Keep your dog safely contained

Published on 15 February 2024

Following reports of roaming dogs in Braidwood, Council would like to remind the community about the importance of safely containing your pets.

The NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 requires dog owners to take all reasonable precautions to prevent their dog from escaping from the property on which it is being kept.

This includes making sure fences and gates are properly locked, in good condition and are an adequate height to accommodate your dog. Spending quality time with your dog and making sure it is getting enough exercise are also effective ways to reduce their risk of escaping.

Bicentennial Park on McKellar Street, Braidwood is a designated off-lead location where dogs are permitted to play and exercise unrestrained. Off-lead dog parks are available in Bungendore, Queanbeyan, Googong and Jerrabomberra and there is a list available on our website at www.qprc.nsw.gov.au/dog-parks

Keeping your dog properly contained isn’t just for their own safety, it’s for the safety of the entire community as it helps to prevent dog attacks.

A dog attack is defined as an offence where a dog attacks a person or animal. The owner of the dog, or any person above 16 who is in charge of the dog at the time of the offence, is guilty of an offence if the dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal. Substantial penalties apply under the Act if a dog is involved in an attack.

Council’s Animal Management Officers are committed to keeping people and their pets safe and encourage dog owners to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their pets and the community. Our Animal Management Officers are on call on weekends and after hours and will attend reports of dog attacks or roaming dogs that are acting aggressively.

If you witness an attack or come across a roaming dog acting aggressively, call or email our Animal Management Services team directly on 6285 6269 or Animal.Info@qprc.nsw.gov.au. Afterhours contact can be made by calling 1300 735 025.

For more information on responsible pet ownership, visit qprc.nsw.gov.au/Services/Animals/Your-responsibilities-as-a-Pet-Owner