Responsible Owners

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Council's Dog Management Policy, works together with the Dog Control Act 2000 to ensure dog owners are responsible for their animals.

Responsible dog ownership requires a dog owner to accept full responsibility for meeting all the care and attention needs of their dog and for ensuring their dog does not become a threat or nuisance to the safety or welfare of any other person or animal.  

For more information refer to our Dog Management Policy(PDF, 475KB)

  • The care and management of your dog
  • Registering your dog
  • When a kennel licence is required
  • When your dog needs to wear his collar
  • When your dog needs to be micro-chipped
  • Restricted breeds
  • Burnie's Dog friendly areas vs prohibited areas (see below)
  • Cleaning up after your dog
  • Nuisance and dangerous dogs
  • Information about keeping your dog under effective control

 

Barking Dogs

As a dog owner, it's your responsibility to ensure your dog isn't causing a nuisance and is always kept under effective control.

A dog is considered a nuisance if it persistently barks or makes noise that disrupts the peace, comfort, or convenience of others at home or in public places.

Understanding why your dog is barking and addressing the cause can help prevent complaints and maintain harmony in the neighbourhood.

If you believe your neighbour’s dog is a nuisance due to constant barking, first try talking to the dog’s owner or sending them a polite note or letter.  The owner may not be aware of the issue, especially if it occurs when they are not at home.

If the problem persists and you want the Council to investigate it under the Dog Control Act 2000, please call the council to discuss how to lodge a formal Dog complaint form and diary(PDF, 119KB) along with the applicable fee.

Following an investigation, the Council may issue infringement or abatement notices if the owner fails to stop their dog from being a nuisance.

To discuss an issue with a barking dog please contact Council Offices on 03 6430 5700.

Dog Zones

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Owner Responsibilities

Owning a dog is a privilege with the responsibility to keep your pet and the community safe.

Control and Behavior: Keep your dog under control at all times—close, in sight, and responsive to commands. It’s illegal for dogs to bite, threaten, or harass people, and excessive barking or nuisance behaviour must be addressed promptly.

Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed unless in designated off-leash areas. Please respect leash rules as not everyone feels comfortable around dogs.

Clean Up: Always pick up after your dog using waste bags or dispensers in public spaces.

Registration: Dogs over six months old must be registered with the council to help ensure their return if they are lost. Registration is different from microchipping.

Preventing Strays: Secure your property to avoid escapes, report stray dogs to Burnie City Council at (03) 6430 5700.

Lost Pets: If your dog is missing, contact the Burnie Dogs Home at (03) 6431 6199.

By following these guidelines, you contribute to making Burnie a great place for everyone..

 

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Please refer to the State Government's Dog Control Act 2000 for your obligations as a dog owner under state legislation.

Related Information

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