Did you know that you need permission from the City of Bunbury to have more than two pet dogs and/or pet cats.
Section 26(1) of the Dog Act provides that a local government may, by a local law, limit the number of dogs that have reached three months of age that can be kept at a premises. Section 26(3) of the Act further provides that a person may apply to keep more than the prescribed number of dogs and a local government may grant that application if it is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so and subject to any appropriate conditions that may to be imposed.
Furthermore, a local government cannot authorise the keeping of more than six dogs that are three months or older unless the relevant property is an approved kennel establishment.
Similarly, the same exists for cats, and our Dog Local Law and Cat Local Law details the limits as permitted within our municipality, which is essentially a maximum of two dogs and/or two adult cats.
These rules do not apply to dogs under the age of three months or cats under the age of six months. This allows pet owners the opportunity to trial a new pet to establish whether they are the correct fit for your family. Once they do reach these ages then the animal must be both microchipped and registered. Please check out the above section on pet registration for more information.
It is important that pet owners do apply before adding an extra pet to your family, as the City of Bunbury generally does not permit the addition of more than the prescribed number, unless there are reasonable and extenuating circumstances. The application process also requires the consent of all the properties that immediately surround the location where the pets are housed.
The City of Bunbury encourages Responsible Pet Ownership and the laws exist to ensure everyone is safe and happy in our community, so please assist us by ensuring you are compliant with these laws and continue to be a responsible pet owner.