ANIMAL COMPLAINTS

If you want to make a complaint about a dog or other animal in your neighbourhood, there a number of things you can do.

Discussing the problem

First, try solving the problem with your neighbours. They may not realise that their animal is causing a nuisance. In many cases, they will be happy to help remediate the problem.

Contacting Auburn City Council

If this approach is unsuccessful, you can contact Auburn City Council on (02) 9735 1222.

Complaints must be in writing with the exact address of the problem animal. Auburn City Council will notify the owner that it has received a complaint, and will ask the owner to take measures to fix the problem.

Auburn City Council will only further investigate the complaint if it receives two or more complaints from neighbouring residents.

Barking dogs

Exercise alone will not stop a dog from barking, but it may provide an active release for its energy. Obedience training also allows the opportunity of socialisation with other dogs and people, which is an important factor in a dog’s life.

Dangerous dogs

• kept in child proof enclosures that are signposted with warning signs
• leashed and muzzled in public
• controlled by an adult over 18 years of age.
• desexed.

A maximum fine of $5,500 applies for failing to comply with these conditions.

Restricted dogs

• American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier
• Japanese tosa
• Argentinian fighting dogs (dogo Argentino)
• Brazilian fighting dogs (fila Brasileiro)
• Any other dog of a breed, kind or description prescribed by the regulations as restricted for the purposes of Division 5 of the Animal Companion Act.

Owners of these dogs must comply with the following control requirements:

• While the dog is on the property, it must be kept in a child proof enclosure.
• The dog must not be at any time in the sole charge of person under the age of 18.
• One or more signs must be displayed on that property showing the words ‘warning dangerous dog’ in letters clearly visible from the boundaries of the property on which the dog is ordinarily kept.
• When the dog is away from the property where it is ordinarily kept the dog must be under the effective control of a competent person by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash and have a muzzle securely fixed on its mouth in such a manner that will prevent the dog from biting any person or animal.
• The dog must not be sold to a person under the age of 18 years of age.
• The owner must notify the Council of the area in which the dog is ordinarily kept and of the following matters: a)That the dog has attacked or injured a person or animal (other than vermin) within 24 hours of the attack. b) that the dog is missing within 24 hours after first noticing the dog is missing. c) that the dog has died. d) that the ownership has changed within 24 hours. e) that the dog is no longer kept within the area of the Council and giving notice as soon as is practicable. d)that the dog is ordinarily kept at a different location within the area of the council and giving notice as soon as is practicable.
• An owner who does not comply with any of the above requirements is guilty of an offence.
• Desexed