Dogs are considered part of the family setup in most Australian homes. But your local authority may have some special laws that apply to pets and their owners. As a dog owner, it's imperative to strictly follow these laws and avoid unnecessary fines from your local authorities. For pet owners, especially dog owners, here are four pet laws to consider:

When Noises From Barking Dogs Are Deemed Nuisance 

A barking dog may be less of a nuisance to you than to your neighbours and their households. A dog that barks throughout the day while you are away may cause problems when your neighbours choose to file complaints with the local authorities. However, for it to be considered a violation of barking statutes, two or more complaints must be lodged with concrete proof to support such claims. If proven that your dog has become a real nuisance to the surrounding community, you can be fined heavily.

The Strict Dog Leash Laws

Today, local councils across the nation have tightened dog leash laws to boost efforts towards protecting individuals from dog bites. Therefore, dog owners must maintain proper dog control measures, such as using a dog leash that doesn't exceed two metres or ensuring a highly secure dog cage. Do your due diligence to read more about this law in the Dog and Cat Management Act, as well. 

You Must Register Your Three Months or Older Dog

When your dogs turn three months old, the law requires you to register them under the Dog and Cat Management Act. If you're registering your pets, then you'll be responsible for controlling them. However, failure to register your dog within two weeks of ownership will get you into trouble with the local authorities.

Local Council-Designated Dog Park Laws

Dog parks are excellent places where you and your pet can unwind without necessarily using a leash. However, there are various rules to adhere to when visiting the park with your dog. For instance, dogs that are less than six months old and children are prohibited from council-designated parks. Besides, the law only allows confident, social and healthy dogs in such parks. Failure to observe these laws can cause conflict with other park users, and you could be held liable.

Final Thoughts

If you'd love to learn more about local pet laws, consider calling your vet or local authorities. You can avoid many conflicts with your neighbours or finding yourself on the wrong side of the law by brushing up on these four laws. 

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