Barking/Nuisance
All dogs bark, however, the frequency and duration of barking can become a neighbourhood nuisance. Each member of the community has a right to peaceful enjoyment within their own property.
For further information and prior to making a barking complaint, please read the Barking Dog Fact Sheet.
To Lodge a Complaint:
- Speak with your neighbour first or if unapproachable use the 'Dear Neighbour' letter.
- Fill out the Barking Dog Application Form and pay the application fee.
- Complete a Barking Diary for the 2 week period after lodging the complaint.
Dog Attacks
Dog attacks are taken very seriously, as a matter of public safety. An owner of a dog must ensure that it does not attack a person or animal. If your dog attacks or chases people or other animals, Council will investigate and you may be charged with an offence under the Dog Control Act 2000 and your dog may be seized, even if no actual injury is caused.
If your dog has attacked a person, you must notify your local council within 24 hours of the attack
For Further information:
Dangerous Dogs
If a dog has caused or is likely to cause serious injury to a person or animal then council may declare the dog to be a Dangerous dog under the Dog Control Act 2000. Once a dog has been declared a dangerous dog then the owner or person in charge of that dog must meet stronger control measures for that dog.
For Further information:
Regulated Dogs/Prohibited
There are certain dog breeds which have been banned from importation into Australia and have been declared restricted in Tasmania. The restricted breed are:
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- American Pit Bull Terrier or Pitbull Terrier
- Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario
Further Information:
Stray Dogs
If the dog is contained, then please Contact Council on (03) 6426 4444 (24hrs) with the location of the dog. When a contained stray dog is reported, our On- Call Animal Control Officer will respond, impounding the dog.
In the first instance, Council will try to contact the owner of the dog for collection. If Dog is not registered, it will be taken to the Devonport Dogs Home Of Tasmania site for collection upon microchipping and registration.
Straying Livestock
The word livestock is defined as horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and deer. The management of livestock in our Council guided by the Traffic (Road Rules) Regulations 1999 and enforced by the Tasmanian Police.
What if the Animal/s are Causing a hazard or threat to public safety?
If the animal is causing a hazard or threat to public safety – Please contact the local Police station.
What if stock has strayed onto my property?
The Law of Animals Act 1962 contains provisions about what to do if you find stray livestock on your property. Under the Animal Welfare Act 1993 there are legislation requirements about the appropriate treatment of the intruding animal in your charge. You are required to take all reasonable measures to ensure that the welfare of the animal is maintained.
If you find stray livestock on your land, you should safely try to detain it and contact the police to let them know you have a stray animal on your property.
What if the stray livestock are on Council land?
Under the Local Government Act (1993) a council may impound any animal found straying or at large on any highway or on any land owned by, or under the control of, the council. Please contact Council if on Council property and no immediate danger to the public or if there is danger to public please contact Tasmania Police.