Councils help to ensure responsible pet ownership, and also manage nuisance and pest animals on public land. Local laws officers respond to a range of animal and pet concerns including collection of stray animals and investigation of complaints about animals.

Services provided by councils include:

• Pet ownership: pet registration, off-lead areas and disposal bags, permits for keeping animals, micro chipping days
• Animal shelters: pet adoption and reuniting lost pets with owners
• Livestock permits
• Control of pests and nuisance animals
• Registering and monitoring of pet breeding businesses
• Investigation of barking dogs, dog attacks and other animal complaints.

Responsible pet ownership with Hobsons Bay from MAV on Vimeo.

Learn more about

• Council animal management responsibilities
• Animal Welfare Victoria
• What to do if you have a barking dog complaint.