It’s the responsibility of a pet owner to ensure their animal is contained to their property, behaves in an acceptable manner and does not cause a nuisance to neighbouring properties.

Council is committed to delivering effective animal management throughout the Municipality to create a harmonious community for pet owners and non-pet owners.

Council's Animal By-Laws set out what is acceptable and what is not.

Council enforces these By-Laws. The aim is always to avoid issues with pets in our community. Where necessary infringement notices (fines) are issued.

Containment of a Cat - Casuarina Coastal Reserve and Lee Point 

City of Darwin recognises the significant biodiversity within the Casuarina Coastal Reserve and Lee Point area. In order to preserve native wildlife and the environmental value of this location, City of Darwin has determined that cat containment for the proposed new Darwin suburbs Muirhead North and Lee Point, to be developed along Lee Point Road, will require that:

• cats must be kept indoors or in an outdoor enclosure such as a cat run, or 
• under effective control, on a leash, at all times if outside.

Do you understand what dog or cat behaviour is considered an offence?

Dog and cat offences

Dog attacks are a clear example of behaviour that is considered an offence by council. Every week in Darwin there are several reported dog attacks. Below is a list of all the dog and cat offences in Darwin with some notes on why this behaviour is a fineable offence.

Did you know that if a dog menaces or rushes at a person or animal this is considered a lower level dog attack and can result in an infringement? 

Remove identification device - Penalty $185

By-Law 44 (1), a person, other than the owner, must not remove a dog’s identification device.

No licence to keep dogs are required - Penalty $185

By-Law 49 (4), an owner must not keep more than four (4) animals per property, two dogs and or two cats, or with the approval of a licence three of the same species.

Council will only consider new licence applications where:

The number of dogs at the relevant residential premises does not exceed three (3) The number of cats at the relevant residential premises does not exceed three (3) The total number of animals (dogs and cats) at the relevant residential premises does not exceed four (4).

List of infringements for dog offences 2024/2025

Unregistered dog or cat - Penalty $370

By-Law 42 A person commits an offence if the person keeps an unregistered dog or cat in Darwin for a period of 3 months or longer.

Fail to contain dog - Penalty $370

By-Law 47 A person commits an offence if the person is the owner of a dog or cat and the dog or cat is not properly contained when it is on the premises where it is kept.

Fail to comply with conditions of registration - Penalty $185

By-Law 45 A person commits an offence if the person is the owner of a registered dog or cat, and the registration of the dog or cat is subject to a condition and the owner fails to comply with the condition.

Dog Menace - Penalty $555

By-Law 55 The owner of a dog must ensure that it does not menace a person or another animal. Menace a person or animal means if it chases, harasses, rushes at or threatens to bite the person or animal in a manner that causes a reasonable apprehension of fear in the person or animal. The owner of a dog commits an offence if the owner fails to comply with clause (1)

Dog attack - Penalty $925

By-Law 56 The owner of a dog must ensure it does not behave aggressively resulting in physical contact with a person or another animal or damage to anything worn by the person or the animals.

Serious Dog Attack - Penalty $1295

By-Law 56 and 57 The owner of a dog must ensure that it does not bite a person, or another animal causing a puncture or break to the skin or assault a person or another animal resulting in bleeding, bone breakage, sprains, scratches or bruising.

Dog Attack Aggravated - Penalty $1665

By-Law 56 and 57 The bite or assault causes or results in a substantial injury to, or death of, the person or the other animal.

Offences related to areas - Penalty $370

By-Law 54 (1) a person commits an offence if the person owns a dog and fails to comply with the conditions for a dog exercise area or a dog restricted area under By-Law 51. 

By-Law 54 (2) a person commits an offence if the person owns a dangerous dog and the dog enters a dog exercise area.

Fail to respond to notice of impoundment - Penalty $370

By-Law 67 (3) a person commits an offence if the person owns a dog or cat and receives a notice under clause (1)(a) that the owner must collect it and fails to collect the dog or cat within the time specified in the notice.

Abandoning animal – Penalty $370

By-Law 77 a person commits an offence if the person intentionally abandons an animal in Darwin.

Animal causes nuisance - Penalty $555

By-Law 78 (1) the owner of an animal must ensure that the animal is not a nuisance to people or other animals.

For these By-Laws, an animal is taken to be a nuisance if it

• is injurious or dangerous to the health of the community or another person or animal; or
• behaves repeatedly in a manner contrary to the general interest of the community or specific interest of another person; or
• creates a noise or an odour to a degree or extent that disturbs the reasonable mental, physical or social well-being of a person other than its owner; or
• defecates to a degree or extent that cases annoyance of a person other than its owner.

Examples for clause (c) include

1. constant or loud dog barking, cat caterwauling, rooster crowing or bird squawking, especially when pedestrians walk past the premises
2. noxious smelling coops or cages used for keeping poultry.

Dog Defecating in Public – Penalty $555

By- Laws 78 (3) the owner of an animal that defecates in public must immediately remove the faeces and dispose of them in a sanitary manner.

Dog chases vehicle - Penalty $555

By-Law 78 (4) the owner of an animal must ensure it does not aggressively chase a person or vehicle or another animal.

By-Law 78 (5) the owner of an animal (other than an assistance animal) must not allow the animal to come within 10 m of the following;

• a public structure
• a public exercise structure
• a public BBQ.

By-Law 78 (6) A person must not bring an animal into a pedestrian mall unless;

• the animal is an assistance animal or
• the person holds an authorisation to do so or
• the animal is allowed under an exception determined by the City, by resolution.

By-Law 78 (7) a person must not feed wild or feral animals.

By-Law 78 (8) A person commits an offence if the person fails to comply with clause (1), (3), (4), (5), (6) or (7).

Enticement or incitement - Penalty $185

By-Law 59 (1) a person must not entice or incite a dog to;

• menace a person or animal; or
• engage in behaviour that is prohibited by By-Law 78; or
• attack a person or animal.

Examples include a person must not cause a neighbour’s dog to start barking excessively in order to make a complaint about the neighbour’s dog.

By-Law 59 (2) a person commits an offence if: 

• the person intentionally engages in conduct; and
• the conduct causes a dog to;
  • menace a person or animal; or
  • engage in behaviour that is prohibited by By-Law 78; or
  • attack a person or animal.
• the person is reckless in relation to that result.

Keeping dogs and cats under effective control - Penalty $185

By-Law 48 (1) the owner of a dog or cat must ensure that the dog or cat is under effective control when outside the premises where the animal is kept.  If a dog or cat is not under effective control, then pursuant to By-Law 48 (4) a person commits an offence.

(2) A dog or cat is taken to be under effective control if the dog or cat is:

• restrained by a leash or similar device that:
  • is no longer than 2m; and
  • is held by a person who is over the age of 12 years and competent to restrain the dog or cat; or
• is safely enclosed in a vehicle, or in the back of a flat topped, tray-backed or well-bodied vehicle, in such a manner that no part of the dog or cat is projecting from the vehicle; or 
• otherwise, retained and unable to run free.

(3) A dog in a dog exercise area is taken to be under effective control if;

• the dog is complying with the conditions specified for the area; and
• the dog is immediately responsive to a voice command of its owner; and
• the dog is not a female dog in oestrus; and
• the owner is carrying a leash or similar device in accordance with clause (2)(a)

Offences related to identification device - Penalty $185

By-Law 44 the owner of a registered dog or cat must not allow it to be outside the premises where it is kept without wearing the tag issued for it or remove from it any microchip implanted under By-Law 43.

Maximum number of dogs and cats – Penalty $185

By-Law 49 an occupier of premises commits an offence if:

• the City, by resolution, establishes a limit or condition on the maximum number of dogs or cats that may be kept on the premises; and
• the occupier keeps dogs or cats on the premises contrary to the limit or condition; and
• the occupier does not have an authorisation allowing that conduct.

A person is required to have a licence where;

The number of dogs at the relevant residential premises does not exceed three (3), the number of cats at the relevant residential premises does not exceed three (3), the total number of animals (dogs and cats) at the relevant residential premises does not exceed four (4).

Keeping more than two cats or dogs? Visit

Fail to notify change of address - Penalty $185

By-Law 46 a person commits an offence if the person is the owner of a registered dog or cat and the person fails to comply with clause (1) or (2)

Offences related to dangerous dog - Penalty $1665

By-Law 63 a person commits an offence if the person is the owner of a dog that is declared to be a dangerous dog and fails to comply with By-Law 61 or 62.

By-Law 61 duties of owner of dangerous dog.

1. This By-Law applies to the owner of a dog that is declared to be a dangerous dog.
2. The owner must, within 14 days after the day the declaration takes effect:
   • desex the dangerous dog, unless it is already desexed, at the owner's expense; and
   • provide, to an authorised person, evidence from a veterinarian that the dog is desex; and
   • undergo behavioural or other training with the dog, as specified by the CEO at the owners expense.
3. The owner must ensure that the containment required under By-Law 47 (1) is appropriate to the danger posed by the dangerous dog. Examples for clause 3 include installing higher and stronger fencing for a large dangerous dog.
4. The owner must post signage on the premises where the dangerous dog is kept, with the words “Warning Dangerous Dog” clearly visible and legible from the front boundary of the premises.
5. When the dangerous dog is outside the premises where it is kept the owner must ensure that:
   • the dog is kept under the effective control of a person who is at least 18 years of age and competent to restrain the dog; and
   • the dog is muzzled and controlled by a suitable leash; and
   • the dog does not enter a dog exercise area.
6. If the owner intends to keep the dangerous dog for more than 14 days at a place other than the premises where it is usually kept, the owner must notify the city of the address of the place within 24 hours after the dog is relocated.
7. The owner must notify the City of any attack, or alleged attack, by the dangerous dog of a person or animal within 24 hours of the time the owner becomes aware of the attack or alleged attack.

By-Law 62 Notice about loss or transfer of dangerous dog

1. The owner of a dangerous dog must notify the City if the dog is missing or dies.
2. The notice must be given:
   • within 24 hours after the owner becomes aware the dog is missing; or
   • within 14 days after the day of its death.
3. If the owner of a dangerous dog intends to transfer ownership of the dangerous dog, the owner must inform the prospective owner that the dog is dangerous.
4. In the case of the transfer of a dangerous dog, the notice to the City under by-law 46 must be given within 24 hours after the transfer.

Diseased dog or cat - Penalty $555

By-Law 69 (7) an owner of a dog or cat commits an offence if the owner fails to comply with clause (4) or fails to comply with a condition imposed under clause (5)

List of infringements for cat offences 2024/2025

Unregistered dog or cat - Penalty $370

By-Law 42 a person commits an offence if the person keeps an unregistered dog or cat in Darwin for a period of 3 months or longer.

Offences related to identification device - Penalty $185

By-Law 44 the owner of a registered dog or cat must not allow it to be outside the premises where it is kept without wearing the tag issued for it or remove from it any microchip implanted under By-Law 43.

Fail to comply with conditions of registration - Penalty $185

By-Law 45 a person commits an offence if the person is the owner of a registered dog or cat and the registration of the dog or cat is subject to a condition and the owner fails to comply with the condition.

Fail to notify change of address - Penalty $185

By-Law 46 a person commits an offence if the person is the owner of a registered dog or cat and the person fails to comply with clause (1) or (2).

Fail to contain cat - Penalty $370

By-Law 47 a person commits an offence if the person is the owner of a dog or cat and the dog or cat is not properly contained when it is on the premises where it is kept.

Keeping dogs and cats under effective control - Penalty $185

By-Law 48 (1) the owner of a dog or cat must ensure that the dog or cat is under effective control when outside the premises where the animal is kept. If a dog or cat is not under effective control, then pursuant to By-Law 48 (4) a person commits an offence.

(2) A dog or cat is taken to be under effective control if the dog or cat is:

• restrained by a leash or similar device that:
  • III. is no longer than 2m; and
  • IV. is held by a person who is over the age of 12 years and competent to restrain the dog or cat; or
• is safely enclosed in a vehicle, or in the back of a flat topped, tray-backed or well-bodied vehicle, in such a manner that no part of the dog or cat is projecting from the vehicle; or
• otherwise, retained and unable to run free.

Maximum number of dogs and cats - Penalty $185

By-Law 49 an occupier of premises commits an offence if:

• the City, by resolution, establishes a limit or condition on the maximum number of dogs or cats that may be kept on the premises; and
• the occupier keeps dogs or cats on the premises contrary to the limit or condition; and
• the occupier does not have an authorisation allowing that conduct.

A person is required to have a licence where;

The number of dogs at the relevant residential premises does not exceed three (3), the number of cats at the relevant residential premises does not exceed three (3), the total number of animals (dogs and cats) at the relevant residential premises does not exceed four (4).

Keeping more than two cats or dogs? Visit.

Offences related to areas - Penalty $370

By-Law 54 (3) and 54 (4) A person commits an offence if the person owns a cat and fails to comply with the conditions for a cat restricted area under By-Law 51.

By-Law 54 (4) $352.00 a person commits an offence if the person owns a cat and the cat is in a special cat control area under By-Law 52 and the person fails to keep the cat inside a building, enclosed cat run or other structure on the premises from which the cat is unable to escape.

Fail to respond to notice of impoundment - Penalty $370

By-Law 67 (3) a person commits an offence if the person:

• owns a dog or cat and receives a notice under clause (1)(a) that the owner must collect it; and
• fails to collect the dog or cat within the time specified in the notice.

Abandoning animal - Penalty $370

By-Law 77 A person commits an offence if the person intentionally abandons an animal in Darwin.

Animal causing nuisance - Penalty $555

By-Law 78 (1) the owner of an animal must ensure that the animal is not a nuisance to people or other animals.

For these By-Laws, an animal is taken to be a nuisance if it

• is injurious or dangerous to the health of the community or another person or animal; or
• behaves repeatedly in a manner contrary to the general interest of the community or specific interest of another person; or
• creates a noise or an odour to a degree or extent that disturbs the reasonable mental, physical or social well-being of a person other than its owner; or
• defecates to a degree or extent that cases annoyance of a person other than its owner.

Examples for clause (c) include

1. constant or loud dog barking, cat caterwauling, rooster crowing or bird squawking, especially when pedestrians walk past the premises.
2. noxious smelling coops or cages used for keeping poultry.

By-Law 78(5) the owner of an animal (other than an assistance animal) must not allow the animal to come within 10 m of the following;

• a public structure
• a public exercise structure
• a public BBQ

By-Law 78(6) A person must not bring an animal into a pedestrian mall unless;

• the animal is an assistance animal; or
• the person holds an authorisation to do so or;
• the animal is allowed under an exception determined by the City, by resolution

By-Law 78 (7) a person must not feed wild or feral animals.

By-Law 78 (8) a person commits an offence if the person fails to comply with clause (1), (3), (4), (5), (6) or (7).

Diseased dog or cat - Penalty $555

By-Law 69 (7) an owner of a dog or cat commits an offence if the owner fails to comply with clause (4) or fails to comply with a condition imposed under clause (5).

List of infringements for livestock and other animal offences 2024/2025

Offences related to livestock and prohibited animals - Penalty $370

By-Law 75 (1) A person commits an offence if the person keeps an animal in contravention of By-Law 73 or 74.

By-Law 74

1. Livestock are prohibited from being kept in Darwin except where allowed under this By-Law.
2. honeybees may be kept anywhere in Darwin
3. horses may be kept in Darwin only on the following land
   • (a) land owned as RL - Rural Living;
   • (b) land zoned as OR - Organised Recreation
4. Chickens and roosters may be kept in Darwin only if:
   • (a) they kept only on;
     • (i) land zoned as RL – Rural Living; or
     • (ii) land used or developed for a single dwelling on a lot greater than 600m2; or
     • (iii) land used or developed for a community garden or a school; and
   • (b) they are properly contained on the premises; and
   • (c) commencing on 2 October 2024 -  they are limited to no more than 20 chickens and 2 Roosters on the same premises.
5. Any livestock, other than honey bees, horses and chickens, may be kept in Darwin only on land zoned as RL – Rural Living.
6. In this By-Law: zoned means by the planning scheme under the planning act 1999.

The livestock Act 2008 provides for other measures for livestock in Darwin.

Premises with livestock must be registered with the Northern Territory Government and obtain a property identification code (PIC), which identifies the property where livestock are kept.

The Planning Scheme also provides rules on animal boarding, intensive animal husbandry and commercial stables.

Injuring or killing animal on public land - Penalty $370

By-Law 76 (2) A person commits an offence if the person intentionally engages in conduct and the conduct results, or is likely to result, in injury or death to an animal on public land and the person is reckless in relation to that result.