Dog Registration
Under the Dog Act 1976, all dogs over three months of age are to be registered with the Shire.
The registration period is from 1 November to 31 October and the length of registration available is 1 year, 3 years or lifetime. Download a Dog Registration Form.
Click the following link to view the registration fees and charges
* Discounts apply for pensioners and working dogs.
* Discount applies for sterilised dogs. Owners must provide proof of sterilisation to claim the concession rate or complete a statutory declaration.
Any dog being registered for the first time with the Shire must be microchipped prior to registration. Proof of microchipping must be provided.
Microchipping
The Dog Act 1976 and Dog Regulations 1976 require that:
- All dogs being registered for the first time with the Shire must be microchipped prior to registration.
- Any dog that is transferred to another owner within the Shire must be microchipped
- All dangerous dogs, including restricted breeds and commercial security dogs, must be microchipped.
By 1 November 2015
- All other dogs already registered with the Shire need to be microchipped.
Please contact your local veterinarian for costs associated with microchipping.
How many dogs can you have on your property?
The Shire's Dog Local Law 2003 permits residents to have no more than 2 dogs on their property over the age of 3 months and the young of those dogs under that age if the premises are situated within a townsite. If the premises are located outside a townsite, residents can have no more than 4 dogs over the age of 3 months and the young of those dogs under that age.
Fill out the Request to Keep More Than 2 Dogs at a Property Form or for more information contact the Shire.
Exercise Areas
Under the Shire's Local Laws 2003, dogs can be off a leash in a designated dog exercise area, provided that the dog remains under control of its owner and that the owner is carrying a leash.
The term "under control" broadly means that the dog:
- Responds to commands, and particularly returns when called
- Remains a reasonable distance from the owner at all times
- Does not act in a threatening or aggressive manner; to other people or animals.
Under the Dog Act 1976 a dog must not be in a public place unless is it wearing a collar with a securely attached registration tag. Failure to comply with this law can result in a fine.
Kununurra
Areas adjacent to waterways have been included to allow for the responsible dog owners an opportunity to be able to legally swim and exercise in an area that will not intrude on other members of the public. There was an area declared a dog exercise area at Lot 2420 Lakeside of Casuarina Way East of Lakeside Resort that has now been developed. The area surrounding this region being Lot 381 is declared a Dog Exercise area to allow for the dog owners in the Lakeside area to use.
Celebrity Tree Park was a dog exercise area however, due to the children’s’ playground situated in the park, this was deemed to be inappropriate. To compensate for the removal of Celebrity Tree Park, additional exercise areas are:
- The areas at the pump station at the junction of Messmate Way and the Victoria Highway extending south easterly to the Lily Creek Lagoon and westerly for 100 metres along the Victoria Highway.
- Lots 500 and 501 at Swim Beach extending from the west boundary of the Sailing Club for 150 metres bounded by Millington Road.
Click here for a map of the Kununurra dog exercise areas.
Wyndham
Within the town site of Wyndham, the area known as Lot 1236, Wyndham Oval.
Click here for a map of the Wyndham dog exercise area.
Dog complaints & attacks
Nuisance dog complaints
A dog becomes a nuisance when it is unrestrained away from the owner's premises, barks excessively, wanders at large or attacks.
A number of the Nuisance Dog Complaints received at the Shire are due to barking dogs. If you are currently experiencing problems with your dog's barking, information about this can be found on our Barking Dogs page.
Ranger Services encourage the public to try and resolve problems with their neighbours dogs by firstly approaching the dog owner when the problem arises, stating your case clearly and politely. They may not be aware of the issue.
If the problem persists after a week or two, speak to the owner again to provide feedback on the control method. If the dog owner is unapproachable, or does not agree that the problem exists, you should then complete a Nuisance Dog Complaint Form and return to Ranger Services, who will then investigate the problem further.
Download a Nuisance Dog Complaint Form or for more information contact the Shire.
Dog attacks
All dog owners hope their pet won't show aggression towards other animals or people, but it can happen for many reasons. Often it is a sign of irresponsible ownership and is against the law. Pet owners are always responsible and legally liable for the actions of their animals.
We need to protect our community from the danger and fear of dog attacks. People have a right to feel safe in the community. It is the responsibility of pet owners to ensure people are protected and public areas are safe for everyone to enjoy. Aggressive animals have no place in public areas unless under close and direct supervision.
If you are attacked or your dog is involved in a dog attack, please contact the Shire or complete a Dog Attack Report Form.
Further information can be found on our Dog Attacks page.