If you own a cat or dog, s 11 of the Companion Animals Act requires you to notify your local council of any changes to your pet’s circumstances.
Your local council will then ensure that the NSW Companion Animals Register is notified and updated of any changes. This is an electronic database of cats and dogs which contains contact information for your pet, as well as any other important information.
You are required to notify your local council of any changes to your pet’s circumstances if they are a cat or dog, including working dogs or other dogs which are not strictly considered to be ‘pets’ or ‘companion animals’.
The types of circumstances and events that you must report include:
- Changes in the animal’s registration or identification information – for example, if you sell or give away the pet to someone else, if you change address, or if your contact details change. You must notify your local council within 14 days of the changes.
- If your dog has been declared by the court to be a dangerous or menacing dog, or if a dangerous or menacing dog declaration has been revoked – you must notify your local council within 7 days of the dangerous/menacing dog declaration being made or revoked.
- If your pet dies – you must notify your local council within 28 days of the animal’s death.
- If your pet has been missing for more than 72 hours – you must notify your local council within 96 hours of the animal going missing.
- If an animal that you previously reported as being missing is found – you must give notification to your local council within 72 hours of the animal being found.
- Any other significant or ‘notifiable’ events.
These laws are designed to benefit you and your pet by ensuring that accurate information is maintained. Correct and accurate information can help speed up the search process if your pet goes missing and ensures that you are reunited with your pet as soon as possible if it is found.
If you fail to tell your council of any changes in your pet’s circumstances, you could be fined $880, or $5,500 if your dog is a dangerous, menacing or restricted dog.
If you’ve been wrongly fined or charged under s 11 of the Companion Animals Act, our experienced animal law experts can advise you of your options and how to fight the charges.
Our in-depth knowledge and experience of animal law has allowed us to help other clients avoid heavy fines and other unduly harsh penalties.
Section 11 of the Companion Animals Act 1998 is Failing to Notify Changes and Events and is extracted below.
For expert advice and outstanding representation from Australia’s leading Companion Animals Act lawyers, call Sydney Criminal Lawyers® today on (02) 9261 8881 and let our experienced defence lawyers help you.