Responsible dog ownership

Who is a dog owner?

• The person who has immediate custody of the dog
• The parent or guardian of a minor; or
• A person who occupies the place where a dog is usually kept

Who is responsible for a dog?

• The person who has immediate custody of the dog
• The parent or guardian of a minor; or 
• A person who occupies the place where a dog is usually kept

The number of dogs allowed (over the age of 3 months) per allotment is set out below. 

If you would like to keep more pets than the allowed limit, an Additional Animal Permit is required.

In addition to the above requirements, the following must also be met:

• All dogs on the property must be registered with Mackay Regional Council. If they have not yet been registered, you must submit a New Animal Registration for each dog, prior to submitting an Additional Dog Permit Application.
• You must provide a Mackay Regional Council Animal Registration Tag Number for all dogs on the property as part of the Additional Dog Permit Application.
• You must provide a detailed site layout of the property housing the dogs. An example site layout can be viewed here(PDF, 17KB).

After submission, your application will be processed and an authorised officer will be in contact to arrange an inspection of your property.

Additional dog permit application

It is a requirement that all puppies be microchipped before 12 weeks of age.  If you acquire and adult dog, it must be microchipped within seven days.

Working dogs do not incur a registration fee.

Council asks that you inform council of their existence so they are recorded on the council registration database.

A working dog, usually kept or proposed to be kept, means:

• On rural land and
• By an owner who is a primary producer, and
• Primarily for the purpose of :
  • Droving, protecting, tending, or working stock, or
  • Being trained in droving, protecting, tending, or working, stock

Self-assessment guide

• Working dogs self assessment application(PDF, 196KB)

Dog owners are strongly encouraged to desex their animals.

Desexing has a positive impact on the community and the health of individual animals. It reduces a dog’s desire to roam and reduces the risk of them being injured in fights or being hit by a car. It also prevents unwanted litters.

Dogs can become pregnant from six months of age, so it’s important to desex your animal between six and eight months of age.

Discounted registration costs are available for desexed dogs.

Fencing is an important way to protect your dog and the community. 

Dog owners must ensure the fence is high enough that the dog can’t jump over it and be low enough that it can’t be dug under. It must also be fit-for-purpose. The fence must be strong enough that it can’t be pushed over and be free of holes or gaps.

It is the owner's responsibility to ensure their dog is securely confined to their own property.

While many people keep dogs as a deterrent for unauthorised entry to their property, it is important that people legally passing near properties housing dogs, are protected from them.

A straying dog causes distress to neighbours and the community. Dogs that are not kept safely behind a fence can risk being injured or causing injury to others.

They become a traffic hazard for motorists, are a bite risk to innocent people, can display territorial aggression, are an annoyance to other animals in the community and can cause property damage.

Owners who fail to secure their dogs may be liable for any injuries or damage that their dog causes.

Leashes

Taking your dog for walks is a great way to keep them healthy and provide mental stimulation.

All dogs in public areas must be on a lead to ensure you have control over your dog. The only exception is designated off-leash areas.

While you love your pet, not everyone likes dogs and some people are afraid of them. Using a lead means everyone in our community can enjoy public spaces.

Dog owners are responsible for the action of their pets at all times. Using a leash will minimise your risk and keep you, your pet, other animals and people safe.

Failure to walk your dog in public on a leash, may result in on the spot fines.

Cleaning up after your dog

Part of any walk for a dog usually involves a ‘toilet break’, so make sure you take litter bags with you.

It is your responsibility to "scoop the poop". It ensures others don’t run the risk of a nasty surprise, but is also an important way to prevent faeces polluting beaches, waterways and other public areas. 

Picking up after your dog also prevents the spread of pests and diseases, which can easily be passed to other animals and humans.

On the spot fines can be issued for anyone who fails to pick up after their dog in public.

All dogs bark – it’s in their nature!  But there are instances where it has a negative impact on the quality of life for neighbours.

Barking dogs is one of the most common complaints that come to council. There are a range of options to try and remedy the situation. Owners can try to understand why their dog barks – is it boredom, separation anxiety or fear. Identifying the reason for barking will guide a response. Some options to reduce barking include regular walks and exercise, fencing that blocks the view out of the yard, toys and training.

If there is a dog causing a disturbance in your area, you can speak to the owner – they may not be aware their dog is a problem. If you are uncomfortable with approaching the owner, you can try writing a letter and include some of the above suggestions on how they may remedy the issue. A template letter(DOCX, 14KB) is available.

Council can investigate if the barking is persistent. You will need to complete a barking dog survey.(PDF, 405KB) This survey must be done for a period of seven days and returned to council within seven days of completion. Once a properly completed survey has been received, council will contact other neighbours to see if they are experiencing similar issues. If a nuisance is proven, council may issue a compliance notice to the owner.

Queensland Government has nuisance laws to make our State a more liveable place. Excessive barking can be an offence and failure to comply with council's recommendations may result in significant penalties including infringement fines.

Bear in mind, barking is a natural part of a dog’s behaviour, so not all barking will be considered nuisance barking.

All pet owners hope their dog doesn’t show aggression to other animals or people – but it does happen. It’s vital to remember that dog owners are responsible and legally liable for the actions of their animals.

Aggressive animals have no place in public areas unless they are under close and constant supervision. Before taking your dog out in public, consider how they may respond to other animals and people.

If your dog does attack a person or another animal, it may be declared menacing or dangerous. An attack may result in a fine or the confiscation of your dog.

If your dog is declared dangerous the owner must comply with the conditions of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act and:

• Ensure the dog is always muzzled in a public place
• Display a sign advising of a dangerous dog on the premises
• Maintain the dog’s registration at all times
• Provide and maintain a fence or enclosure to prevent the dog from escaping

Additional registration requirements may also apply. These requirements are vital for the safety of your pet and the community.

Attacked by a dog?

If you are attacked by a dog, immediately seek medical assistance and report the incident to council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529). You will need to provide the time, date and location of the attack, a description of how it happened and a description of the animal/s.

A Local Laws Officer will investigate the alleged attack, which will include interviewing victim, witnesses and owner, taking photographs of injuries and taking statements. Once the investigation is completed, all parties will be informed of the outcome.

Limits apply in regard to the number of dogs allowed to be kept on a property. 

Excessive animals can be reported online.

Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their pets do not negatively impact the community.

Pets should always be kept securely on their property and appropriately supervised when in public. Dogs that roam without their owners are at risk of injury, becoming lost, or causing harm to people, pets or wildlife.

Council encourages residents to report roaming so appropriate action can be taken to protect the community and support responsible pet ownership. When council finds a roaming dog, the dog is taken to the Animal Management Centre (AMC).

• Report a straying dog