Number of dogs on a property

Residents cannot keep more than two (2) dogs, without a written exemption by Council on their property.

Residents should not bring their extra dogs onto their premises until their exemption is approved.

In the case where three or four dogs have already been on the premises for some time before an application is made, we will allow those dogs to remain if the application is made immediately.

If an application is unsuccessful, the resident will be required to remove any more than two dogs once the refusal is received by them.

Council enforces By-Law 5 – Dogs. Penalties also apply to persons that keep more than the allowed number of dogs without permission - Expiation Fee $188. If a resident keeps three or four dogs on a property then they will need to fill out an application and put it to Council:

Council Procedure

• Applicant must have individually registered two dogs that are kept on the property prior to the application being submitted. If dogs are under 12 weeks the applicant has the option to wait until they reach 12 weeks before registering them.
• The applicant lodges the application form with the Council along with a payment of $64. This payment is a one-off payment for the life of the exemption and basically is payment for the clerical duties and time of the officer involved with the process.
• The relevant inspector for the area will call at the property and if satisfied with the provisions for keeping extra dogs will approve the application.
• Where an application is refused the application fee is forfeited.
• A letter of approval is sent to the applicant.

Exemptions can be withdrawn at any time if any problems arise with the dogs.

Where application has been refused and dogs have been registered applicant would need to transfer registration into a new name or into a new Council.

Where an exemption has been approved for three dogs and a resident is looking to have four dogs they will have to go through the same approval process.