Responsible Dog Ownership – Wandering Dogs

With an increased number of dogs wandering off leash leading to dog attack incidents across the Warrumbungle Shire area, Council is seeking help from the community to ensure dogs are appropriately secured.

“Dog owners must remember the importance of having dogs leashed while in public areas at all times,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “Wandering dogs are not only a danger to the public but also a danger to themselves; they may become lost, stolen, killed or injured by vehicles on public roads or cause damage to other people or another animal.”

“As a consequence of dogs unleashed in the community the number of dog attack incidents has increased. Dog attacks are a traumatic experience and dogs owners need to take responsibility for their dogs to protect the public against consequences of attacks.”

“Unfortunately, dogs may also attack people, other pets or native animals. It can be difficult to imagine, but the way a dog behaves around their owner or family and friends can be completely different to how it behaves when the owner is not present with the dog,” said Cr Doolan.  

Remember, an attack isn’t just limited to a dog biting someone, it can include a dog rushing at, biting, harassing, or chasing any person or another animal. Whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal it should still be reported, there could be grounds to place a declaration on the attacking dog and the owner may receive a fine.

Cr Doolan explained, “if you are a dog owner, please keep them safe and secure at home. Sometimes accidents happen and dogs escape, but we can all do our part to prevent this from happening and reduce the number of dogs roaming the streets.”  

There are laws that require dogs be kept secure and not allowed to roam or wander and the NSW Police and Council Compliance Officers are authorised to take actions against owners who allow their dogs to wander, or who do not take adequate measures to prevent their dogs from escaping. Actions can be in the form of fines or impounding the dog.

“Council Compliance Officers act on instances of dogs walking off leash and wandering, to ensure community members in the Warrumbungle Shire and their furry friends can feel safe and enjoy public areas throughout the region,” Cr Doolan concluded.

For more information about dog attacks and other information about animals visit Council’s website or contact Council’s Compliance Officers on (02) 6849 2000. 

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Last Updated: 22 Feb 2024