These by-laws set the local regulatory regime for dogs in the Tennant Creek Municipality. Mechanically, they establish a registration system for individual dogs (Part 3 Div 1), a premises licensing system where councils regulate the number or types of dogs kept on property (Part 3 Div 2), a set of specified offences with fixed monetary penalties and a fixed-penalty (notice of infringement) scheme as an alternative to prosecution (Part 4 Div 1 and by-law 46), enforcement powers for authorised persons including seizure and impounding (by-laws 36-37), and the council-managed pound with rules for notice, release, treatment and destruction of impounded dogs (by-laws 38-43). The Council may declare dog exercise areas and dog restriction areas and set conditions for both (by-law 20). Administrative machinery is provided: appointment of a Registrar (by-law 6), a register to be kept (by-law 7), delegation and publication requirements for Council resolutions (by-laws 8-9), and standard forms in the Schedule (Forms 1-7).

The by-laws express an explicit statutory purpose: "to provide for the keeping of dogs as companion animals within the Municipality in a manner which is compatible with the enjoyment by residents of a congenial residential environment" (by-law 2). That policy aim is reflected in rules that regulate where dogs may be kept (dog restriction areas, by-law 20), conditions of registration and licences (by-laws 11 and 15), controls on dogs at large and nuisance behaviour (by-laws 26 and 31), and powers to seize, treat and, in specified circumstances, destroy animals (by-laws 36 and 41-43).

Operational decisions are left to Council resolution in several key respects. The Council may determine registration and licence fees and the factors affecting fees (by-law 10(3)), determine fencing requirements and approved obedience courses (by-law 11(4)-(5)), set the number or class of dogs that trigger licensing requirements (by-law 23(2)), publish and alter dog exercise or restriction areas subject to 21 days’ public notice (by-law 20(3)), and fix pound opening hours and maintenance/release fees (by-law 38(3) and by-law 40(2)). The Registrar is given explicit decision-making deadlines,14 days to determine registration or licence applications (by-laws 11(1) and 15(1)),and the by-laws provide for administrative remedies such as written reasons when registration or licenses are refused or conditioned (by-laws 11(6) and 15(4)).

NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA TENNANT CREEK (CONTROL OF DOGS) BY-LAWS 1992 As in force at 1 July 2021 Table of provisions Part 1 Preliminary 1 Citation ............................................................................................ 1 2 Purpose ........................................................................................... 1 3 Interpretation ................................................................................... 1 4 Application ....................................................................................... 3 5 Exemptions ...................................................................................... 3 Part 2 Administration 6 Registrar .......................................................................................... 3 7 Register ........................................................................................... 3 8 Delegation ....................................................................................... 4 9 Resolutions ...................................................................................... 4 Part 3 Registration and licences Division 1 Registration of dogs 10 Application for registration ............................................................... 5 11 Determination of application ............................................................ 5 12 Dog-tags .......................................................................................... 7 13 Period of registration ....................................................................... 7 Division 2 Licences 14 Application for licence ...................................................................... 7 15 Determination of application ............................................................ 8 Division 3 Renewal, cancellation, &c. of registration and licences 16 Application for and determination of renewal of registration or licence ............................................................................................. 9 17 Cancellation of registration or licence by request ............................ 9 18 Cancellation of registration or licence otherwise than by request ............................................................................................ 9 19 Operation of notice of cancellation ................................................ 10

Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 ii Division 4 Dog exercise areas and dog restriction areas 20 Dog exercise areas and dog restriction areas ............................... 10 Part 4 Control of dogs Division 1 Offences 21 Unregistered dogs ......................................................................... 11 22 Conditions of registration or licence to be observed ...................... 11 23 Requirement for licence ................................................................. 12 24 Keeping dogs in dog restriction area ............................................. 12 25 Removal of identification device .................................................... 12 26 Dogs at large ................................................................................. 13 27 Enticement..................................................................................... 13 28 Dogs in enclosed place with other animals .................................... 13 29 Dogs attacking or menacing persons or animals ........................... 13 30 Dogs chasing vehicles ................................................................... 14 31 Dogs causing nuisance ................................................................. 14 32 Abandoning dogs........................................................................... 15 33 Obstruction of manager of pound, &c. ........................................... 15 34 Sterilization marks and certificates ................................................ 15 35 False information ........................................................................... 16 Division 2 Enforcement 36 Seizure, &c., of dogs ..................................................................... 16 37 Dogs seized to be impounded ....................................................... 16 Division 3 Pound 38 Establishment, &c. of pound .......................................................... 16 39 Notice of impounding ..................................................................... 17 40 Release of dogs from pound.......................................................... 17 41 Destruction of impounded dogs ..................................................... 17 42 Diseased dogs ............................................................................... 18 43 Method of destruction of impounded dogs ..................................... 19 Part 5 Miscellaneous 44 Change of ownership of dogs ........................................................ 19 45 Dog races, &c. ............................................................................... 20 46 Fixed penalties .............................................................................. 20 Schedule ENDNOTES

NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA

As in force at 1 July 2021

TENNANT CREEK (CONTROL OF DOGS) BY-LAWS 1992 By-laws under the Local Government Act 2019 Part 1 Preliminary 1 Citation These By-laws may be cited as the Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992. 2 Purpose The purpose of these By-laws is to provide for the keeping of dogs as companion animals within the Municipality in a manner which is compatible with the enjoyment by residents of a congenial residential environment. 3 Interpretation (1) In these By-laws, unless the contrary intention appears: attack, in relation to the actions of a dog, means any action which causes injury or damage to any other animal or to any person or property, and includes any physical contact between the dog and another animal or a person or property whether or not any injury or damage results from the physical contact. Council means the Tennant Creek Town Council. dog means an animal which is of the genus Canis. dog exercise area means an area set aside under by-law 20 as a dog exercise area. dog restriction area means an area set aside under by-law 20 as a dog restriction area. dog-tag means a dog-tag issued under by-law 12. dog-trader means a person who buys or sells dogs in the course of his or her business.

Part 1 Preliminary Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 2 guide-dog means a dog trained by a training institution approved by the Council by resolution and used by a person who is wholly or partially blind or deaf. identification device means a dog-tag or a permanent electronic subcutaneous implant. licence means a licence granted or renewed under these By-laws. menace, in relation to the actions of a dog, means an action that creates a reasonable apprehension in a person that the dog is likely to attack the person or another person or an animal owned or in the control of the person or other person, and includes a reasonable apprehension that the dog may escape, or be released from restraint, to attack a person or animal. Municipality means the municipality of Tennant Creek. pound means the pound established under these By-laws. premises includes land and buildings. register means the register kept under by-law 7. registered means registered under these By-laws. registered owner, in relation to a dog, means the person appearing in the register as the owner of the dog. Registrar means the Registrar appointed under by-law 6. Repealed Act has the same meaning as in the Dog Act Repeal Act 1991. veterinarian means a registered veterinarian within the meaning of the Veterinarians Act 1994. (2) A reference in these By-laws to the owner (other than a reference to the registered owner) of a dog, unless the contrary intention appears, includes a reference to: (a) the person for the time being under whose control the dog is; and (b) the occupier of premises or a part of premises where the dog is ordinarily kept, but does not include a person controlling or keeping a dog under Part 4 Division 2 or 3.

Part 2 Administration Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 3 (3) A reference in these By-laws to a dog at large is a reference to a dog, other than a dog in the custody of an authorized person or in the pound, which is in a place other than a place owned or occupied by the owner of the dog. (4) For the purposes of these By-laws, a dog is under effective control where the dog is: (a) restrained by a leash, cord, chain or similar device, not longer than 2.5m in length, held by a person who has attained the age of 10 years and who is competent to restrain the dog; (b) enclosed in a vehicle; or (c) in a dog exercise area in accordance with the conditions, if any, to which use of that area is subject. 4 Application Unless the contrary intention appears, these By-laws apply to all areas within the Municipality. 5 Exemptions By-laws 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 do not apply to or in relation to guide dogs. Part 2 Administration 6 Registrar The Council may appoint an authorized person to be the Registrar for the purposes of these By-laws. 7 Register (1) The Registrar shall keep a register showing the following details: (a) all dogs registered under these By-laws; (b) all licences granted under these By-laws; and (c) all offences, known to the Registrar, against these By-laws or against the Repealed Act: (i) for which a registered owner has been convicted; or (ii) in relation to which a registered owner has paid a sum specified by these By-laws in pursuance of a notice of infringement issued under these By-laws.

Part 2 Administration Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 4 (2) The Registrar shall keep, as part of the register, the register referred to in section 5(d) of the Dog Act Repeal Act 1991. (3) The Registrar may keep the register in such medium or combination of mediums as the Registrar thinks fit including, but not limited to: (a) a computer; (b) micro film; or (c) paper. 8 Delegation (1) Subject to this by-law, an officer or employee of the Council may, for the purposes of these By-laws, exercise all or any of the following powers: (a) sign, seal or sign and seal notices, orders and agreements which the Council is entitled to issue, sign, seal, revoke or cancel; (b) sign letters, receipts and other documents; (c) do or perform an act, deed or thing necessary, ancillary or incidental to the exercise of the functions of the Council under these By-laws. (2) An officer or employee of the Council shall exercise a power conferred by clause (1) only on the resolution of the Council and in accordance with the conditions, if any, imposed by the Council. (3) A determination under clause (2) may be of a general nature or for a class or classes of cases or be with respect to a particular case. (4) A power or function delegated under this by-law, when exercised or performed by the delegate, shall, for the purposes of these By-laws, be deemed to have been exercised or performed by the Council. 9 Resolutions Notice of a resolution made by the Council under these By-laws (other than by-law 8) shall be published in a newspaper circulating in the Municipality not later than 21 days after the making of the resolution.

Part 3 Registration and licences Division 1 Registration of dogs Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 5 Part 3 Registration and licences Division 1 Registration of dogs 10 Application for registration (1) The owner of a dog may apply to the Registrar to register the dog. (2) An application under clause (1) shall be in accordance with Form 1 accompanied by: (a) the application fee determined under clause (3); (b) written evidence that the owner of the dog is the owner of the premises on which the dog is or is to be ordinarily kept or, if not the owner of the premises, that the owner of the premises, or that owner's agent, permits the owner of the dog to keep the dog on the premises; and (c) such further information, relevant to the determination of the application, that the Registrar requires the owner of the dog to provide. (3) The Council may, by resolution, determine the fee to be paid to register a dog and the fee may vary in respect of matters including but not limited to: (a) whether or not the dog is sterilised; (b) the area in which the premises on which the dog is normally kept are located; (c) the manner in which the premises on which the dog is ordinarily kept are fenced; (d) the breed of the dog; and (e) whether or not the owner of the dog is a pensioner. (4) The Council may, by resolution, require an application under this by-law to register a dog to be accompanied by a photograph of the dog. 11 Determination of application (1) Subject to these By-laws, the Registrar shall, not later than 14 days after receiving an application under by-law 10: (a) register the dog, either conditionally or unconditionally; or

Part 3 Registration and licences Division 1 Registration of dogs Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 6 (b) refuse to register the dog. (2) The Registrar may refuse to register a dog if, within the period of 3 years before the date of the application: (a) the owner of the dog has been convicted of more than 2 offences against these By-laws or the Repealed Act; or (b) the dog has been impounded under these By-laws or the Repealed Act on more than 2 occasions. (3) The Registrar shall refuse to register a dog: (a) if the dog, other than a dog referred to in by-law 24(2), is ordinarily kept on premises within a dog restriction area; (b) if the owner of the dog fails to provide to the Registrar the written evidence referred to in by-law 10(2)(b); (c) if the Registrar is satisfied that the dog is destructive, dangerous, vicious or consistently the cause of nuisance to members of the public; (d) if the person applying for the registration has not, if so required by the Council by resolution, completed a dog obedience course or dog training course referred to in clause (4); or (e) if the premises on which the dog is ordinarily to be kept are not fenced in accordance with the manner, if any, determined by the Council under clause (5). (4) The Council may, by resolution, approve a dog obedience course or dog training course for the purpose of clause (3)(d) and by-law 15(3). (5) The Council may, for the purposes of clause (3) (e) and by-law 15(3) determine, by resolution, the manner of fencing premises and may make a determination by reference to the size or breed or both the size and breed of a dog which is ordinarily to be kept on the premises. (6) If the Registrar refuses to register a dog or imposes conditions on the registration of a dog under clause (1), the Registrar shall serve on to the applicant a statement in writing of the reasons for the decision. (7) For the purposes of clause (2)(a), a conviction for an offence includes the payment of a sum specified by these By-laws in pursuance of a notice of infringement issued under these By-laws.

Part 3 Registration and licences Division 2 Licences Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 7 12 Dog-tags The Registrar shall, on registering a dog under by-law 11, unless the dog is fitted with a permanent electronic subcutaneous implant, issue to the person who made the application a dog-tag in the form and type approved by the Council. 13 Period of registration (1) Subject to these By-laws, the registration of a dog remains in force for the period, not exceeding 12 months, specified: (a) on the dog-tag issued in respect of the dog when it is registered; or (b) where the dog is fitted with a permanent electronic subcutaneous implant, in the certificate issued in pursuance of clause (2). (2) Where a dog is fitted with a permanent electronic subcutaneous implant, the Registrar shall, on registering the dog, issue to the person who made the application a certificate in accordance with Form 2 stating the period for which the dog is registered. Division 2 Licences 14 Application for licence (1) The occupier of premises may apply to the Registrar for a licence in respect of the premises. (2) An application under clause (1) shall be in accordance with Form 3 accompanied by: (a) the fee determined by the Council by resolution; (b) written evidence that the applicant is the owner of the premises or that the owner of the premises or the owner's agent permits the applicant to keep the dog or the number of dogs specified in the application on the premises; and (c) such further information, relevant to the determination of the application, that the Registrar requires the applicant to provide.

Part 3 Registration and licences Division 2 Licences Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 8 15 Determination of application (1) Subject to these By-laws, the Registrar shall, not later than 14 days after receiving an application under by-law 14: (a) grant a licence in respect of the premises, either conditionally or unconditionally; or (b) refuse to grant a licence in respect of the premises. (2) The Registrar shall, in considering an application under by-law 14, take into account any matter which, in the Registrar's opinion, is relevant and in particular: (a) the facilities for controlling dogs at the premises specified in the application; (b) the number of dogs kept or to be kept on the premises; and (c) the likely impact, if the licence is granted, on residents in the locality where the premises are situated. (3) The Registrar shall not grant a licence if: (a) the applicant has not, if so required by the Council by resolution, completed a dog obedience course or dog training course referred to in by-law 11(4); (b) the premises in respect of which the application relates are not fenced in accordance with a determination of the Council under by-law 11(5); or (c) the applicant fails to provide the written evidence referred to in by-law 14(2)(b). (4) If the Registrar under clause (1) refuses to grant a licence or grants a licence subject to conditions, the Registrar shall serve on the applicant a statement in writing of the reasons for the decision. (5) Subject to these By-laws, a licence remains in force for the period, not exceeding 12 months, specified in the licence.

Part 3 Registration and licences Division 3 Renewal, cancellation, &c. of registration and licences Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 9 Division 3 Renewal, cancellation, &c. of registration and licences 16 Application for and determination of renewal of registration or licence (1) A person may, before the expiration of the registration of a dog or a licence, apply to the Registrar for the renewal of the registration of the dog or the renewal of the licence in the same manner as an application is made for the registration of a dog or for the grant of a licence. (2) An application under clause (1) shall be determined by the Registrar in the same manner as an application for the registration of a dog or the grant of a licence is determined. 17 Cancellation of registration or licence by request The Registrar may, on application made in writing by the registered owner of a dog or the holder of a licence, by notice in writing served on the owner or holder: (a) cancel the registration or licence; (b) vary the conditions to which the registration of the dog or the licence is subject; or (c) in the case of a licence, suspend the licence for a period, as specified in the application. 18 Cancellation of registration or licence otherwise than by request (1) The Registrar may, by notice in writing served on the registered owner of a dog or the holder of a licence, require the owner or holder to show cause why: (a) the registration of the dog or the licence should not be cancelled; (b) the registration of the dog or the licence should not be subject to the conditions specified in the notice; or (c) in the case of a licence, the licence should not be suspended for the period specified in the notice. (2) The Registrar may, not less than 14 days after the date of service of the notice under clause (1), by notice in writing served on the registered owner or the holder of the licence on whom the first-

Part 3 Registration and licences Division 4 Dog exercise areas and dog restriction areas Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 10 mentioned notice was served, if the first-mentioned notice was a notice referred to in: (a) clause (1)(a), cancel the registration of the dog or the licence; (b) clause (1)(b), subject the registration of the dog or the licence to the conditions specified in the notice; or (c) clause (1)(c), suspend the licence for the period specified in the notice, being a period not longer than the period specified in the first-mentioned notice. 19 Operation of notice of cancellation A notice served by the Registrar under by-law 17 or 18(2) takes effect at the expiration of 21 days after the service of the notice. Division 4 Dog exercise areas and dog restriction areas 20 Dog exercise areas and dog restriction areas (1) Subject to these By-laws, the Council may, by resolution, declare an area within the Municipality to be a dog exercise area and may specify the times when a dog may be exercised in the area and the conditions, if any, to apply to the exercising of a dog in the area. (2) Subject to these By-laws, the Council may, by resolution, declare an area within the Municipality to be a dog restriction area and may prohibit the keeping of: (a) all dogs; (b) more than a specified number of dogs; or (c) all, or more than a specified number of, dogs of a specified breed, in the area. (3) The Council shall, not less that 21 days before declaring an area to be a dog exercise area or dog restriction area, publish a notice of the proposed dog exercise area or dog restriction area in a newspaper circulating in the Municipality.

Part 4 Control of dogs Division 1 Offences Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 11 Part 4 Control of dogs Division 1 Offences 21 Unregistered dogs (1) Subject to this by-law, a person who keeps an unregistered dog in the Municipality is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. (1A) An offence under clause (1) is a regulatory offence. (2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against clause (1) if the person charged with the offence proves that the dog had not been usually kept within the Municipality for a period of 3 consecutive months before the date of the alleged offence. (3) Clause (1) and by-law 22 do not apply to: (a) the manager of the pound keeping a dog in the pound; (b) the Registrar, in the course of the exercise or performance of the Registrar's powers or functions under these By-laws; (c) a person boarding a dog for the owner of the dog for less than 3 months; (ca) a dog under the age of 3 months; (d) the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (N.T.) Incorporated keeping a dog in a refuge maintained by it; or (e) a veterinarian keeping a dog for the purposes of treatment. 22 Conditions of registration or licence to be observed Subject to these By-laws, a person who contravenes or fails to comply with a condition to which the registration of a dog or a licence is subject is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200.

Part 4 Control of dogs Division 1 Offences Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 12 23 Requirement for licence (1) The occupier of premises where more than the number of dogs, or the number of dogs of a class of dog or classes of dogs, as determined under clause (2), are kept is guilty of an offence unless the premises are licensed. Penalty: $200. (2) The Council may, by resolution, determine the number of dogs, or the number of dogs of a class of dog or classes of dogs, which may be kept on premises without the premises being licensed, and the Council may make different determinations in respect of different areas within the Municipality. (3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against clause (1) if the occupier of the premises proves that the dog in respect of which the alleged offence occurred had, at the time of the alleged offence, not attained the age of 3 months. 24 Keeping dogs in dog restriction area (1) Subject to these By-laws, a person who keeps a dog in a dog restriction area where the keeping of the dog is prohibited is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. (2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against clause (1) if the person charged with the offence proves that the dog at the date of the making of the resolution declaring the dog restriction area: (a) was owned by the person; (b) was usually kept at premises in the dog restriction area; and (c) if required by these By-laws to be registered, was registered. 25 Removal of identification device (1) A person, other than the owner of the dog, who removes an identification device from a registered dog without reasonable cause is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. (2) Subject to clause (3), the registered owner of a dog which is at large without an identification device is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200.

Part 4 Control of dogs Division 1 Offences Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 13 (3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against clause (2) if the registered owner proves that the identification device had been removed: (a) by a person without the owner's permission and the owner had not had a sufficient opportunity to replace the identification device; or (b) for a reasonable cause and the cause was still existent. 26 Dogs at large Subject to these By-laws, the owner of a dog which is at large and not under effective control is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. 27 Enticement A person who, with intent to commit an offence against these By-laws or to cause such an offence to be committed, entices or induces a dog to enter a place in which it is at large is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. 28 Dogs in enclosed place with other animals Subject to these By-laws, a person who, without the consent of the owner of the animal or bird, permits a dog to be in an enclosed field, paddock, yard or other place (other than a place owned or occupied by the person or the pound) in which an animal or bird owned by another person is confined is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. 29 Dogs attacking or menacing persons or animals (1) Subject to these By-laws, the owner of a dog which: (a) attacks a person or animal; or (b) menaces a person or animal, is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $500. (1A) An offence under clause (1) is a regulatory offence.

Part 4 Control of dogs Division 1 Offences Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 14 (2) A person who invites, encourages or provokes a dog to do an act referred to in clause (1) is guilty of an offence. (3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against clause (1) if the owner of the dog proves that: (a) a person had, without the owner's permission, invited, encouraged or provoked the dog to attack or menace the person or animal; or (b) the person or animal attached or menaced was attacked or menaced when on premises owned or occupied by the owner of the dog. 30 Dogs chasing vehicles The owner of a dog which chases a vehicle (including a bicycle) is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. 31 Dogs causing nuisance (1) The owner of a dog who permits that dog, either by itself or in concert with other dogs, to become a nuisance is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. (2) For the purpose of this by-law, a dog is a nuisance if it: (a) is injurious or dangerous to the health of the community; (b) creates a noise, by barking or otherwise, which is frequent and produces a noise level greater than 5 dBA above ambient on that part of another property ordinarily used for domestic activities; (c) consistently barks when people or vehicles use a road in the vicinity of the premises where the dog is kept; (d) behaves consistently in a manner contrary to the general interest of the community; or (e) subject to this by-law, when on a road where there is a constructed curb and gutter, urinates or defecates other than in that gutter. (3) The owner of a dog is not guilty of an offence against this by-law, by reason of the dog being a nuisance by defecating in

Part 4 Control of dogs Division 1 Offences Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 15 circumstances referred to in clause (2)(e), if the owner immediately removes the faeces and disposes of it in the gutter of the road, a public garbage receptacle or on his or her own property. 32 Abandoning dogs A person who abandons a dog in the Municipality is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $500. 33 Obstruction of manager of pound, &c. (1) A person who obstructs or hinders the manager of the pound in the execution of his or her duties under these By-laws is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. (2) A person who: (a) removes or attempts to remove a dog from the custody of an authorized person; or (b) except in pursuance of these By-laws, removes or attempts to remove a dog from the pound, is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. 34 Sterilization marks and certificates (1) A person who sterilizes a dog and who fails to: (a) tattoo the left ear of the dog in the manner determined by the Council; or (b) provide the owner of the dog with a certificate in accordance with Form 4, is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. (2) A person who tattoos a dog which has not been sterilised with a tattoo referred to in clause (1) is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200.

Part 4 Control of dogs Division 3 Pound Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 16 (3) A dog trader who, on the sale of a dog: (a) fails, where the dog has been sterilized, to supply; or (b) supplies, where the dog has not been sterilized, a certificate in accordance with Form 4 is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. 35 False information A person who knowingly makes a false statement in a document required or permitted to be made under these By-laws is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. Division 2 Enforcement 36 Seizure, &c., of dogs An authorized person may: (a) seize: (i) an apparently diseased, injured, savage, destructive or stray animal; or (ii) an animal that is at large; and (b) where, in the opinion of an authorized person it is necessary to do so, destroy a diseased, injured, savage, destructive, unclaimed or unwanted animal. 37 Dogs seized to be impounded A person who seizes a dog in pursuance of these By-laws shall, as soon as practicable after seizing the dog, deliver the dog to the pound. Division 3 Pound 38 Establishment, &c. of pound (1) The Council shall establish a pound. (2) The Council shall appoint a person to be the manager of the pound.

Part 4 Control of dogs Division 3 Pound Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 17 (3) The pound shall remain open on such days and between such hours as the Council, by resolution, determines. 39 Notice of impounding (1) Where a registered dog with an identification device is delivered to the pound, the manager of the pound shall, as soon as possible, serve on the registered owner a notice in accordance with Form 5 of the impounding of the dog. (2) Where a dog that is registered outside the Municipality is delivered to the pound, and the address of the owner of the dog is apparent to the manager of the pound, the manager shall serve at that address notice in accordance with Form 6 of the impounding of the dog. (3) Except in accordance with clause (1) or (2), the manager of the pound is not required to give notice of the impounding of a dog to its owner. 40 Release of dogs from pound (1) A dog in the pound shall not be released from the pound: (a) subject to clause (3), unless it is registered; (b) other than to the owner of the dog or to a person authorised in writing by the owner to act as the owner's agent; and (c) unless there is paid to the manager of the pound the maintenance and release fees fixed under clause (2). (2) The Council may, by resolution, determine the amount of a daily fee to be paid in relation to the maintenance of a dog in the pound and a fee to be paid on the release of a dog from the pound. (3) Clause (1) does not apply to a dog which has not been usually kept within the Municipality for 3 consecutive months immediately preceding the date of its release from the pound. 41 Destruction of impounded dogs (1) Subject to these By-laws, the manager of a pound may destroy a dog impounded in the pound.

Part 4 Control of dogs Division 3 Pound Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 18 (2) The manager of the pound shall not destroy a dog impounded in the pound before the expiration of the number of days or hours determined by the Council by resolution: (a) in the case of a dog referred to in by-law 44(1) and (2), after the time when the notice sent under that by-law would have been delivered in the ordinary course of post; or (b) in the case of any other dog, after the impounding of the dog. 42 Diseased dogs (1) A person who seizes a dog under these By-laws that is diseased, or a veterinarian or the Registrar (with the advice of a veterinarian if available) who examines an impounded dog and finds the dog to be diseased, shall notify the manager of the pound that the dog is diseased. (2) The manager of the pound, on being notified under clause (1) or on noticing that a dog is diseased shall immediately: (a) isolate the dog from the other dogs in the pound; and (b) by notice in writing served on the owner, if known, of the diseased dog advise the owner that the dog is or is suspected of being diseased and require the dog: (i) to be destroyed; or (ii) to undergo a course of treatment specified in the notice. (3) In addition to clause (2)(b), the manager of the pound may, in the notice served under that clause, require the owner to produce to the manager of the pound, within the time specified in the notice, a report prepared by a veterinarian or person specified in the notice relating to: (a) the diseased dog, where the dog is not required to be destroyed; or (b) all other dogs ordinarily kept at the premises at which the diseased dog was kept. (3) A dog the subject of a notice under this by-law may be released from the pound in accordance with by-law 40 subject to such conditions, if any, as the Registrar thinks fit.

Part 5 Miscellaneous Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 19 (4) The owner of a dog who contravenes or fails to comply with a requirement contained in a notice served on the owner under clause (2) or a condition subject to which the dog is released under clause (3) is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $200. (5) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these By-laws, the manager of the pound may destroy a dog in the pound: (a) if the dog is so diseased or injured that it is humane to destroy it; or (b) with the approval of a veterinarian. (6) The cost of treatment reasonably provided by the manager of the pound to a diseased and to any other dog in the pound that was infected or was at risk of being infected by the diseased dog before the manager could reasonably isolate it, is a debt due and payable by the owner of the diseased dog to the Council. 43 Method of destruction of impounded dogs Subject to these By-laws, a dog in the pound shall not be destroyed other than: (a) by a veterinarian or a person who, in the opinion of the manager of the pound, is qualified to destroy the dog; and (b) in a manner approved by the Australian Veterinary Association. Part 5 Miscellaneous 44 Change of ownership of dogs (1) A person who acquires ownership of a registered dog and does not, within 14 days of acquiring ownership of the dog, notify the Registrar of: (a) the person's name and address; (b) the name of the registered owner; and (c) the registration number of the dog, is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $50.

Part 5 Miscellaneous Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 20 (2) The registered owner of a dog who changes his or her address and does not, within 14 days of the change, notify the Registrar of his or her new address is guilty of an offence. Penalty: $50. (3) The Registrar, on being notified of a change of ownership under clause (1) or address under clause (2) shall amend the register accordingly. 45 Dog races, &c. (1) The Council may, by notice in writing, exempt a person or body of persons from by-law 25 or 26, or both, for the purposes of a dog race, dog trial, dog show or dog obedience training or while using the dog to drive cattle or stock on a road or for such other event or purpose as the Council may, from time to time, determine. (2) An exemption under clause (1) may relate to a particular event or purpose or to a class of events or purposes and may be subject to such conditions, if any, as the Council thinks fit. 46 Fixed penalties (1) A person who is alleged to have contravened or failed to comply with these By-laws, and on whom a notice of infringement is served, may pay to the Council, as an alternative to prosecution, the sum specified by this by-law in lieu of the penalty which may otherwise be imposed under these By-laws. (2) For the purposes of this by-law: (a) the sum specified by this by-law is $50; (b) a notice of infringement shall be in accordance with Form 7; (c) a notice of infringement may be issued by an authorized person; (d) the sum specified by this by-law may be paid to the Registrar or to the Town Manager; and (e) in order to avoid prosecution, the sum specified by this by-law shall be paid not later than 14 days after the date of the service of the notice of infringement on the person.

Schedule Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 21 Schedule FORM 1 by-law 10(2) Local Government Act 2019 TENNANT CREEK (CONTROL OF DOGS) BY-LAWS 1992 APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION/RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION To the Registrar at Tennant Creek PARTICULARS OF OWNER I, (Surname) (Given names) of (Street Address) (Postal Address) (phone No.) hereby apply for registration/renewal of registration(1) of my dog to 30 June 199... PARTICULARS OF DOG Breed(2): Colour: Markings: Sex: Male/Female(2) Whole/Sterilised(2) Age: Name: Address where dog normally kept: DECLARATION I declare the particulars set out to be true and apply for registration/renewal of registration(1) of my dog in accordance with the Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992. ...............................……………….. …………............... Signature of applicant Date

Schedule Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 22 NOTES: If the owner is under 18 years of age, the applicant for registration must be the occupier of the premises or the part of the premises where the dog is ordinarily kept. (1) Delete if inapplicable (2) If cross-breed, give details (eg Mastiff X Great Dane, German Shepherd X, etc.)

OFFICE USE ONLY Disc No. Ref. No. Amount Paid Entered Computer

Schedule Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 23 FORM 2 by-law 13 Local Government Act 2019 TENNANT CREEK (CONTROL OF DOGS) BY-LAWS 1992 CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION

Particulars of dog: Breed(1) Colour: Markings: Sex: Male/Female(2) Whole/Sterilised(2) Age Name Address where dog is normally kept
Particulars of owner: Surname Given Names Street Address Postal Address Phone
The dog referred to in this certificate is fitted with a permanent electronic subcutaneous implant and is registered under the Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 until .
The registration number of the dog is: …................................. ……................ Registrar Date (1) If cross breed, give details (eg Mastiff X Great Dane, German Shepherd X, etc) (2) Delete if inapplicable.

Schedule Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 24 FORM 3 by-law 14(2) Local Government Act 2019 TENNANT CREEK (CONTROL OF DOGS) BY-LAWS 1992 APPLICATION FOR LICENCE/RENEWAL OF LICENCE To the Registrar at Tennant Creek

Particulars of applicant: Name (Surname) (Given Names) Address (Residential address) (Postal address)
Particulars of premises#: Location of premises Description of facilities at premises
Particulars of number and breed of dogs# Number Breed/s Declaration I declare the particulars set out to be true and apply for a licence/renewal of licence* for the period from .../..../... ...............................……………….. ............……………. Signature of applicant Date

Delete if inapplicable

If insufficient space, attach extra sheet

OFFICE USE ONLY Disc No. Ref. No. Amount Paid Entered Computer

Schedule Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 25 FORM 4 by-law 34(2) Local Government Act 2019 TENNANT CREEK (CONTROL OF DOGS) BY-LAWS 1992 CERTIFICATE OF STERILIZATION I certify that I have carried out a sterilization procedure on a dog of the following description. Breed(1): Colour: Markings: Sex: Age: Name: .............................…………………….. ............………… Veterinarian Date Certificate delivered to the purchaser: .............................……… ………….............. Dog trader Date (1) If cross breed, give details (eg. Mastiff X Great Dane, German Shepherd X, etc)

Schedule Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 26 FORM 5 by-law 39(1) Local Government Act 2019 TENNANT CREEK (CONTROL OF DOGS) BY-LAWS 1992 NOTICE OF IMPOUNDING OF REGISTERED DOG TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN TAKE NOTICE THAT A DOG OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION HAS BEEN IMPOUNDED. DESCRIPTION OF DOG Breed: Colour: Markings: Sex: Location: Time: Dog-tag No: AND IS NOW AT THE TENNANT CREEK TOWN COUNCIL POUND IN MALONEY STREET, TENNANT CREEK. NOTE: IF NOT CLAIMED BY THE OWNER OF THE DOG, OR THE OWNER'S AUTHORISED AGENT, BEFORE THE EXPIRATION OF (EXCLUDING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY) FROM THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, THE DOG MAY BE SOLD OR DESTROYED. THE DOG WILL BE RELEASED TO ITS OWNER OR THE OWNER'S AUTHORISED AGENT, WITHIN THE TIME PRESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, AFTER PAYMENT OF IMPOUNDING FEES. ...............................…………………… ..…………….......... Manager of the Pound Date TENNANT CREEK TOWN COUNCIL PO BOX 821 TENNANT CREEK NT 0861

Schedule Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 27 FORM 6 by-law 39(2) Local Government Act 2019 TENNANT CREEK (CONTROL OF DOGS) BY-LAWS 1992 NOTICE OF IMPOUNDING OF DOG REGISTERED OUTSIDE MUNICIPALITY To of . DESCRIPTION OF DOG PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT A DOG OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION: Breed: Colour: Markings: Sex: Registration Number: BELIEVED TO BE OWNED BY YOU IS NOW AT THE TENNANT CREEK TOWN COUNCIL POUND. PLEASE CONTACT THE TENNANT CREEK TOWN COUNCIL, PHONE (089) 62 2401, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8.30 AM TO 4.45 PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY (EXCLUDING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS) TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE RELEASE OF THE ABOVEMENTIONED DOG. ...............................…………………. ………............... Manager of the Pound Date

Schedule Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 28 FORM 7 by-law 46 Local Government Act 2019 TENNANT CREEK (CONTROL OF DOGS) BY-LAWS 1992 NOTICE OF INFRINGEMENT To of . It is alleged that at am/pm on at , Tennant Creek, you committed the following offence: . In pursuance of by-law 46 of the Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 you may pay to the Council, as an alternative to prosecution, the sum of $50 (Fifty Dollars) in lieu of the penalty by which the offence against these By-laws is otherwise punishable at the address shown on the reverse of this notice, not later than 14 days after the date of service of this notice of infringement, in order to avoid prosecution. Dated 19 . Authorized Person (Back of form) If you do not wish the offence alleged on the front of this notice of infringement to be dealt with by the Local Court you should read and complete the following: I, of , tender the amount shown on the front of this notice, being assured that on payment of that amount no further action will be taken by the Council for this offence. Payment of the amount in full must be made not later that 14 days after the date of service of this notice of infringement and must be accompanied by this notice.

Schedule Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 29 Payment may be made between 8.30 am and 4.45 pm, Monday to Friday (except Public Holidays): IN PERSON – To the Registrar, Tennant Creek Town Council, Peko Road, Tennant Creek. BY POST – To the Town Manager, Tennant Creek Town Council, PO Box 821, Tennant Creek, NT, 0861. Telephone enquiries to the Town Manager, phone 62 2401. On payment of the penalty, you will not be liable for any further penalty or costs in this matter. If you do wish the offence alleged on the front of this notice of infringement to be dealt with by the Local Court you need not take any further action in respect of this notice and proceedings will issue against you in due course.

ENDNOTES Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 30 ENDNOTES 1 KEY Key to abbreviations amd = amended od = order app = appendix om = omitted bl = by-law pt = Part ch = Chapter r = regulation/rule cl = clause rem = remainder div = Division renum = renumbered exp = expires/expired rep = repealed f = forms s = section Gaz = Gazette sch = Schedule hdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision ins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation lt = long title sub = substituted nc = not commenced 2 LIST OF LEGISLATION Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws (SL No. 34, 1992) Notified 15 July 1992 Commenced 15 July 1992 Amendments of Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws (SL No. 1, 1995) Notified 31 January 1995 Commenced 31 January 1995 Statute Law Revision Act 2005 (Act No. 44, 2005) Assent date 14 December 2005 Commenced 14 December 2005 Local Court (Related Amendments) Act 2016 (Act No. 8, 2016) Assent date 6 April 2016 Commenced 1 May 2016 (s 2, s 2 Local Court (Repeals and Related Amendments) Act 2016 (Act No. 9, 2016) and Gaz S34, 29 April 2016) Local Government Act 2019 (Act No. 39, 2019) Assent date 13 December 2019 Commenced pt 8.6: 1 July 2022; rem: 1 July 2021 (Gaz S27, 30 June 2021) Amending Legislation Statute Law Revision Act 2020 (Act No. 26, 2020) Assent date 19 November 2020 Commenced 20 November 2020 (s 2) Local Government Amendment Act 2021 (Act No. 15, 2021) Assent date 25 May 2021 Commenced 26 May 2021 (s 2)

ENDNOTES Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws 1992 31 3 GENERAL AMENDMENTS General amendments of a formal nature (which are not referred to in the table of amendments to this reprint) are made by the Interpretation Legislation Amendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22 of 2018) to: bl 1, 3 and 7 and sch. 4 LIST OF AMENDMENTS bl 3 amd No. 1, 1995, bl 1; Act No. 44, 2005, s 23 bl 21 amd No. 1, 1995, bl 2; Act No. 44, 2005, s 23 bl 29 amd No. 1, 1995, bl 3 bl 42 – 43 amd Act No. 44, 2005, s 23 sch amd Act No. 44, 2005, s 23; Act No 8, 2016, s 45; Act No. 39, 2019, s 370

1 TENNANT CREEK (CONTROL OF DOGS) BY-LAWS 1992

Core definitional and structural concepts in the by-laws determine how the rules operate in practice.

Definitions and scope. "Dog" is defined simply as an animal of the genus Canis (by-law 3). The by-laws apply to all areas within the Municipality unless a contrary intention appears (by-law 4). Important defined operational terms are "dog at large" (a dog not in the custody of an authorised person or in the pound and not on premises owned or occupied by its owner) and "effective control" (by-law 3(3)-(4)). "Effective control" is expressed in objective terms: the dog must be restrained with a device not longer than 2.5 metres held by a person aged at least 10 years and competent to restrain the dog, or enclosed in a vehicle, or in a dog exercise area subject to any conditions (by-law 3(4)).
Registration and identity. Owners may apply for registration using Form 1 with prescribed supporting evidence (by-law 10(1)-(2)). Registered dogs must carry a dog-tag issued by the Registrar unless fitted with a permanent electronic subcutaneous implant, in which case a certificate is issued (by-laws 12-13 and Forms 2 and 5-6). The Registrar must keep a register of registered dogs, licences and known offences relating to registered owners, and may keep the register in paper, computer or other media (by-law 7).
Licence regime. Occupiers of premises may apply for a licence for premises using Form 3 and pay a fee determined by Council (by-law 14). Council may determine the number or classes of dogs that may be kept without a licence in different areas (by-law 23(2)), thus creating a local threshold for premises licensing.
Localised area controls. The Council may declare dog exercise areas with specified times and conditions, and dog restriction areas which may prohibit all dogs, limit numbers, or ban breeds (by-law 20). The Council must publish a notice of proposed declarations at least 21 days before making them (by-law 20(3)) and must publish resolutions under the by-laws in a newspaper circulating in the Municipality within 21 days (by-law 9).
Offences and conduct standards. The by-laws create a suite of offences: keeping unregistered dogs (by-law 21), breaching conditions of registration or licence (by-law 22), keeping dogs in dog restriction areas (by-law 24), removal of identification devices (by-law 25), dogs at large (by-law 26), enticement (by-law 27), offences involving dogs attacking or menacing persons or animals (by-law 29), nuisance behaviour including a numerical noise standard relative to ambient (by-law 31), abandonment (by-law 32) and obstructing pound managers or authorised persons (by-law 33). Penalties are set in dollar amounts within the by-laws (Part 4 Div 1).
Enforcement apparatus. Authorised persons may seize apparently diseased, injured, savage, destructive, stray or at-large animals and can, where necessary in their opinion, destroy diseased or dangerous animals (by-law 36). Seized dogs are to be delivered to the pound as soon as practicable (by-law 37). Pound management rules specify notice of impounding (Forms 5 and 6), release conditions (including payment of fees and registration where applicable), and rules for destruction with timing and veterinarian involvement (by-laws 39-43).
Administrative discretion and reviewable steps. The Registrar must make determinations on registration and licences within 14 days and must give written reasons if refusing or imposing conditions (by-laws 11(1)-(6), 15(1)-(4)). Cancellation of registrations and licences may be requested by the owner or initiated by the Registrar with a show-cause notice and a 14-day response window, with cancellation taking effect after 21 days from service (by-laws 17-19). These procedural timelines structure administrative decision-making and potential contestation.

Collectively, these concepts create a regulatory architecture that mixes prescriptive obligations, discretionary Council powers set by resolution, and administrative processes with notice and record-keeping requirements.

The by-laws operate on several groups of persons and entities; the text identifies who bears obligations and who benefits from exemptions.

Dog owners and occupiers. The primary group affected is the "owner" and the "registered owner" of a dog. The by-laws define "owner" broadly to include the person under whose control the dog is and the occupier of premises where the dog is ordinarily kept, but exclude persons controlling a dog under Parts 4 Divisions 2 or 3 (by-law 3(2)). Owners must register dogs (by-law 10), place identification devices (by-laws 12-13), comply with conditions of registration (by-law 22), keep dogs out of dog restriction areas (by-law 24), avoid dogs at large (by-law 26), and observe nuisance controls (by-law 31). Owners also face record-keeping duties: notify change of ownership or change of registered owner’s address within 14 days (by-law 44(1)-(2)).
Occupiers of premises keeping multiple or certain classes of dogs. Occupiers may need to obtain a premises licence where the number or class of dogs kept exceeds a Council-determined threshold (by-law 23). Applicants for licences must show written evidence of permission to keep dogs on the premises and, where Council requires it, evidence of completion of training courses or fenced premises according to Council determinations (by-law 14 and 15(3)).
Dog traders and veterinarians. A "dog-trader" is defined as someone trading dogs (by-law 3). Dog traders have a duty to provide sterilisation certificates upon sale when the animal has been sterilised, and to provide the certificate where required (by-law 34(3)). Veterinarians and their roles are referenced at key points: veterinarians must provide certificates upon sterilisation (Form 4), may advise the Registrar or pound manager about disease (by-law 42), and approval from a veterinarian or the Australian Veterinary Association may be required for certain destruction methods (by-law 43 and 41(5)(b)). Veterinarians keeping dogs for treatment are exempted from registration requirements (by-law 21(3)(e)).
Authorised persons and the Registrar. The Council appoints authorised persons, including a Registrar (by-law 6). Authorised persons may issue infringement notices (by-law 46(2)(c)), seize dogs (by-law 36), and exercise delegated administrative powers subject to Council resolution and conditions (by-law 8). The Registrar keeps the register (by-law 7), must make registration and licence decisions within 14 days (by-laws 11 and 15), and handles cancellation and variation of registrations and licences (by-laws 17-19).
The Council. Council itself is a primary decision-maker: it can determine fees and fee categories (by-law 10(3)), approve dog obedience courses and determine fencing requirements (by-law 11(4)-(5)), declare dog exercise or restriction areas with prior notice (by-law 20), set pound hours and fees (by-law 38(3) and by-law 40(2)), and publish its resolutions (by-law 9). These capacities mean the Council shapes local enforcement intensity and cost structures.
Persons hosting dog events. The Council can grant written exemptions to by-laws 25 and 26 for events such as dog races, trials, shows or obedience training, and for using dogs in stock driving on roads, with conditions if the Council thinks fit (by-law 45).
Third parties and the community. Members of the public are affected indirectly by nuisance provisions (by-law 31), by dog attacks and menacing rules (by-law 29), and by the Council’s local area decisions (by-law 20). The by-laws also allow the pound’s manager to require owners to pay for treatment costs for diseased dogs that risk infecting others (by-law 42(6)), shifting costs to owners in cross-infection scenarios.

Guide dogs receive explicit exemptions from several provisions (by-law 5), removing particular regulatory obligations for owners of guide dogs.

This section collates principal legal duties placed on individuals and the corresponding rights or procedural protections contained in the by-laws. Citations to specific by-laws are provided to link duties with their legal text.

Duties

Registration duty. Owners must register dogs kept within the Municipality (by-law 10 and offence in by-law 21(1)). Registration applications must use Form 1 and include the fee, evidence of permission to keep the dog on the premises, and any further information the Registrar requires (by-law 10(1)-(2)). Dogs fitted with a permanent implant receive a certificate instead of a dog-tag (by-laws 12-13).
Identification duty. Registered dogs must display a dog-tag unless fitted with an electronic implant (by-law 12). Removing another person’s identification device without reasonable cause is an offence (by-law 25(1)), and registered owners risk an offence if their dog is at large without an identification device unless particular defences apply (by-law 25(2)-(3)).
Licensing duty for premises. Occupiers keeping more dogs than Council allows without a licence must obtain a licence for the premises (by-law 23(1)-(2)). Licence applications require Form 3, fee payment and evidence that the owner or agent permits the dogs to be kept on the premises (by-law 14).
Control and nuisance duties. Owners must keep dogs under effective control (defined in by-law 3(4)) and must avoid offences such as dogs at large (by-law 26), attacking or menacing persons or animals (by-law 29), chasing vehicles (by-law 30), and causing nuisance, with a specified noise threshold and behavioural descriptions (by-law 31(1)-(2)).
Reporting and record duties. Timely notification of change of ownership or address is required within 14 days (by-law 44). Registration renewals must be applied for before expiry (by-law 16).
Pound and treatment obligations. Owners must pay maintenance and release fees determined by Council to obtain release of impounded dogs, and may be liable for treatment costs reasonably provided by the pound where a dog is diseased and risks infecting other dogs (by-law 40(1)-(2), 42(6)).

Rights, procedural protections and administrative mechanics

Timeframes and reasons for administrative decisions. The Registrar must determine registration and licence applications within 14 days (by-laws 11(1) and 15(1)). If the Registrar refuses or imposes conditions, the applicant must be served written reasons (by-law 11(6) and 15(4)). Cancellation initiated by the Registrar requires a show-cause notice and at least 14 days to respond, with a further 21 days before the cancellation takes effect (by-laws 18-19). These provisions create stages for administrative review and time to respond.
Defences to offences. The by-laws set out specific statutory defences. For unregistered dogs, a defence exists if the dog had not been usually kept in the Municipality for three consecutive months prior to the alleged offence (by-law 21(2)). For dogs kept in dog restriction areas, a defence exists where the dog was owned and usually kept in the area and properly registered at the time of the resolution creating the restriction (by-law 24(2)). For identification device offences, defences exist where removal was without the owner’s permission and the owner had insufficient opportunity to replace it, or removal was for a reasonable and continuing cause (by-law 25(3)). For attacks or menacing behaviour, an owner can rely on provocation by another person or that the attack occurred on the owner’s premises (by-law 29(3)).
Alternative to prosecution. A notice of infringement can be issued by an authorised person, and a person served may pay the fixed sum of $50 within 14 days in lieu of prosecution for the alleged offence (by-law 46). The fixed penalty scheme is a procedural right to avoid court time and higher penalties, subject to conditions in by-law 46.
Exemptions. Guide dogs are exempt from by-laws 22-26 (by-law 5). The Council may also grant written exemptions for events or particular purposes under by-law 45, subject to conditions.
Delegation and administrative practice. The Council may delegate powers to officers or employees, but only by resolution and in accordance with conditions the Council sets; when exercised by a delegate, the action is deemed an action by the Council (by-law 8). Council resolutions must be published in local newspapers within 21 days (by-law 9), creating transparency obligations for certain decisions.

These duties and rights structure owner behaviour through registration, identification, local licensing thresholds, control and nuisance rules, and a combination of administrative timeframes and liability rules that allocate costs for impoundment and treatment.

The by-laws specify monetary penalties for particular breaches, classify certain offences as regulatory offences, and set out enforcement measures including seizure, impounding, destruction and a fixed-infringement alternative.

Monetary penalties

Specified penalty levels. The by-laws set fixed fines for each offence. Examples include: unregistered dogs, $200 (by-law 21(1)); contravening conditions of registration or licence, $200 (by-law 22); premises without required licence, $200 (by-law 23(1)); keeping dogs in prohibited dog restriction areas, $200 (by-law 24(1)); removal of identification devices, $200 (by-law 25(1)); dogs at large, $200 (by-law 26); dogs attacking or menacing, $500 (by-law 29(1)); abandoning dogs, $500 (by-law 32); obstructing pound manager or removal from custody, $200 (by-law 33); sterilisation/certificate obligations, $200 (by-law 34); and false statements in required documents, $200 (by-law 35).
Fixed penalty alternative. By-law 46 sets an alternative to prosecution: a notice of infringement (Form 7) may be issued by an authorised person and the person may pay $50 within 14 days to avoid prosecution (by-law 46(1)-(2)). The fixed penalty amount is uniform under by-law 46(2)(a) and does not vary by the underlying by-law-specific penalty.

Regulatory offence classification

Some offences are explicitly labelled "regulatory offences". The by-laws so state for unregistered dogs (by-law 21(1A)) and for dogs attacking or menacing persons or animals (by-law 29(1A)). The label affects procedural handling under broader Territory law, but the by-laws themselves do not set out differing sentencing mechanics beyond this label.

Enforcement powers and procedural protections

Seizure and destruction. Authorised persons may seize apparently diseased, injured, savage, destructive or stray animals and animals at large (by-law 36(a)). Where an authorised person considers it necessary, they may destroy diseased, injured, savage, destructive, unclaimed or unwanted animals (by-law 36(b)). There is a later specification that the manager may destroy impounded dogs subject to time limits and veterinarian approval where required (by-law 41 and by-law 41(5)(b)).
Impounding and notice. Dogs seized must be delivered to the pound as soon as practicable (by-law 37). The pound manager must serve notice of impounding for registered dogs with identification devices as soon as possible (by-law 39(1)) and for dogs registered outside the Municipality where the manager can identify the owner (by-law 39(2)). Except in those cases, the manager is not required to give notice (by-law 39(3)). Form 5 and Form 6 set out the prescribed notice formats.
Release conditions and fees. Dogs are not to be released from the pound unless, subject to one exception, registered, released only to the owner or an authorised agent, and maintenance and release fees fixed by Council are paid (by-law 40(1)). The Council sets daily maintenance and release fees by resolution (by-law 40(2)). A specific exception applies where the dog had not been usually kept within the Municipality for three consecutive months prior to release (by-law 40(3)).
Timing and veterinarian involvement. Destruction of impounded dogs is subject to Council-determined holding periods before destruction (by-law 41(2)), except in some cases where notice periods for change of ownership apply. Diseased-dog handling requires isolation and written notice to the owner requiring either destruction or specified treatment; the manager may require veterinary reports on the diseased dog or other dogs at the premises (by-law 42(2)-(3)). The manager may destroy a dog if it is so diseased or injured that it is humane to do so or with a veterinarian’s approval (by-law 42(5)). Destruction must be done by a veterinarian or someone judged competent by the manager and in a manner approved by the Australian Veterinary Association (by-law 43).
Procedural steps for cancellation. The Registrar must provide a show-cause notice before cancelling or imposing conditions on a registration or licence (by-law 18(1)) and must provide at least 14 days before making a final decision (by-law 18(2)). Notices of cancellation take effect 21 days after service (by-law 19). Registrants may also request cancellation or variation (by-law 17).

Costs and debt recovery

Treatment costs. If the pound manager provides reasonable treatment to a diseased dog and any other dogs infected or at risk, the cost is a debt due by the owner to the Council (by-law 42(6)). The by-laws do not specify enforcement mechanisms for debt recovery beyond the debt-creation statement.

Risk allocation and discretion

Wide discretion to Council and authorised persons. Enforcement relies heavily on local discretion: the Council fixes fees, training requirements, fencing standards and local area designations by resolution (by-laws 10(3), 11(4)-(5), 20). Authorised persons determine whether seizure or destruction is necessary in their opinion (by-law 36(b)), and the pound manager decides on isolation, treatment, destruction and competence of persons destroying animals (by-laws 41-43). That discretion channels enforcement outcomes through administrative choices and resource allocation at the Council level.

In summary, enforcement is a mix of specified monetary penalties, a standard $50 fixed-penalty alternative to prosecution, authorised seizing and impounding powers, and Council-controlled procedural settings that shape how and when penalties and removals occur.

The by-laws reference and operate alongside Territory statutes and prior dog law instruments. The text itself incorporates cross-references and lines of legal interaction that practitioners should note.

Enabling Act. The by-laws are made under the Local Government Act 2019, as stated at the head of the instrument and on Forms in the Schedule. The Local Government Act establishes the local government framework that empowers councils to make by-laws and set fees, and governs procedures for publication and delegation that these by-laws invoke (for example by-law 9’s publication requirement and by-law 8’s delegation structure requires Council resolution).
Dog Act Repeal Act 1991. The by-laws explicitly incorporate the register referred to in section 5(d) of the Dog Act Repeal Act 1991 as part of the local register (by-law 7(2)). The by-laws also treat offences under the Repealed Act as relevant for refusal of registration where convictions within three years are assessed (by-law 11(2)(a)). That link preserves continuity with prior dog-regulatory records and uses past convictions under repealed law as a basis for current administrative decisions.
Veterinarians Act 1994 and professional standards. The definition of "veterinarian" references the Veterinarians Act 1994 (by-law 3). Veterinarian involvement is required or expressly contemplated in multiple provisions: certification of sterilisation (Form 4 and by-law 34), advice on diseased dogs (by-law 42), approval for destruction (by-law 41(5)(b)), and the requirement that destruction methods be approved by the Australian Veterinary Association (by-law 43(b)). These references embed professional standards into the local enforcement regime.
Local Court and infringement processes. The fixed penalty scheme under by-law 46 supplements but does not displace court processes. The instrument and endnotes indicate amendments relating to Local Court procedures (Endnotes, List of Legislation and Amending Legislation), and by-law 46 contemplates that paying the $50 fixed penalty avoids prosecution while non-payment allows proceedings to issue. Practitioners should be aware that procedural consequences and appeal pathways for regulatory offences may interact with territory-wide rules for regulatory offences and local court procedure.
Statute Law Revision and other amendments. The by-laws have been subject to formal revision and amendment by instruments such as the Statute Law Revision Act 2005, amendment instruments in 1995, and later Acts listed in the endnotes (e.g., Local Government Act 2019, Statute Law Revision Act 2020, Local Government Amendment Act 2021). These amendments may affect formal wording, headings and references, and practitioners should check current reprints (Endnotes 2-4 and List of Amendments).
Other Territory and national standards. The by-laws require destruction to be in a manner approved by the Australian Veterinary Association (by-law 43(b)). That embeds a national professional standard into an otherwise local instrument. The by-laws also refer to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (N.T.) Incorporated in an exemption context (by-law 21(3)(d)), indicating points of interaction with third-sector animal welfare entities.

Operational interactions and compliance implications

Where Council imposes requirements by resolution (fees, fencing standards, numbers per premises, approved training courses, dog restriction/exercise areas), those resolutions will be the primary interface between these by-laws and other governance layers. Practitioners should treat Council resolutions as quasi-legislative instruments needing publication as required by by-law 9.
The register requirement to include offences under the Repealed Act (by-law 7(1)(c) and (2)) means past conduct under prior law can affect current registration decisions, which is significant for applicants with prior local enforcement histories.
Administrative processes such as show-cause notices (by-law 18) and the 21-day effectiveness delay for cancellation notices (by-law 19) provide procedural breathing room that interacts with general administrative law principles on procedural fairness, though the by-laws themselves specify the timelines.

In short, the by-laws are embedded within an existing legal ecology: the Local Government Act 2019 for municipal lawmaking and publication/ delegation norms; the Dog Act Repeal Act for continuity of prior offence records; the Veterinarians Act and the Australian Veterinary Association standards for animal treatment and destruction; and local court and infringement regimes for procedural enforcement.

The by-laws document provides a record of legislative instruments and amendments that have affected the Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws since their original notification. Relevant items and dates in the instrument’s endnotes are as follows.

Original instrument. Tennant Creek (Control of Dogs) By-laws (SL No. 34, 1992) were notified and commenced on 15 July 1992.
Early amendment. Amendments were made by SL No. 1, 1995. The endnotes identify modifications to by-laws 3, 21 and 29 under No. 1, 1995 (Endnotes: List of Amendments). The by-laws themselves also note that some clauses were amended by 1995 instrument, although the reprint consolidates subsequent changes.
Statute Law Revision Act 2005. The Statute Law Revision Act 2005 (Act No. 44, 2005) effected amendments to the by-laws; the endnotes list Act No. 44, 2005 as an amending instrument affecting bl 1, 3, 7 and Schedule in a general or formal fashion (Endnotes 3 and 4). The endnotes explicitly reference amendments to by-laws 42-43 and the Schedule under the 2005 Act (Endnotes: List of Amendments).
Later legislative changes affecting context. Several Territory-wide Acts that affect the local government framework and related procedures are recorded in the endnotes: the Local Court (Related Amendments) Act 2016 (Act No. 8, 2016) (assent 6 April 2016; commenced 1 May 2016), the Local Government Act 2019 (Act No. 39, 2019) (assent 13 December 2019; commenced in remittance schedule 1 July 2021 for most provisions), and the Statute Law Revision Act 2020 and Local Government Amendment Act 2021 (Act No. 26, 2020 and Act No. 15, 2021). The endnotes identify these instruments and their assent/commencement dates (ENDNOTES section).
General editorial amendments. The reprint notes that general amendments of a formal nature were made by the Interpretation Legislation Amendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22 of 2018) to by-laws 1, 3, 7 and the Schedule (Endnotes 3). These are described as formal/technical rather than policy changes.
Specific reprint note. The Schedule and the by-laws list specific substantive amendment references: bl 3 amended No. 1, 1995 and bl 1; Act No. 44, 2005 s 23; bl 21 amended No. 1, 1995 and bl 2; Act No. 44, 2005 s 23; bl 29 amended No. 1, 1995, bl 3; bls 42-43 amended by Act No. 44, 2005 s 23; Schedule amended by Act No. 44, 2005 s 23; Act No. 8, 2016 s 45; Act No. 39, 2019 s 370 (Endnotes 4: List of Amendments).

Practical implications for practitioners

The by-laws have been subject to multiple rounds of formal revision and to reforms in the broader legal framework governing local government and the Local Court. When advising clients, check the consolidated, current reprint and any Council resolutions made under the by-laws, since Council resolutions materially affect fees, fencing standards, training requirements and dog area declarations.
The endnotes do not provide full textual histories for every clause, so a practitioner seeking to determine the state of a particular provision at a prior date should consult the archived versions of the by-laws and the amending instruments cited (1995 SL No. 1; Act No. 44 of 2005; and subsequent Acts listed).
The reprint identifies specific sections that were amended by various Acts. For definitive historical advice, practitioners should verify amendment texts and consider how changes in Local Court procedure or local government powers (e.g., under the Local Government Act 2019) affect enforcement practice and appeal options.

The by-laws themselves do not record or summarise litigation decisions. The printed instrument and its endnotes list amending statutes and formal editorial changes but contain no case law references, and the Schedule and forms do not include litigation annotations.

No cases named in the text. The by-laws mention no judicial decisions, no reported appeals or local court rulings, and identify no case law precedent. The only references are to statutes, bodies (e.g., the Australian Veterinary Association and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (N.T.)), and forms.
Implication for legal research. Absence of litigation history in the by-laws means that to assess contentious points,such as the scope of "effective control", the degree of discretion afforded to authorised persons in destroying animals (by-laws 36 and 41), the interpretation of nuisance thresholds (by-law 31(2)(b) regarding the 5 dBA above ambient standard), or the administrative law reviewability of Registrar decisions,practitioners must perform separate court and tribunal searches. Relevant databases would include Territory Local Court decisions, any Magistrates' Court decisions dealing with infringement notices under by-law 46, and administrative review decisions (if any) involving Council actions under the Local Government Act 2019 or judicial reviews in superior courts.
Regulatory offence consequences. Since certain offences are labelled regulatory offences (by-laws 21(1A), 29(1A)), litigation history may be split between Local Court regulatory proceedings and civil enforcement, depending on enforcement choices. The fixed-penalty scheme under by-law 46 also means many matters may resolve by payment rather than contested litigation, reducing the traceable litigation footprint in publicly reported decisions.
Recommended approach. For issues where precedent or judicial interpretation matters, the by-laws' silence requires targeted litigation searches across Northern Territory Local Court and higher courts for cases that reference the Tennant Creek by-laws or comparable local dog control instruments. Practitioners should also check whether Council practice notes, local policies or published minutes refer to enforcement patterns which may inform exercise of discretion in the absence of reported judicial guidance.

The by-laws contain several technical traps and compliance pitfalls that commonly generate disputes or surprises for owners, Council officers and advisers. These are matters to flag when advising clients or designing compliance programmes.

Registrar decision timelines and right to reasons. The Registrar has 14 days to determine registration and licence applications (by-laws 11(1) and 15(1)); refusals and conditionings must be accompanied by written reasons (by-laws 11(6), 15(4)). However, practitioners should note that a failure by the Registrar to issue a timely determination is not explicitly prescribed as an automatic approval in the by-laws. Do not assume an application that is not decided within 14 days is approved,seek written confirmation or consider administrative remedies.
Convictions by payment of infringement notices count. The by-laws treat payment of a sum under a notice of infringement as a conviction for the purposes of refusing registration under by-law 11(7). This means clients who pay the $50 fixed penalty may face administrative consequences later when applying for registration or licences,payments can be used against them within the three-year look-back in by-law 11(2). Advisers should weigh the immediate convenience of paying $50 versus longer-term licensing consequences.
Identification device nuances. Dogs fitted with permanent electronic implants do not receive a dog-tag; instead a certificate is issued (by-law 12 and by-law 13(2) with Form 2). Owners should keep the certificate and ensure it is produced on request. Removal of tags by third parties is an offence (by-law 25(1)), and owners whose dogs are found at large without identification may be prosecuted unless they can establish the narrow defences in by-law 25(3). Timely replacement of lost tags matters.
Effective control is narrowly defined. The by-laws specify three alternatives to being at large: a leash not longer than 2.5 metres held by a person aged at least 10 and competent to restrain the dog; enclosed in a vehicle; or in a dog exercise area subject to its conditions (by-law 3(4)). That middle category excludes, for example, an unleashed dog accompanying a person off their own premises outside a declared dog exercise area. Owners relying on non-specified means of control risk offence exposure.
Council discretion on fees, fencing and courses. Council resolutions can vary fees by sterilisation status, breed, area, fencing and pensioner status (by-law 10(3)), determine fencing requirements by reference to dog size and breed (by-law 11(5)), and approve obedience courses (by-law 11(4)). Because these are resolved by Council, owners must monitor Council resolutions for changing compliance obligations; what is sufficient fencing for one dog may not be for another if Council makes breed- or size-based distinctions.
Pound release prerequisites. Dogs will not be released from the pound unless registered (subject to the three-month exception in by-law 40(3)), released to the owner or a written agent, and maintenance and release fees are paid (by-law 40(1)). Visitors or temporary entrants whose dogs have not been usually kept in the Municipality for three months can be released without being registered (by-law 40(3)), but owners should not assume that this exception applies if the dog has been usually kept locally.
Notice and timing for cancellation and destruction. Cancellation of registration or licence initiated by the Registrar requires a show-cause notice with at least 14 days to reply and takes effect 21 days after service (by-laws 18-19). By contrast, destruction of impounded dogs is permitted by the manager after time periods set by Council, and the manager is not required to notify the owner except where the dog is registered with identifiable address details (by-law 39). Practitioners should be alert to the interaction between notice timeframes and the Council’s destruction timetable to protect owner rights.
Nuisance noise metric. By-law 31(2)(b) defines nuisance by reference to a noise level greater than 5 dBA above ambient "on that part of another property ordinarily used for domestic activities". Application of a 5 dBA metric requires measurement context; complainants and owners should document ambient levels and timing because enforcement may hinge on proving the numerical exceedance or consistent barking as per by-law 31(2)(c).
Dogs kept in dog restriction areas at the time of resolution. By-law 24(2) provides a defence for dogs that were owned and usually kept in the area at the time the dog restriction area resolution was made and, if required, were registered then. Owners who acquire dogs after a restriction is declared do not get grandfathering,timing of ownership matters.
Sterilisation marking and certificate obligations for veterinarians and dog traders. Persons sterilising dogs must tattoo the left ear in a Council-determined manner and provide certificates (by-law 34(1)); tattooing dogs that are not sterilised is an offence (34(2)). Dog-traders have to supply or withhold certificates appropriately depending on sterilisation status (34(3)). Advisers to veterinarians and traders should ensure procedures for tattoos and certificates are consistent with Council determinations.
Payments treated as an admission. Paying the $50 fixed penalty likely forecloses contest and counts against the registrant in later administrative decisions since it can be treated as a conviction; clients should be advised to consider contesting alleged contraventions where registration consequences are likely.

These "gotchas" illustrate frequent points of clash between owner assumptions and the by-laws’ technical drafting, and they identify where documentation, timing and awareness of Council resolutions are commercially and legally important.

This section gives a practical checklist and steps for owners, occupiers and advisers to secure compliance with the by-laws and to manage administrative interactions with the Council and the Registrar. Each step cites the relevant by-law.

Register dogs kept in the Municipality (by-law 10 and 21)
- Complete Form 1 for initial registration or renewal (Schedule, Form 1).
- Provide the application fee determined by Council and written evidence of permission to keep the dog where it is ordinarily kept (by-law 10(2)(a)-(b)).
- If Council resolution requires a photograph, include it (by-law 10(4)).
- If the dog is microchipped (permanent electronic subcutaneous implant), ensure you secure the certificate issued under Form 2 and keep it accessible (by-law 13(2) and Form 2).
Maintain identification (by-laws 12 and 25)
- Ensure registered dogs wear the dog-tag issued by the Registrar unless fitted with an approved implant (by-law 12).
- Replace lost tags promptly to avoid prosecutions under by-law 25(2); if tags are removed without permission, document the circumstances to rely on the defences in by-law 25(3).
Keep dogs under effective control (by-law 3(4), by-law 26)
- Use a restraining device not longer than 2.5 metres and ensure the handler is aged at least 10 and competent (by-law 3(4)(a)).
- Use vehicle enclosure or designated dog exercise areas where appropriate (by-law 3(4)(b)-(c)).
- Avoid behaviour that could be prosecuted as "menacing" or "attack" and ensure dogs do not chase vehicles (by-laws 29 and 30).
Check Council resolutions on fees, fencing and licences (by-laws 10(3), 11(5), 15(2)-(3), 23(2))
- Find and review Council resolutions on fee scales (e.g., reduced fees for sterilised dogs, pensioners), fencing standards, approved obedience or training courses, and the number/classes of dogs permitted without a licence.
- If you keep multiple dogs or certain breeds, confirm whether your premises require a licence and apply using Form 3, providing evidence that the owner or agent permits the dogs to be kept (by-law 14(2)).
Observe dog exercise and restriction areas (by-law 20)
- Check Council publications and newspapers for notices of declared dog exercise or dog restriction areas and any conditions applicable to those areas (by-law 20(1)-(3)).
- If you rely on an exemption (e.g., guide dog or Council exemption for an event), retain the Council’s written exemption for proof (by-law 5 and by-law 45).
Prevent nuisances and manage noise (by-law 31)
- Monitor barking patterns and take measures to prevent persistent noise exceeding 5 dBA above ambient on neighbouring domestic-use parts of other properties (by-law 31(2)(b)).
- Promptly remove and dispose of faeces when animals use public roads with curbs and gutters, and retain evidence of compliance if challenged (by-law 31(3)).
Manage change of ownership and address notifications (by-law 44)
- Notify the Registrar within 14 days of change of ownership of a registered dog or change of the registered owner’s address using the details required in by-law 44(1)-(2).
- Keep records of postal addresses and dates of notification to avoid $50 penalties.
Respond promptly to notices and show-cause processes (by-laws 17-19, 39-42)
- If you receive a show-cause notice under by-law 18, prepare a response within 14 days and ensure you keep records of service dates since cancellations take effect 21 days after service (by-law 19).
- If a dog is impounded and you receive a Form 5 or Form 6 notice, act quickly to collect the dog within the timeframes and pay fees; consider whether the three-month exception for out-of-area animals applies (by-law 40(3)).
- If your dog is suspected to be diseased under by-law 42, cooperate with veterinary assessments and treatment plans and be prepared to pay reasonable treatment costs levied by the pound (by-law 42(2), (3) and (6)).
Avoid paying fixed penalties automatically where longer-term consequences exist (by-law 46)
- Before paying a $50 fixed penalty, evaluate whether payment may be used as a conviction for future registration refusals (by-law 11(7)). If registration or licence prospects are at stake, consult legal advice about contesting the notice rather than paying.
Maintain veterinarian and trader compliance (by-law 34)
- Veterinarians and dog traders must comply with sterilisation tattooing and certificate requirements when sterilising dogs or on sale of sterilised animals (by-law 34 and Form 4).
- Keep copies of certificates and records of tattooing for proof.
Keep documentation and receipts
- Maintain digital and paper copies of registration certificates, dog-tag numbers, implant certificates, invoices/receipts for fees and veterinary treatments, Council resolutions affecting fees or fencing, and correspondence with the Registrar or pound manager. Given that the Registrar may keep the register on computer, microfilm or paper (by-law 7(3)), produceable evidence will be important in disputes.
Engage with Council processes
- Monitor local newspapers for publication of Council resolutions as required by by-law 9, which include changes to fees, dog areas and other local rules.
- Where Council approval is required (e.g., for exemptions under by-law 45 or for variances to fencing standards), obtain formal written approvals to avoid ambiguity.

Practical checklist for advisers drafting compliance policies for residents or businesses

Map each dog to its registration status and documentation.
Audit premises against Council-determined fencing or facility standards before applying for licences.
Track Council meeting minutes and local newspaper publications for new resolutions affecting the by-laws.
Implement standard operating procedures for lost tags or implant evidence, including immediate replacement and incident logs.
Maintain a decision log for any show-cause or cancellation notices, including dates of service and responses.
Keep a risk register for potential dog-nuisance incidents, with mitigation steps and escalation contacts for veterinary and Council liaison.

Following the by-law text closely and maintaining contemporaneous documentary records materially reduces enforcement risk. When in doubt about Council determinations (e.g., fencing criteria, fee categories, declared dog restriction areas), request the Council’s written resolution and seek clarification from the Registrar before incurring expenses or taking actions that could create liability.

TENNANT CREEK (CONTROL OF DOGS) BY-LAWS 1992

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TENNANT CREEK (CONTROL OF DOGS) BY-LAWS 1992

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Source text: opening excerpt

1 TENNANT CREEK (CONTROL OF DOGS) BY-LAWS 1992

Main concepts

Who it affects

Key duties and rights

Penalties and enforcement

How it interacts with other laws

Amendment history

Litigation history

Gotchas

How to comply