Companion Animals Act
Introduced by the NSW Government in 1998, The Companion Animals Act covers the responsibilities and rights of the owners of companion animals, such as cats and dogs. The aim of the legislation is to protect the rights of animals and their owners in balance with the rights and needs of others in the community.
Under The Companion Animals Act, a new compulsory system of permanent pet identification and lifetime registration was established to ensure that a pet can always be returned home in the event that it is hurt, lost or stolen. Other matters covered by the legislation include the control of cats and dogs, dangerous dogs, assistance animals used by people with a disability and seized animals.
As with all other NSW councils, the City of Sydney’s approach to pet ownership and animal management is governed by The Companion Animals Act. Important information about pet identification, lifetime registration the responsibilities and rights of pet owners under The Companion Animals Act is summarised at 'Cats and Dogs.' Details of the legislation is available at The Companion Animals Act 1998.
To view the Companion Animals Act 1998 click on the link below.
View the Companion Animals Act 1998>>
Restricted and Dangerous Dogs in NSW
The dog must be kept in an enclosure that complies with the requirements prescribed by the regulations.
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 Development Consent is required for the enclosed to be erected on your property.
A Brochure detailing further information can be downloaded.
Pets in the City
Under The Companion Animals Act 1998, cat and dog owners must ensure their pet’s activities do not create problems for the community or the environment.
When in public, dogs must wear an identification disc with the owner’s name and contact number and be controlled on a leash, except in designated off-leash areas.
Signs indicating off-leash areas are at entry points to parks and open spaces, so please check before you enter.
The City supports responsible pet ownership and educates owners in the broader community.
Where owners are not responsible, State legislation imposes the following fines:
| Owner’s Action |
Fine |
|---|---|
| Animal not permanently identified (microchipped) | $165.00 |
Animal not registered |
$165.00 |
Dog without collar and tags |
$165.00 |
Dog not on lead in a public place |
$220.00 |
Dog in prohibited place |
$330.00 |
Failure to remove dog droppings |
$275.00 |
| Dog harasses, chases or attacks a person or animal | $550.00 |
Failure to comply with control requirements for dangerous or restricted dogs |
$1,320.00 |
| Dangerous dog/Restricted dog without collar and name tag | $1,320.00 |
| Dangerous dog/Restricted dog not under effective control | $1,760.00 |
| Dangerous dog/Restricted dog in a prohibited place | $1,760.00 |
| Cat in prohibited places | $110.00 |
| Cat not wear identification | $110.00 |
| Failure to notify change of address or change of owner | $165.00 |
| Failure to take seized animal to pound/shelter | $550.00 |
Cats and dogs that attack or dogs found unleashed can be impounded by the City of Sydney at the Blacktown City Council’s – Animal Holding Facility . Owners have 14 days to claim registered pets or seven days to claim unregistered pets.
For information about impounded animals Tel: 02 9839 6160 / 02 9839 6161.
Should your cat or dog repeatedly make noise, damage other people’s property or chase people, animals or vehicles, the City of Sydney can issue a Nuisance Order. A Nuisance is $275.00 with the maximum being $880.00.
- Restricted and Dangerous Dogs in NSW | PDF 167Kb
- Animal Trap Hire Form | PDF 130Kb
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Last Updated: Wednesday 20 August, 2008
