RESPONSIBLE
DOG OWNERSHIP
On 1st March 2011 the Litchfield Council Rural Dog Management By-laws came into force.
Copies of the By-laws are available on the Council website, the NT Government Legislation
website or hard copy by request at Council reception.
ALL DOGS within the Litchfield Municipality must be securely contained to their own property
and have a Micro-chip and the chip details provided to Council. Micro-chipping is available
through Council or your local vet.
Responsible dog owners rarely have complaints made regarding their dog. A dog that is well
fed, exercised, has basic training and is healthy usually does not cause a nuisance to others or
the dog owner. Owning a dog is a legal responsibility and dog owners are liable for their dog’s
behaviour and actions.
Choosing a Dog
A number of factors should be considered before getting a dog. How big is your yard, is the
fencing adequate, how much time and training can you put into the dog? The breed of dog also
can play a part in the dog’s behaviour, temperament and general disposition. For example,
Australian Cattle Dogs and Kelpies require exercise every day and mental stimulation to assist
in preventing nuisance behaviours. A smaller dog may
require less exercise but requires training and mental
stimulation.
Registration and Micro-chipping
Having a dog go missing can be stressful and traumatic for
family members. Ensuring that your dog is Micro-chipped and
the chip details provided to Council is required by law and
ensures Council can contact you should the dog be impounded or injured in an accident.
Litchfield Council does not require annual registration, just the one off Micro-chip. Microchipping is available through Council or your local vet. Litchfield Council Micro-chip Information
Forms are available on the Council website or from Council reception.
Penalties – Disposal of Impounded Dogs
Please refer to current Fees and Charges
Dogs that are impounded with a Microchip are held for 48 hours (business days). Dogs
that are impounded without a Microchip are held for 24 hours then disposed of.
Cost
Dogs cost money. Even a dog that is purchased for a small amount of given away requires vet
treatment such as vaccinations, sterilisation, worming or treatment if the dog is sick. Flea and
tick treatments also cost money. The initial cost of the dog is usually the cheapest part of
owning a dog.
Sterilisation
One of the biggest myths is that a bitch should have pups before she is sterilised. This is NOT
true. Sterilising a dog before it reaches sexual maturity can reduce the chance of hormonal
related cancers and medical complications associated with a young dog giving birth. There is
NO advantage at all in allowing a bitch to have a litter before being sterilised. It only adds to the
over population and stray animal problem.
The ideal time for a dog to be sterilised is between 4 and 9 months of age. Sterilising a dog can
reduce the wanderlust and hormonal aggression in male dogs. It does NOT change the dog’s
personality or protectiveness.
Contact your local vet for further information regarding
sterilisation.
Training and Obedience
Basic training for your dog is a must. Attending obedience training teaches the dog owner as
well as the dog.
Training relates to basic commands, knowledge of dog behaviour and
preventative methods for nuisance behaviours. Exercise and obedience training is a good way
for the dog to burn off excess energy and the effects can flow onto the dogs behaviour in its
own yard.
Contact details for dog obedience trainers are available in the yellow pages. Taking your dog to
puppy pre-school and dog training is a great way to socialise your dog. Most vets provide a
puppy pre-school and the puppy is usually required to have had its first vaccination. Contact
your local vet to find out what is required to attend a class.
Holidays
Alternative arrangements for your dog may be required if
you go away. Boarding the dog at a kennel ensures that
your dog is contained, safe and well cared for and will not
become a nuisance while you are away. Contact details
for kennels and catteries can be found in the yellow
pages.
Dogs that are left alone can suffer boredom and loneliness and will often try to escape or bark
for attention. If you do have someone stay with the dog make sure they understand the dog’s
normal routine and any emergency contact numbers such as the vet and Council.
If you require any further information please contact the Litchfield Council Regulatory
Services Team on (08) 8983 0600 or visit www.litchfield.nt.gov.au