News and updates
Response required by all rate paying members of Shell Harbour City Council and Uralla Shire Council24-01-2025
It is important to note that Shellharbour City Council and Uralla Shire Council are not alone in proposing restrictive animal-keeping policies; other Councils across the State are also introducing or reviewing similar regulations. These trends highlight the need for DOGS NSW members to stay vigilant and monitor any recommendations or changes being made in their own localities. By keeping informed and actively participating in consultations, we can ensure that policies remain fair, balanced, and considerate of responsible pet owners who already prioritise animal welfare and community standards.
You need to make your own personalised response to the issues that will affect you - some of which are listed below:-
You need to make your own personalised response to the issues that will affect you - some of which are listed below:-
DO NOT COPY AND PASTE
The Shellharbour City Council and Uralla Shire Council have introduced Draft Policies for Keeping of Animals in Residential Areas, which pose significant challenges for many members of our community. While these Policies claim to address public health and safety, in their current form, they are overly restrictive and unworkable for responsible animal owners. We urge you to submit your feedback to the Councils and share how the policy could negatively affect you and your family.
Key concerns with the draft policies include:-
Key concerns with the draft policies include:-
1. Restrictive Limits on Animal Numbers: The proposed policies impose strict limits on the number of animals that can be kept on residential properties, regardless of the property size or the owner’s demonstrated responsibility.2. Lack of Provisions for Registered Breeders: Unlike provisions for registered racing pigeon owners, the policies do not include exemptions or considerations for responsible and registered dog breeders who follow strict welfare guidelines.3. Broad Enforcement Discretion: The policies allow for enforcement actions even in the absence of complaints, creating uncertainty and potential stress for responsible pet owners who already comply with existing regulations.4. Failure to Address Actual Issues: The policies do little to improve animal welfare, prevent aggressive dog attacks, or protect wildlife habitats. Instead, they impose blanket restrictions that do not address specific problems. Existing regulations already effectively cover issues such as noise complaints, stray animals, and improper care.
Actions DOGS NSW members take to maintain the safety and welfare of their animals include:-
- Strict compliance with DOGS NSW regulations and regular audits conducted by the RSPCA on behalf of the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
- Ensuring all dogs are microchipped, registered for life, and vaccinated according to Australian Veterinary Association guidelines.
- Maintaining secure fencing and designated exercise areas to prevent disturbances and ensure safety.
- Keeping extensive records for each individual dog, including detailed records of any dogs sold.
To address these concerns, we propose:-
- A consultation process involving stakeholders, animal welfare groups and registration bodies to create a more balanced and effective policy.
- Clear guidelines tailored to the needs of responsible animal owners rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
We encourage you to act now by:-
1. Reviewing the Draft Policies: Visit the Councils’ website to familiarise yourself with the proposed changes.
Shellharbour Draft Keeping of Animal Policy: DRAFT_Keeping_of_Animals_in_Residential_Areas_Policy.pdf
Shellharbour Keeping of Animal Policy: Council_report_-_Keeping_of_Animals.pdf
Urualla Keeping of Animal Policy: Draft Keeping of Animals Policy Uralla Shire Council
2. Submitting Your Feedback: Share how these policies could negatively affect you. Be specific and provide examples.
3. Raising Awareness: Inform your neighbours and community members about the policies and encourage them to voice their concerns.
The deadlines and addresses for submissions are:-
SHELLHARBOUR CITY COUNCIL
4.00pm on 30 January 2025
Chief Executive Officer, Dharawal Country, Locked Bag 155 Shellharbour City Centre. 2529. or email to [email protected]
URALLA SHIRE COUNCIL
4.30pm on 30 January 2025
Uralla Council [email protected]
We need to act now in order to make an impact. Together, we can advocate for a policy that supports responsible pet ownership while addressing genuine community needs.
DOGS NSW has written separate official submissions to both Shellharbour City Council and Uralla Shire Council.
We cannot emphasise enough, that members must personalise their own submissions. DO NOT COPY AND PASTE, as your submission will not be counted as an individual submission.
3. Raising Awareness: Inform your neighbours and community members about the policies and encourage them to voice their concerns.
The deadlines and addresses for submissions are:-
SHELLHARBOUR CITY COUNCIL
4.00pm on 30 January 2025
Chief Executive Officer, Dharawal Country, Locked Bag 155 Shellharbour City Centre. 2529. or email to [email protected]
URALLA SHIRE COUNCIL
4.30pm on 30 January 2025
Uralla Council [email protected]
We need to act now in order to make an impact. Together, we can advocate for a policy that supports responsible pet ownership while addressing genuine community needs.
DOGS NSW has written separate official submissions to both Shellharbour City Council and Uralla Shire Council.
We cannot emphasise enough, that members must personalise their own submissions. DO NOT COPY AND PASTE, as your submission will not be counted as an individual submission.
@dogsnsw
