Cat Registrations

Registrations periods run from 1 November to 31 October each year. The expiry date of this registration is shown on the front of the form and can also be found on your cat’s registration tag.

First time one year registrations received on or after 1 June each year are subject to a 50% concession on the fees set out below.

All cats aged six months and over must be sterilised, microchipped and registered. A penalty of $200 may apply.

Cats must at all times wear a current registration tag attached to their collar. This will help us reunite you with your cat should it become lost.

It is important to remember to notify the Shire of Kojonup immediately of any change of address or ownership of the cat, even if that change occurs outside the Shire of Kojonup.

Fees (As Per Legislation)

To register your cat or dog, please complete the form below and send to council@kojonup.wa.gov.au.

Register your pet

For more information about Cats and Dogs from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries please see here

Dog Registrations

Registrations periods run from 1 November to 31 October each year. The expiry date of this registration is shown on the front of the form and can also be found on your dog’s registration tag.

First time one year registrations received on or after 1 June each year are subject to a 50% concession on the fees set out below.

All dogs aged three months and over must be registered. A penalty of $200 may apply.

Dogs must at all times wear a current registration tag attached to their collar, together with a tag bearing the owner’s name and current address. This will help us reunite you with your dog should it become lost.

It is important to remember to notify the Shire of Kojonup immediately of any change of address or ownership of the dog, even if that change occurs outside the Shire of Kojonup.

Retired racing greyhounds are not required to wear a muzzle in public if they have successfully completed an approved training program.

Fees (As Per Legislation)

Dogs must be on a lead at all times while in public areas.

To register your cat or dog, please complete the form below and send to council@kojonup.wa.gov.au.

Register your pet

For more information about Cats and Dogs Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries please see here

Responsible Dog Ownership

If you own a dog, you have a responsibility to ensure that your pet is well looked after and that you respect other people in the community by taking measures to prevent your pet creating a nuisance.

Dog owners need to ensure that:

• dogs are confined on the owner’s property.
• dogs are tethered, on a lead and under control when in public places.
• dogs do not behave aggressively towards people or other animals.
• dogs don’t bark excessively; and
• owners pick up their dog’s droppings and dispose of the waste appropriately.

Being a responsible dog owner also means making sure that your dog is registered and microchipped. This is not only a legal requirement but it makes it much easier for lost dogs to be reunited with their owners.

The Dog Act 1976 places responsibilities for the control of dogs on West Australian dog owners. For more information, please follow the link here.

Dog Registration

Microchipping

Dogs aged 3 months or older must be microchipped, unless a certificate has been provided by a veterinarian stating that microchipping may adversely affect the health and welfare of the dog.

Registration

Dogs over the age of three months must be registered. The dog must also be microchipped before it can be registered (unless exempt).

Dogs must wear a collar with the registration tag attached to the collar. This will significantly improve the chances of lost dogs being reunited with their owners.

Working dog concession (75% discount on the non-discounted fees below) is available to registered primary producers or persons using dogs for the droving or tending of stock. (Proof of primary producer status may be required.) Retired farm dogs are not exempt.

Sterilisation of Dogs

It is not a legal requirement to have your dog sterilised, however discounts apply to the registration of sterilised dogs.

If you have your dog sterilised after registering it as unsterilised, part of the registration fee paid may be refunded.

Transfer or Cancellation of Dog Registration

Transfer of Dog Registration

If you sell or give your dog to another person, you and the new owner will need to complete a new dog registration.

It does not cost anything to transfer ownership of a registered dog and the remaining registration period will be transferred to the new owner.

Transfer of Non-microchipped Dogs

Dogs must be microchipped before ownership is transferred, unless a certificate has been provided by a veterinarian stating that microchipping may adversely affect the health and welfare of the dog.

Transfer of Microchipped Dogs:

Within seven days of the transfer of the microchipped dog, the seller must notify the microchip database company of the name and address of the new owner of the dog, and of any other changes (you must also advise the local government of the transfer).

Transfer of Dangerous Dogs

A restricted breed dangerous dog cannot be transferred to another owner unless there are exceptional circumstances. A declared dangerous dog must not be transferred to a person under the age of 18. For more information please contact the Rangers on ranger@kojonup.wa.gov.au

Cancellation of Dog Registration

If you wish to cancel your dog's registration, please contact the Shire Administration Office. Please note that no refunds are issued for cancellation of dog registrations.

Limit on Number of Dogs

The limit on the number of dogs that can be kept in the Shire of Kojonup (without a permit) are:

• on premises situated within the gazetted townsite – 2 dogs over the age of 3 months and the young of those dogs; or
• on premises situated outside the gazetted townsite – 6 dogs over the age of 3 months and the young of those dogs.

If you wish to keep more than two dogs on a property within the gazetted townsite, you need to apply for a permission from the Shire of Kojonup.

As part of the approval process, all abutting neighbours must be contacted to ensure they do not object to the application. If objections are received, the Shire may be unable to approve your request.

Properties may be inspected by a Ranger to determine if the property is suitable for keeping more than two dogs. Where complaints have been received about the dogs, requests may not be supported by the Shire.

If you wish to keep more than 6 dogs you will need to apply for a Kennel license.

Control of Dogs

Dogs in Public Places

• When dogs are in a public place they must be held on a leash (maximum length of 2 metres) or harness by a person who is capable of controlling the dog, or be securely tethered.
• A dog must also wear a collar with its registration tag attached when out in public.
• Dogs are only permitted on private property with the consent of the property occupier or owner.
• Rangers may seize and impound dogs that are uncontrolled in public, or dogs that are pursued by the Ranger that run onto a private property without the consent of the property owner or occupier.

Fencing Requirements

• Property occupiers are responsible for ensuring that the fences will securely keep the dog contained within the property.
• The fence should prevent the dog from passing over, or going under or through it.
• When the dog is on the premises any gate within the fenced area should be kept closed and be fitted with a locking mechanism.
• Please note that specific requirements exist for securely containing a dangerous dog.
• If you require a fence inspection, please contact the Ranger through the Shire.

Dog Exercise Areas

There are no public dog exercise areas in Kojonup, dogs must be on a lead or tethered in a public place

Barking Dogs

Barking is normal dog behaviour, however living near a dog that barks excessively can be disruptive.

The Shire recommends that in the first instance you talk to the owner of the dog. Often dog owners are usually not aware that their dog is barking, especially if they work away from home during the day.

It can be useful to note when the dog barks and if you observe any triggers (e.g. if the dog barks at passers-by). This helps establish the severity of the problem and identifies any patterns which can be used to determine the reason why the dog is barking.

If you don't feel comfortable approaching your neighbour, or if the problem continues, then Rangers may investigate the issue. You can provide the details at the Shire & fill in a nuisance complaint form.

Action by Rangers

The actions that local governments can take to deal with nuisance barking are determined by the Dog Act 1976.

The Ranger firstly needs to be satisfied that the barking behaviour is in fact a nuisance. Follow up actions may include a Ranger talking to neighbours and observing barking behaviour and we may ask you to keep a formal record of the barking.

If the Ranger establishes that the barking is causing a nuisance a noise abatement order, which requires the owner to prevent the dog making the noise, may be issued. This notice has effect for six months.

If the owner does not comply with the notice an infringement notice may be issued or prosecution may commence.

More Information

If your dog barks excessively, please contact the Shire Administration Office to complete a nuisance report.

Dog Attacks

Dog attacks can have serious consequences. The dog owner and the person in charge of the dog at the time of an attack may be held accountable. The Shire takes dog attacks seriously and may prosecute any dog owner whose dog has committed an attack on a person or animal.

A dog attack does not need to cause physical injury and includes the following dog behaviour:

• aggressively rushing at or harassing any person or animal,
• biting, or otherwise causing physical injury to a person or animal,
• tearing clothing or causing damage to the property of the person attacked, or
• attempting to attack or behaving in a manner that would cause a person to fear physical injury.

Under the Dog Act 1976, it is an offence for a dog to attack, attempt to attack or aggressively harass a person or animal.

Dog attacks may lead to infringements being issued to the dog owner and/or the person responsible for the dog at the time of the attack. In more serious cases, court action may be taken. The maximum penalty for a dog attack is $10,000.

If you are a victim of a dog attack, please report the incident to the Shire of Kojonup immediately. Required details may include the date, time, and location of attack and a description of the offending dog and owner. Please keep copies of any medical treatment required as a result of the attack and in some instances photographic evidence may be required.

Dog Attacks on Livestock

Dog attacks on livestock is considered a serious offence and substantial penalties may be incurred by owners of dogs.

If a dog is in an enclosed paddock or yard with livestock, the property owner may lawfully destroy the dog. If this action occurs, the Police must be advised as soon as practicable.

We strongly advise you contact the Shire prior to undertaking this course of action.

Dangerous Dogs

Owners of a restricted breed dog, or a dog that has been declared dangerous by a local government must abide by the stringent laws that are in place to protect the community.

If you own a restricted breed dog (see below) or a dog crossed with a restricted breed, you need to declare this on the application form when you register your dog for the first time, or renew its registration.

Penalties for breaches of the Dog Act 1976 by a dangerous dog are double those which apply to other dogs.

Declared Dangerous Dogs

A local government may declare a dog dangerous if it has caused injury or damage by an attack on, or chasing, a person, animal or vehicle or if a dog has repeatedly shown a tendency to attack or chase causing no injury.

Protection Measures

Under the Act, dangerous dogs (including restricted breeds) must:

• wear a special collar that identifies it as a dangerous dog
• be confined in an enclosure that prevents its escape; its release without permission; and a child aged less than 7 years from entering or inserting part of his or her body
• be sterilised (restricted breeds only)
• be microchipped
• be muzzled and under the control of an adult capable of controlling the dog if outside of its enclosure.
• A prescribed warning sign must be erected at each entrance to the premises where a restricted breed dog is kept.

Lost and Found Cats and Dogs

Impoundments fees:

All fees need to be paid before the cat or dog is released.

If a cat or dog is impounded, it needs to be registered and microchipped prior to release.

If your cat or dog is missing, please contact the Shire Administration Office as soon as possible to check if it has been impounded.

Cruelty to Animals

Shire of Kojonup shares concern of the cruelty to animals, this includes neglect or abandonment.

Council Rangers are not permitted to handle animal welfare issues.

Please contact the RSPCA on 1300 CRUELTY if you feel the welfare of an animal is at risk.

Illegal Camping

There is no free camping within the Shire. To 'camp' also includes sleeping in a vehicle. 

Short term 72-hour RV-Friendly parking is also available in Kojonup. The parking area is situated on Gordon Street and is a well frequented overnight stop for self-contained RVs. 

It is also recommended you contact the Kojonup Visitor Centre for more information on accommodation within the Shire.

Litter

Rangers rely on the community to assist in identifying offenders of illegal dumping of rubbish and materials. Rangers check for illegal dumping of rubbish during regular patrols and vehicles and trailers en-route to waste disposal sites and the bushland are targeted for insecure loads or illegal dumping activities.

Litter can take many forms:

• Rubbish thrown from a moving vehicle or by pedestrians
• Building rubbish, household rubbish or green waste placed on street verges or in bushland
• Improperly disposing of used syringes
• Abandoned vehicles

Please call the Shire office on 9831 2400 or email council@kojonup.wa.gov.au to report any litter complaints.

Litter Fact Sheet

Vehicle Control

Abandoned Motor Vehicles

Abandoned vehicles can create hazards for motorists. Prompt removal is often required, and the ranger works closely with Main Roads and local police to ensure this is carried out. Vehicle owners will be traced and contacted whenever possible and arrange towing and/or impounding and disposal of abandoned vehicles.

Parking

Unlawful parking practices cause considerable inconvenience and, in some cases, create dangerous situations. The issuing of Parking Infringement Notices is sometimes the only way of ensuring compliance with the restrictions. The ranger regular patrols special parking bays set aside for disabled persons.

Other Fees: