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UNDERSTANDING RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY
Shellharbour City Council is excited to launch a new campaign about understanding responsible dog ownership in the community. This comprehensive campaign is aimed at educating dog owners on essential issues such as microchipping and registration, leash laws, waste management, noise control, aggressive behaviour, and pet health and safety.
With the peak summer season approaching, and as more residents and their dogs enjoy outdoor spaces, it’s important for everyone to understand the responsibilities that come with dog ownership. This education campaign will highlight the importance of adhering to local laws and ensuring that public spaces remain safe, clean, and welcoming for all residents and visitors.
In addition to the education campaign, City Regulation Officers, alongside local police, will be ramping up enforcement efforts as part of a joint initiative to monitor compliance with dog-related laws.
Image: Shellharbour City Council Regulation and Compliance team and Lake Illawarra Police Officers.
The focus will be on microchipping and registration, leash law violations, aggressive dog behaviour, and proper waste management in public spaces. This enforcement push will help ensure that all residents, both dog owners and non-dog owners, can enjoy our parks and recreational areas safely.
Meet the team, learn more and get your dog microchipped for free! To expand on this education campaign and further engage with the community, Council’s City Regulation Team will be hosting a stall at the upcoming Markets at the Marina at Shell Cove this Sunday 27 October.
City Regulation Officers will be on site from 10am – 3pm with education materials, free giveaways and will be offering free microchipping to dogs who reside in the Shellharbour Local Government Area. Staff will also have the capability to check your dog’s microchip details on the spot and make sure they’re up to date.
Plus, for anyone looking to adopt a furry friend, we will have a selection of dogs there on the day who are currently available for adoption through Council’s pet rehoming service.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said that responsible dog ownership is vital for the health and safety of all community members.
“We love seeing our community enjoy time with their pets, but it's important to ensure that our parks, beaches, and public spaces remain safe and clean for everyone,” he said.
“This campaign will serve as an educational tool while enforcement measures are stepped up to protect our community as we head into the busy summer season.”
Image: Shellharbour City Council Mayor Chris Homer and Donny the Australian Shepherd
As the warmer weather approaches, increased patrols will take place in key public spaces, with City Regulation Officers and local police working together to monitor compliance. Dog owners found to be in violation of leash laws, failing to clean up after their pets, or allowing aggressive behaviour could face fines and other penalties.
We encourage all dog owners to be proactive and ensure they understand their responsibilities. Visit the Shellharbour City Council website for more details on the campaign, upcoming events, and resources on responsible dog ownership.