Pets & Animals

Since 1998 all dogs in NSW over the age of six (6) months must be microchipped and registered with a lifetime registration under the Companion Animal Act.

You must have your dog microchipped (vets and animal welfare services offer this service) in order to obtain a lifetime registration. If your dog is already microchipped, your dog can be registered once you provide proof of microchipping.

To provide proof of microchipping you will need to either

• Show the certificate provided when your dog was microchipped, or
• Obtain a signed statement with the animal’s microchip number from an authorised person such as a vet or animal welfare organisation representative.

You may also be asked to provide proof of desexing if that is applicable.

Life Time Registration Fees are:

Assistance Animals require microchipping and registering but registration is free of charge.

Working dogs and Greyhounds registered with the Greyhound Racing Authority Act 1985 do not require microchipping or registration but it is recommended for the protection and safety of the dog.

Payment of Registration Fees

Payment of dog registrations can be made at Council's Office in Berrigan or the Tocumwal and Finley Libraries.

Penalties of up to $220 apply if you do not microchip and register your dog for life in the Berrigan Shire.

Further information about dog microchipping and lifetime registration is available from the Council’s staff on (03) 5888 5100 or from the Ranger Scott Ansell on 0407 503 541

Your responsibilities as a pet owner

To assist Council with managing dogs within the Shire and returning them promptly if they become lost, please advise Council staff immediately if you:

• Change address and/or telephone numbers
• Change ownership of the dog
• If your dog is missing for more than 72 hours
• If your dog dies

Dogs that are not cared for properly cause problems in the community and you may be fined or receive a visit from council staff. For the safety and security of all in the community please do not allow your dog to

• bark continuously
• wander the streets unattended
• defecate in public place
• harass pedestrians
• become a nuisance to others

Dog Owners

• Puppies and dogs sold or given away from 1 July 1999, must be microchipped and registered for life
• All other dogs (except farm working dogs and greyhounds) must be microchipped and registered for life

Cat Owners

• Kittens and cats sold or given away from 1 July 1999 must be microchipped and registered for life
• Older cats need to be identified, either through microchipping or by collar and tag

Companion Animals Act 1998

The NSW Government introduced legislation called the Companion Animals Act 1998. It introduced new registration and identification requirements for cats and dogs and brings in tough new controls on dangerous dogs. More details are available on the DLG website here.