:
Melbourne Town Hall
120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
If visiting the Melbourne Town Hall, please bring photo identification and your fine with you.
Payment arrangements are only possible for fines issued under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
You are automatically entitled to request to pay in instalments if you are the person or corporation issued with and named on the fine and have one of the following:
- Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card
- Department of Veterans' Affairs Pensioner Concession Card
- Centrelink Health Care Card.
- Student Card
- Seniors Card
We are unable to offer a payment arrangement by instalment if you:
- haven’t provided a copy of your eligible card with your application
- are not the person or corporation issued with and named on the fine
- have requested a review of your fine and are awaiting the outcome
- have been issued with Notice of Final Demand.
You can request to pay in instalments if you meet the eligibility requirements above. Please have any supporting documentation ready before you start.
Apply for a payment arrangement by instalmentOpens in new tab
You can also contact us to receive a copy of this application form:
Phone: 03 9658 9658
In person:
Melbourne Town Hall
120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
If visiting the Melbourne Town Hall, please bring photo identification and your fine with you.
You may request that the City of Melbourne refers fines issued under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to Fines Victoria to manage as part of a payment arrangement.
A payment arrangement allows you to pay one or more fines in monthly or fortnightly instalments.
For this to occur, you must have a have a current payment arrangement registered with Fines Victoria and be the person or corporation issued with and named on the fine.
You will also need to provide us with the following:
- Payment arrangement number (given to you by Fines Victoria)
- Fine number/s
- Infringement Number/s
- Full name
- Address
- Preferred contact number
- Email address
Apply for a payment arrangement with Fines VictoriaOpens in new tab
You can also contact us to apply using the details below:
Phone: 03 9658 9658
Mail:
City of Melbourne
PO Box 244
Melbourne VIC 3000
In person:
Melbourne Town Hall
120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
If visiting the Melbourne Town Hall, please bring photo identification and your fine with you.
