Dog Registration
Registration
The Southern Downs Regional Council encourages responsible dog ownership. Under Local Laws No.5 - Keeping and Control of Animals, all dogs from three (3) months of age in the former Stanthorpe Shire, and from four (4) months of age in a settled area of the former Warwick Shire (refer Warwick Shire Council Local Law No.1 - Administration) are required to be registered with Council. Failure to do so may result in fines being issued to the owner/s.
Dog Registration Form - Former Warwick Shire Council Area
Discounts
Owners may be eligible for a number of discounts, depending on location, breed and purpose of dog.
Former Stanthorpe Shire Area
- 20% discount for dogs that have successfully completed a Stage 2 Dog Obedience Course (certificate to be provided)
- $5.00 discount for payment of Registration Renewals if paid within 30 days
- New dogs registered after 30 June will receive a 50% discount
- A discount applies for de-sexed dogs depending on category (veterinary certificate to be provided)
- Guide Dogs are FREE
Former Warwick Shire Area
- 50% discount for dogs that have successfully completed a Stage 2 Dog Obedience Course (certificate to be provided)
- A discount applies for early payment of registration
- New dogs registered after 30 June will receive a 50% discount
- A discount applies for de-sexed dogs
Registration Expiry
Dog registration expires every year on 31 December. Renewals for all registered dogs are issued the following January. If you leave the Region or your dog is deceased, please inform Council as you may be eligible for a partial refund.
Restricted Dogs
Southern Downs Regional Council is responsible for the enforcement of Chapter 17A of the Local Government Act 1993 that regulates the keeping of certain breeds and cross breeds of dogs. These breeds include:
-
American Pit Bull
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
In the former Stanthorpe Shire Council area, the keeping of these breeds and or cross breeds is strictly prohibited.
In the former Warwick Shire Council area, the regulatory framework establishes a permit system for restricted dogs. The application fee for a permit to keep a restricted dog in the former Warwick Shire Council Area is $150.00 for 2008-2009, and the annual renewal fee for the permit is $100.00.
Council is also required to maintain a register of restricted dogs and accordingly, require those residents that own a dog that is one of the breeds mentioned, to contact them. The onus is on dog owners to notify Council and owners that do not do so may attract a substantial monetary fine.
Council is required to ensure that the following requirements are complied with:
- All dogs must be de-sexed;
- All dogs must be muzzled when in a public place;
- Dogs must not be sold, exchanged or gifted;
- All dogs must wear a collar with an attached identifying tag that is different in colour to the normal registration tag and contains the words "Restricted Dog"; and
Premises that house a restricted dog must display a public notice at each entrance to the premises that is readily legible with the words "Restricted Dog kept on these premises" in white lettering not less than 50 millimetres in height on a black background. - Measures have also been established regarding the construction of suitable enclosures for restricted dogs. Enclosures must be a minimum of 10 metres squared, have 1.8 metre high fencing which is unable to be climbed, and must have a gate that is self locking and child proof.
To register a restricted dog please contact Council's Warwick Customer Service Centre on (07) 4661 0300, or for further information regarding the legislation please contact Council's Warwick Local Laws Office (Animal Control) on (07) 4661 0300.
