SHIRE OF RAVENSTHORPE
———————————
DOGS LOCAL LAW 2010
Updated with Amendment
March 2022
7 February 2024 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 139
DOG ACT 1976
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1995
SHIRE OF RAVENSTHORPE
DOGS LOCAL LAW 2010
Updated with Amendment March 2022
Under the powers conferred by the
Dog Act 1976 and the
Local Government Act 1995 and under all
other powers enabling it, the Council of the Shire of Ravensthorpe resolved on 19 August 2010 to adopt
the following local law
.
PART 1—PRELIMINARY
1.1. Citation
This local law may be cited as the
Shire of Ravensthorpe Dogs Local Law 2010.
1.2. Purpose and effect
(a) The purpose of this local law is to make provisions about the impounding of dogs, to control the
number of dogs that can be kept on a premises and the manner of keeping those dogs and to
prescribe areas in which dogs are prohibited and dog exercise areas.
(b) The effect of this local law is to extend the controls over dogs which exist under the
Dog
Act 1976.
1.3. Commencement
This local law will come into operation on the fourteenth day after the day on which it is published in
the
Government Gazette.
1.4. Interpretation
In this local law unless the context otherwise requires—
“Act” means the
Dog Act 1976;
“authorized person” means a person authorized by the local government to perform all or any of
the functions conferred on an authorized person under this local law;
“CEO” means the Chief Executive Officer of the local government;
“food premises” means any premises or vehicle in which a food business, as defined in section 10
of the
Food Act 2008, is being carried on;
“food transport vehicle” has the meaning given to it in the
Food Act 2008;
“licence” means a licence to keep an approved kennel establishment on premises;
“licensee” means the holder of a licence;
“local government” means the Shire of Ravensthorpe;
“local planning scheme” means a local planning scheme made by the local government under
the
Planning and Development Act 2005 which applies throughout the whole or part of the
district.
“pound keeper” means a person authorized by the local government to perform all or any of the
functions conferred on a “pound keeper” under this local law;
“premises”, in addition to the meaning given to it in section 3 of the Act, means the premises
described in the application for a licence;
“public building” includes—
I. churches;
II. community, sporting and recreation centres and public swimming pools;
III. premises licensed under the
Liquor Control Act 1988; and
IV. public and private places of education;
“Regulations” means the
Dog Regulations 1976;
“transferee” means a person who applies for the transfer of a licence to her or him under clause
4.13; and
“thoroughfare” has the meaning given to it in section 1.4 of the
Local Government Act 1995.
1.5. Application
This local law applies throughout the district.
Section 1 - Shire of Ravensthorpe Dogs Local Law 2010 - Shire of Ravensthorpe Dogs Local Law 2010 | Zoe
140 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 7 February 2024
PART 2—IMPOUNDING OF DOGS
2.1 Charges and costs
The following are to be imposed and determined by the local government under sections 6.16 to 6.19 of
the
Local Government Act 1995—
(a) the charges to be levied under section 29(4) of the Act relating to the seizure and impounding
of a dog;
(b) the additional fee payable under section 29(4) of the Act where a dog is released at a time or on
a day other than those determined under clause 2.2; and
(c) the costs of the destruction and the disposal of a dog referred to in section 29(15) of the Act.
2.2 Attendance of pound keeper at pound
The pound keeper is to be in attendance at the pound for the release of dogs at the times and on the
days of the week as are determined by the CEO.
2.3 Release of impounded dog
A claim for the release of a dog seized and impounded is to be made to the pound keeper or in the
absence of the pound keeper, to the CEO.
The pound keeper is not to release a dog seized and impounded to any person unless that person
has produced, to the satisfaction of the pound keeper, satisfactory evidence—
(a) of her or his ownership of the dog or of her or his authority to take delivery of it; or
(b) that he or she is the person identified as the owner on a microchip implanted in the dog.
2.4 No breaking into or destruction of pound
A person who—
(a) unless he or she is the pound keeper or a person authorized to do so, releases or attempts to
release a dog from a pound; or
(b) destroys, breaks into, damages or in any way interferes with or renders not dog-proof—
(i) any pound; or
(ii) any vehicle or container used for the purpose of catching, holding or conveying a seized
dog,
commits an offence.
Penalty: Where the dog is a dangerous dog, $2,000; otherwise $1,000.
PART 3—REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS ON THE KEEPING OF DOGS
3.1 Dogs to be confined
An occupier of premises on which a dog is kept must—
(a) cause a portion of the premises on which the dog is kept to be fenced in a manner capable of
confining the dog;
(b) ensure the fence used to confine the dog and every gate or door in the fence is of a type, height
and construction which having regard to the breed, age, size and physical condition of the dog
is capable of preventing the dog at all times from passing over, under or through it;
(c) ensure that every gate or door in the fence is kept closed at all times when the dog is on the
premises and is fitted with a proper latch or other means of fastening it;
(d) maintain the fence and all gates and doors in the fence in good order and condition; and
(e) where no part of the premises consists of open space, yard or garden or there is no open space
or garden or yard of which the occupier has exclusive use or occupation, ensure that other
means exist on the premises (other than the tethering of the dog) for effectively confining the
dog within the premises.
Where an occupier fails to comply with subclause (1), he or she commits an offence.
Penalty: Where the dog is a dangerous dog, $200; otherwise $100.
3.2 Limitation on the number of dogs
This clause does not apply to premises which have been—
(a) licensed under Part 4 as an approved kennel establishment; or
(b) granted an exemption under section 26(3) of the Act.
The limit on the number of dogs which may be kept on any premises is, for the purpose of section
26(4) of the Act—
(a) 2 dogs over the age of 3 months and the young of those dogs under that age if the premises are
situated within a townsite; or
(b) 4 dogs over the age of 3 months and the young of those dogs under that age if the premises are
situated outside a townsite.
7 February 2024 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 141
PART 4—APPROVED KENNEL ESTABLISHMENTS
4.1 Application for licence for approved kennel establishment
An application for a licence must be made in the form of that in Schedule 1, and must be lodged
with the local government together with—
(a) plans and specifications of the kennel establishment, including a site plan;
(b) copies of the notices to be given under clause 4.2;
(c) written evidence that either the applicant or another person who will have the charge of the
dogs, will reside on the premises or, in the opinion of the local government, sufficiently close to
the premises so as to control the dogs and so as to ensure their health and welfare;
(d) a written acknowledgement that the applicant has read and agrees to comply with any code of
practice relating to the keeping of dogs nominated by the local government; and
(e) the fee for the application for a licence referred to in clause 4.9(1).
4.2 Notice of proposed use
An applicant for a licence must give notice of the proposed use of the premises as an approved
kennel establishment after the application for a licence has been lodged—
(a) once in a newspaper circulating in the district; and
(b) to the owners and occupiers of any premises adjoining the premises.
The notices in subclause (1) must specify that—
(a) any written submissions as to the proposed use are to be lodged with the CEO within 14 days
of the date the notice is given; and
(b) the application and plans and specifications may be inspected at the offices of the local
government.
Where—
(a) the notices given under subclause (1) do not clearly identify the premises; or
(b) a notice given under subclause (1)(a) is of a size or in a location in the newspaper which, in the
opinion of the local government, would fail to serve the purpose of notifying persons of the
proposed use of the premises,
then the local government may refuse to determine the application for a licence until the notices or
notice, as the case may be, is given in accordance with its directions.
4.3 Exemption from notice requirements
Where an application for a licence is made in respect of premises on which an approved kennel
establishment is either a—
(a) permitted use; or
(b) use which the local government may approve subject to compliance with specified notice
requirements,
under a town planning scheme, then the requirements of clauses 4.1(b), 4.2 and 4.4(a) do not apply
in respect of the application for a licence.
4.4 When application can be determined
An application for a licence is not to be determined by the local government until—
(a) the applicant has complied with clause 4.1;
(b) the applicant submits proof that the notices referred to in clause 4.2(1) have been given in
accordance with that clause; and
(c) the local government has considered any written submissions received within the time specified
in clause 4.2(2)(a) on the proposed use of the premises.
4.5 Determination of application
In determining an application for a licence, the local government is to have regard to—
(a) the matters referred to in clause 4.6;
(b) any written submissions received within the time specified in clause 4.2(2)(a) on the proposed
use of the premises;
(c) any economic or social benefits which may be derived by any person in the district if the
application for a licence is approved;
(d) the effect which the kennel establishment may have on the environment or amenity of the
neighborhood;
(e) whether the approved kennel establishment will create a nuisance for the owners and occupiers
of adjoining premises; and
(f) whether or not the imposition of and compliance with appropriate conditions of a licence will
mitigate any adverse effects of the approved kennel establishment identified in the preceding
paragraphs.
142 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 7 February 2024
4.6 Where application cannot be approved
The local government cannot approve an application for a licence where—
(a) an approved kennel establishment cannot be permitted by the local government on the
premises under a town planning scheme; or
(b) an applicant for a licence or another person who will have the charge of the dogs will not reside
on the premises, or, in the opinion of the local government, sufficiently close to the premises so
as to control the dogs and so as to ensure their health and welfare.
4.7 Conditions of approval
The local government may approve an application for a licence subject to the conditions contained
in Schedule 2 and to such other conditions as the local government considers appropriate.
In respect of a particular application for a licence, the local government may vary any of the
conditions contained in Schedule 2.
4.8 Compliance with conditions of approval
A licensee who does not comply with the conditions of a licence commits an offence.
Penalty: Where a dog involved in the contravention is a dangerous dog, $200; otherwise $100.
4.9 Fees
On lodging an application for a licence, the applicant is to pay a fee to the local government.
On the issue or renewal of a licence, the licensee is to pay a fee to the local government.
On lodging an application for the transfer of a valid licence, the transferee is to pay a fee to the
local government.
The fees referred to in subclauses (1) to (3) are to be imposed and determined by the local
government under sections 6.16 to 6.19 of the
Local Government Act 1995.
4.10 Form of licence
The licence is to be in the form determined by the local government and is to be issued to the licensee.
4.11 Period of licence
The period of effect of a licence is set out in section 27(5) of the Act.
A licence is to be renewed if the fee referred to in clause 4.9(2) is paid to the local government prior
to the expiry of the licence.
On the renewal of a licence the conditions of the licence at the time of its renewal continue to have
effect.
4.12 Variation or cancellation of licence
The local government may vary the conditions of a licence.
The local government may cancel a licence—
(a) on the request of the licensee;
(b) following a breach of the Act, the Regulations or this local law; or
(c) if the licensee is not a fit and proper person.
The date a licence is cancelled is to be, in the case of—
(a) paragraph (a) of subclause (2), the date requested by the licensee; or
(b) paragraphs (b) and (c) of subclause (2), the date determined under section 27(6) of the Act.
If a licence is cancelled the fee paid for that licence is not refundable for the term of the licence that
has not yet expired.
4.13 Transfer
An application for the transfer of a valid licence from the licensee to another person must be—
(a) made in the form determined by the local government;
(b) made by the transferee;
(c) made with the written consent of the licensee; and
(d) lodged with the local government together with—
(i) written evidence that a person will reside at or within reasonably close proximity to the
premises the subject of the licence; and
(ii) the fee for the application for the transfer of a licence referred to in clause 4.9(3).
The local government is not to determine an application for the transfer of a valid licence until the
transferee has complied with subclause (1).
The local government may approve, whether or not subject to such conditions as it considers
appropriate, or refuse to approve an application for the transfer of a valid licence.
Where the local government approves an application for the transfer of a valid licence, then on the
date of approval, unless otherwise specified in the notice issued under clause 4.14(b), the transferee
becomes the licensee of the licence for the purposes of this Local law.
7 February 2024 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 143
4.14 Notification
The local government is to give written notice to—
(a) an applicant for a licence of the local government’s decision on her or his application;
(b) a transferee of the local government’s decision on her or his application for the transfer of a
valid licence;
(c) a licensee of any variation made under clause 4.12(1);
(d) a licensee when her or his licence is due for renewal and the manner in which it may be
renewed;
(e) a licensee when her or his licence is renewed;
(f) a licensee of the cancellation of a licence under clause 4.12(2)(a); and
(g) a licensee of the cancellation of a licence under paragraphs (b) or (c) of clause 4.12(2), which
notice is to be given in accordance with section 27(6) of the Act.
4.15 Inspection of kennel
With the consent of the occupier, an authorized person may inspect an approved kennel establishment
at any time.
PART 5—DOGS IN PUBLIC PLACES
Deleted as per Council Resolution 11/22 passed 15 March 2022.
PART 6—MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 Offence to excrete
A dog must not excrete on—
(a) any thoroughfare or other public place; or
(b) any land which is not a public place without the consent of the occupier.
Subject to subclause (3), if a dog excretes contrary to subclause (1), every person liable for the
control of the dog at that time commits an offence.
Penalty: $100.
The person liable for the control of the dog does not commit an offence against subclause (2) if any
excreta is removed immediately by that person.
PART 7—ENFORCEMENT
7.1 Modified penalties
The offences contained in Schedule 3 are offences in relation to which a modified penalty may be
imposed.
The amount appearing in the third column of Schedule 3 directly opposite an offence is the modified
penalty payable in respect of that offence if—
(a) the dog is not a dangerous dog; or
(b) the dog is a dangerous dog, but an amount does not appear in the fourth column directly
opposite that offence.
The amount appearing in the fourth column of Schedule 3 directly opposite an offence is the
modified penalty payable in respect of that offence if the dog is a dangerous dog.
7.2 Issue of infringement notice
Where an authorized person has reason to believe that a person has committed an offence in respect of
which a modified penalty may be imposed, he or she may issue to that person a notice in the form of
Form 7 of the First Schedule of the Regulations.
7.3 Failure to pay modified penalty
Where a person who has received an infringement notice fails to pay the modified penalty within the
time specified in the notice, or within such further time as may in any particular case be allowed by the
CEO, he or she is deemed to have declined to have the offence dealt with by way of a modified penalty.
7.4 Payment of modified penalty
A person who has received an infringement notice may, within the time specified in that notice or within
such further time as may in any particular case be allowed by the CEO, send or deliver to the local
government the amount of the penalty, with or without a reply as to the circumstances giving rise to
the offence, and the local government may appropriate that amount in satisfaction of the penalty and
issue an acknowledgment.
7.5 Withdrawal of infringement notice
Whether or not the modified penalty has been paid, the authorised person may withdraw an
infringement notice by sending a notice in the form of Form 8 of the First Schedule of the
Regulations.
A person authorised to issue an infringement notice under clause 7.2 cannot sign or send a notice
of withdrawal.
144 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 7 February 2024
7.6 Service
An infringement notice or a notice of withdrawal may be served on a person personally, or by leaving it
at or posting it to her or his address as ascertained from her or him, or as recorded by the local
government under the Act, or as ascertained from inquiries made by the local government.
————
SCHEDULE 1—APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE
[cl. 4.1]
APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE FOR AN APPROVED KENNEL ESTABLISHMENT
I/we (full name)...............................................................................................................................................
of (postal address) ..........................................................................................................................................
(Mobile) ..........................................................................................................................................................
(E-mail)...........................................................................................................................................................
(Fax)................................................................................................................................................................
Apply for a licence for an approved kennel establishment at (address of premises)
..........................................................................................................................................................................
For (number and breed of dogs)......................................................................................................................
(insert name of person)………………………………………..………………………will be residing at
the premises on ………………………………………and from (insert date) ............................................
(insert name of person)……………………………………will be residing (sufficiently close to the
premises so as to control the dogs and so as to ensure their health and welfare) at
(insert address of residence).............................................................................................................
on and from (insert date)................................................................................................................................
Attached are—
(a) a site plan of the premises showing the location of the kennels and yards and all other buildings
and structures and fences;
(b) plans and specifications of the kennel establishment;
(c) copy of notice of proposed use to appear in newspaper;
(d) copy of notice of proposed use to be given to adjoining premises;
(e) written evidence that a person will reside—
(i) at the premises; or
(ii) sufficiently close to the premises so as to control the dogs and so as to ensure their health
and welfare; and
(f) if the person in item (e) is not the applicant, written evidence that the person is a person in
charge of the dogs.
I confirm that I have read and agree to comply with the Code of Practice known as the
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………in the keeping of dogs at the proposed kennel establishment.
Signature of applicant: …………………………………………………
Date: ………/…………/…….....
• delete where not applicable
Note: A licence if issued will have effect for a period of 12 months—section 27.5 of the
Dog
Act 1976.
OFFICE USE ONLY
Application fee paid on ……/……/
[insert date]
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7 February 2024 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 145
SCHEDULE 2—CONDITIONS OF LICENCE
[cl. 4.7(1)]
CONDITIONS OF LICENCE FOR AN APPROVED KENNEL ESTABLISHMENT
An application for a licence for an approved kennel establishment may be approved subject to the
following conditions—
(a) each kennel, unless it is fully enclosed, must have a yard attached to it;
(b) each kennel and each yard must be at a distance of not less than—
(i) 25 metres from the front boundary of the premises and 5 metres from any other boundary
of the premises;
(ii) 10 metres from any dwelling; and
(iii) 25 metres from any church, school room, hall, factory, dairy or premises where food is
manufactured, prepared, packed or stored for human consumption;
(c) each yard for a kennel must be kept securely fenced with a fence constructed of link mesh or
netting or other materials approved by the local government;
(d) the minimum floor area for each kennel must be calculated at 2.5 times the length of the breed
of dog (when it is fully grown), squared, times the number of dogs to be housed in the kennel
and the length of the dog is to be determined by measuring from the base of the tail to the front
of its shoulder;
(e) the floor area of the yard attached to any kennel or group of kennels must be at least twice the
floor area of the kennel or group of kennels to which it is attached;
(f) the upper surface of the kennel floor must be—
(i) at least 100 millimetres above the surface of the surrounding ground;
(ii) smooth so as to facilitate cleaning;
(iii) rigid;
(iv) durable;
(v) slip resistant;
(vi) resistant to corrosion;
(vii) non-toxic;
(viii) impervious;
(ix) free from cracks, crevices and other defects; and
(x) finished to a surface having a fall of not less than 1 in 100 to a spoon drain which in turn
must lead to a suitably sized diameter sewerage pipe which must be properly laid,
ventilated and trapped in accordance with the health requirements of the local
government;
(g) all kennel floor washings must pass through the drain in item (f)(x) and must be piped to
approved apparatus for the treatment of sewage in accordance with the health requirements of
the local government;
(h) the kennel floor must have a durable upstand rising 75 millimetres above the floor level from
the junction of the floor and external and internal walls, or internal walls must be so
constructed as to have a minimum clearance of 50 millimetres from the underside of the bottom
plate to the floor;
(i) where a yard is to be floored, the floor must be constructed in the same manner as the floor of
any kennel;
(j) from the floor, the lowest internal height of a kennel must be, whichever is the lesser of—
(i) 2 metres; or
(ii) 4 times the height of the breed of dog in the kennel, when it is fully grown, measured
from the floor to the uppermost tip of its shoulders while in a stationary upright position;
(k) the walls of each kennel must be constructed of concrete, brick, stone or framing sheeted
internally and externally with good quality new zincalume or new pre-finished colour coated
steel sheeting or new fibrous cement sheeting or other durable material approved by the local
government;
(l) all external surfaces of each kennel must be kept in good condition;
(m) the roof of each kennel must be constructed of impervious material;
(n) all kennels and yards and drinking vessels must be maintained in a clean condition and must
be cleaned and disinfected when so ordered by an authorized person;
(o) all refuse, faeces and food waste must be disposed of daily into the approved apparatus for the
treatment of sewage;
(p) noise, odors, fleas, flies and other vectors of disease must be effectively controlled;
(q) suitable water must be available at the kennel via a properly supported standpipe and tap; and
146 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WA 7 February 2024
(r) the licensee or the person nominated in the application for a licence, must, in accordance with
the application for the licence, continue to reside—
(i) at the premises; or
(ii) on the opinion of the local government, sufficiently close to the premises so as to control
the dogs, and to ensure their health and welfare.
————
SCHEDULE 3—OFFENCES AND MODIFIED PENALTIES
[cl. 7.1]
OFFENCES IN RESPECT OF WHICH MODIFIED PENALTY APPLIES
CLAUSE NATURE OF OFFENCE MODIFIED
PENALTY
$
DANGEROUS
DOG
MODIFIED
PENALTY $
2.4(a) Attempting to or causing the unauthorized
release of a dog from a pound 200 400
2.4(b) Interfering with any pound or vehicle used for
the purpose of catching, holding or conveying
dogs 200
3.1 Failing to provide means for effectively
confining a dog 100 200
4.8 Failing to comply with the conditions of a
licence
100 200
6.1(2) Dog excreting in prohibited place 100
————
SCHEDULE 4—ADDITIONAL PLACES
DELETED as per Council Resolution 11/22 passed 15 March 2022.
————
Dated: 02/02/2024.
Executed by the Shire of Ravensthorpe ABN 52 674 538 418 in accordance with the authority of Council
to affix the Common Seal in the presence of—
THOMAS MAJOR, Shire President.
MATTHEW BIRD, Chief Executive Officer.
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