Animal Management Plan

Effective the 1st July 2008 The Darwin City Council’s 'Animal Management Plan’ regulates dogs and cats in Darwin.

Pets are an important part of Darwin’s lifestyle and are more often than not loved members of our family. They bring many benefits to us as owners and can dramatically improve our quality of life. However owning a pet is also a large responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Managing pets within Darwin is complex.

In approaching this task, Council has to consider many aspects:
• the rights and welfare of pets;
• the rights of the owner to enjoy their pet;
• the owner’s responsibilities; and
• the rights of other members of our community.

With such a high rate of pet ownership in Darwin, particularly of dogs and cats, Council has a complex challenge to balance the rights of pet owners with the need to provide a safe, amenable environment for the community.

Unfortunately complaints involving dogs and cats have been consistently high for some years and to address this issue, Council has reviewed its By-Laws. To back that up, we have developed a comprehensive Animal Management Plan to act as a practical guide outlining how Council manages our pets, principally our dogs and cats, within Darwin.

The Animal Management Plan is designed not only to help animal owners to clearly understand their responsibilities but for members of the public to understand Council’s role and the processes it must follow.

Household pets, usually dogs and cats, are part of the family in many Darwin homes. They are wonderful companions and loved members of the family. The health and social benefits of having pets are widely recognised. Most pet owners are usually healthy, happy and independent, more active, enjoy affection and unconditional love, feel more secure, do not feel lonely and suffer less from depression and stress.

Children who grow up with pets have higher self esteem and improved social skills with a good understanding of discipline and responsibility. Children learn how to share their time and companionship with a pet that is reliant on them and are more likely to be responsible pet owners of the future.

In Darwin there are a large number of households with pets, particularly dogs and cats. In fact, in 2007 there were approximately 8,695 registered dogs. The number of cats is unknown as registration has not been a requirement.

With such a high rate of pet ownership, we need to treat our pets with respect and take responsibility for them. They depend on us for food and shelter and they are family, not property.

You are responsible for a pet for its entire life span. You need time every day to devote to their care and well being. Pets cost money for a variety of reasons such as their food, health care, supplies, registration, training and in the case of dogs, obedience lessons.

Darwin City Council wants residents to enjoy their pets and be responsible pet owners who are considerate to others in our community who do not have pets. Managing pets is a complex issue. We want to balance your right to own a pet with the community’s need for safety, amenity, peace and quiet.

Please read the Animal Management Plan, a guide to the Darwin City Council By-Laws.

Animal Management Plan