Dogs

Dogs can be highly sociable, companionable pets but they require care and management to live their best lives and not be a nuisance to your neighbourhood or environment.

Some useful tips for good dog ownership include: 

  • Securing Your Dog – Keep your dog safe at home with a secure fence and gates to prevent escapes.
  • Exercise & Socialisation – Regular walks and playtime help keep your dog happy and healthy. Socialising with people and other pets is important too.
  • Providing Food & Water – Always have fresh water available and feed your dog a balanced diet.
  • Scoop the Poop – Always carry a bag to clean up after your dog in public places.
  • Keep Noise Down – Excessive barking can disturb neighbours, so address any barking issues early.
  • Use a Leash in Public – Keep your dog on a lead unless in a designated off-leash area.
  • Regular Vet Care – Keep up with vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and regular health check-ups.

For more helpful tips and information read the Good Dog Owners Guide Here(PDF, 915KB)

Barking Dogs

Step 1: Speak with the Animal Owner

If you feel comfortable, politely talk to the owner about the noise—they may not be aware of the issue.

If you prefer, you can leave a note in their letterbox. A template letter is available for download at the bottom of this page.

Step 2: Keep a Record

If the noise continues, you will need to complete a Barking Dog Diary(PDF, 2MB) to track when and how often the noise occurs.

This helps Council assess the issue and take appropriate action.

Step 3: Submit a Report to Council

Once you have completed the Barking Dog Diary, you can submit it to Council for review.

Council will assess the information and follow up as needed.

Please submit your barking dog diary via email to enquiries@ccrc.qld.gov.au or in person at Council's Customer Service Centre.

Report Wandering Dogs

If you see a wandering dog in your area, please report it to Council as soon as possible. Unattended dogs can pose a safety risk to people, other animals, and themselves.

What to Do:

If safe to do so, check if the dog has an ID tag with owner contact details.

Do not approach the dog if it seems aggressive or frightened.

Report the dog by calling Council’s Customer Service Team on 1300 763 903 or submitting a customer request online.

Providing details such as the dog’s location, description, and behaviour will help Council respond quickly. If the dog is secured, let Council know where it is so an officer can collect it.

 

Number of Dogs

Council allows up to two dog per property if they are:

  • Microchipped & registered with Council
  • Securely enclosed to prevent escape
  • Not causing a nuisance (e.g., excessive barking)

More than two dogs:

  • 3 dogs require a permit (granted only in special cases)
  • 4 or more dogs are not allowed

 

Registrations and Microchipping

Registering and microchipping your dog helps keep them safe and ensures you can be quickly reunited if they go missing.

Key Benefits:

  • Proof of Ownership – If your dog gets lost or is involved in an accident, registration and microchipping make it easier to reunite you.
  • Legal Requirement -  All dogs over three months old in the Cassowary Coast must be registered, and microchipping is required before they reach 12 weeks of age.
  • Saves You Money – Registering your dog costs less than the fines for unregistered pets.
  • Supports the Community – Registration fees help fund vital animal management services.
  • Lifelong Identification – Your dog will receive a lifetime registration tag to wear on its collar.

Do the right thing—register and microchip your dog today.

Click here for more information and to register your dog.

 

Dog Attacks and Aggressive Dogs

Dog owners are responsible for their pet’s behavior. Aggressive dogs can be a serious safety risk to the community.

What Owners Must Do:

  • Supervise dogs, especially around children.

  • Ensure fences and enclosures are secure.

  • Always use a leash in public.

If a Dog Becomes Aggressive or Attacks:

  • Dog attacks can cause serious harm and may lead to fines, legal action, or the dog being declared dangerous.

  • Dangerous dogs must be registered, muzzled, leashed, and kept in a secure enclosure at all times.

Report a Dangerous Dog:
If you’ve been involved in a dog attack or are concerned about an aggressive dog, report it to Council by:

Council will investigate to ensure community safety.

 

Breeder Information

If you’re selling, giving away, or advertising a dog, you must have a supply number from a registered breeder.

Key Requirements:

  • Breeders must register within 28 days of a litter’s birth.

  • The supply number is linked to the dog’s microchip for traceability.

  • Exceptions apply for primary producers breeding and supplying working dogs to other primary producers.

For more details, visit www.qdbr.daf.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

 

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