All dogs in our region, regardless of where they are kept, must be registered. All dogs over 12-weeks-old must be microchipped. Registering and microchipping is the best way to ensure animals are reunited with their owners. We use lifetime tags and registrations are due for payment on 30 June each year.
Dogs must be kept in a proper enclosure that prevents them from wandering or escaping. The minimum standards for keeping dogs are:
- enclosures must be cleaned regularly and waste disposed so as not to create a nuisance or health hazard
- adequate food and water
- adequate space
- ensuring dogs do not create a nuisance or cause injury or health hazard.
A well-exercised and disciplined dog makes a happy and contented pet. Your pet should be walked every day especially if you have an active breed or large dog. The RSPCA has a knowledge base with information about caring for your dog, dog behaviours and training.
Dogs must be leashed at all times outside your property and under continuous supervision. You are responsible for the actions of your dog, therefore it is your duty to clean up after your pet (dispose of faeces in a sanitary manner) and make sure that your dog is not a nuisance.
Please notify us of any change in details to a dog’s registration such as address, ownership, desexing or replacement tag.
You can have:
- one dog on a property less than 600m²
- two dogs on a property less than 1000m²
- two dogs on a property less than 8000m² — a permit is required for each dog, up to three additional dogs
- three dogs on a property 8000m² or greater —a permit is required for each dog, up to three additional dogs for a property less than 16,000m², and up to five additional dogs on a property greater than 16,000m².
New
New dog registrations can be done online, you will need your microchip certificate and desexing certificate. once received we will generate the registration and forward a receipt for payment. Dog registration can still be made at a customer service centre by cash, cheque or credit card (Visa and MasterCard only). Please bring your certificate of desexing and microchip number.
Renewal
Renewal of your dog registrations can be made:
- by cash, cheque or credit card (Visa and MasterCard only) at a customer service centre
- Australia Post — ensure you quote the Billpay code and reference number shown on the notice. Call 13 18 16 to pay by debit or credit card (24 hour service) or pay at any Australia Post branch or agency.
- by BPAY — phone or internet. Contact your participating financial institution to make a payment from your account quoting the BPAY reference number shown on notice. This is a different BPAY reference number to your rates payment and must be set up separately. Refer to your renewal notice for the correct BPAY biller code and reference number.
- Request a copy of your renewal notice to be emailed to you or contact a customer service centre
Change of Details
Details can be updated online or at a customer service centre (cash, cheque or card). Updated details will appear on your next renewal notice.
Replacement Tags
Replacement tags can be ordered online or at a customer service centre (cash, cheque or card). If ordered online, we will post an invoice to you, and then post the tag once the invoice has been paid.
All dogs over 12-weeks-old must be microchipped. Registering and microchipping is the best way to ensure animals are reunited with their owners. You will need to provide your microchip number when registering your dog.
It is important you update the microchip details. The easiest way to do this is to search Pet Address using your pet’s microchip number. Pet Address will redirect you to the database that lists your pet’s microchip number. If you don’t know your dog’s microchip number your vet can provide it by scanning your dog.
Everyone giving away, supplying, selling or advertising dogs or puppies is required to have a supply number that identifies the registered breeder of that dog.
The legislation was developed because many Queenslanders are concerned about the welfare of dogs and puppies sold and supplied in Queensland.
The supply number of a registered dog breeder must be included with the dog’s microchip details and displayed when the dog is advertised, sold or given away. This will allow puppies to be traced back to their breeder. The supply number will also be included in the dog’s microchip information and people are being urged to ask for a supply number if they are buying or accepting a new dog. The number can be used to find information about the breeder.
Dog breeders have up to 28 days after a litter is born to register on the Queensland Dog Breeder Register.
Primary producers who breed working dogs do not have to register as breeders, as long as they supply all of the dogs they breed to other primary producers as working dogs. However, primary producers must register as a breeder if they supply any dogs for purposes other than working dogs.
Interstate and overseas breeders only need a supply number when the transaction occurs in Queensland. If the transaction occurs outside Queensland, and the dog is transported to Queensland afterwards, the Queensland legislation does not apply.
Dogs tend to bark for a reason — if they are tied up, hungry, thirsty, bored, sick, anxious, scared, lonely, neglected or being provoked by another animal. If your dog barks or howls excessively, you need to find out why. A dog should be:
- fed a healthy diet
- regularly taken for a walk
- given attention and mental stimulation (play time)
- provided with shelter from the weather.
If there are no obvious reasons for the barking, you should consult a vet to ensure there isn’t an underlying medical condition. An animal behaviour expert may also be able to identify the reason for barking. The RSPCA has a great online knowledge base for guidance.
Sign up for RSPCA’s Free Happy Dog Guide.
Barking Control
The treatment of excessive barking should begin with attempting to identify and address the cause of the problem e.g. change your fencing so your dog’s vision to the outside is restricted. If this does not work, there are a range of electronically activated devices including citronella collars, bark collars and stationary deterrents. It’s best to consult your vet before using these devices.
Animal Noise Nusiance Process
Excessive barking or howling may be an offence and we may need to be involved. Found out more about our animal noise nuisance process.
If you suspect a dog is being mistreated, contact the RSPCA.
Owning a pet is a basic right in our community and a serious responsibility. If you own a dog you have to take responsibility for confining it to your property.
Fences and gates protect your dog from the dangers of roaming, stop it from causing a nuisance in your neighbourhood, and ensure that your pet doesn’t hurt other animals or people. While some people keep dogs as a deterrent for unauthorised people entering their property, it is important that people legally passing near properties housing dogs are protected from them.
A straying dog can cause 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. Irresponsible owners will be liable for any injuries or damages that their dog causes.
Dogs & Wildlife
A dog can disturb the breeding, feeding, roosting and sleeping of wildlife. The presence of dogs — or even the scents they leave — can scare and cause disturbances. This indirect predation includes:
- wasting precious energy escaping from a perceived threat
- ongoing fear and survival challenges forcing them to move away from a known area or home range
- poor health and life expectancy because of ongoing stress and hyper vigilance
- less efficient foraging, which may reduce reproductive efficiency
- low energy levels from being repeatedly woken
- forced to leave chicks or young, which exposes them to predators and temperature fluctuations.
Fencing Requirements
Having an adequate fence for your dog protects both your dog and your neighbourhood. As a responsible pet owner, it is important to ensure your fence or enclosure is:
- high enough that your dog can’t jump over
- low enough that your dog can’t dig under
- strong enough that your dog can’t push over
- hole proof so that your dog can’t escape through it.
It is also important that the fence is designed so your pet can’t attack people through it.
Community Rights
The community has a right to live without interference from other people’s pets and we do everything possible to reunite roaming dogs with their owners. This is an easier process if the dog is registered and wearing an identification tag, and is microchipped and their details are up-to-date.
Liability
Pet owners are legally responsible for everything their pet does — including when it’s outside their property. If your pet attacks another animal or injures a person, you may face significant fines and could lose the dog. You will be held liable if a person is injured or property is damaged. Dogs that have attacked a person or animal may be declared dangerous.
While most owners do not encourage their dogs to show aggression towards other animals or people, it can happen for many reasons. 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 experience a dog attack or your dog is involved in an attack you need to contact us and report the incident. We will arrange a time to investigate and collect statements.
Responsible Ownership
- Always supervise children around dogs. Dog play can become rough and may sometimes result in a bite. Constantly monitor your children when a dog is around and never leave babies or young children alone with a dog.
- Keep children away from a dog if it is sleeping, feeding (especially chewing a bone) or if recovering from an illness or injury.
- Always check to see that your fencing or dog enclosure is secure. Keeping your dog confined will greatly lessen the risk to others in the community.
- Always use a leash when walking your dog in public and always make sure that you are watching your pet to monitor and control the situation.
Penalties & Impacts on Victims
Being bitten or attacked by a dog can produce serious physical, psychological and emotional effects, not only for the person who is attacked but also for the owner of the attacking dog. Even if the victim is not bitten, the threat of the attack can cause lasting trauma.
If your dog attacks a person or animal, you could be fined, your dog may be declared dangerous or you may face legal action.
Declared Dangerous Dogs
Once a dog has attacked, we may list the animal as a Dangerous Dog and the owner must:
- ensure the dog is registered with TRC as a dangerous dog
- ensure the dog is always muzzled and on a leash in a public place
- ensure the dog does not attack or worry another person or animal
- display a sign advising of a dangerous dog on the premises
- provide and maintain a proper and effective enclosure to prevent the dog from escaping.
The Animal Management Paw Patrol vehicle picks up wandering animals in our region. It’s fitted with a K-9 Kube, which is less stressful for animals being placed on the vehicle and safer for our officers.