Under the Dog Control Act 2000, an authorised council officer (usually the animal management officer) of the council can apprehend and impound your dog if it is found at large outside your property.
If the dog is wearing a registration disc the General Manager has to let you know in writing that your dog has been impounded and tell you that the dog can be reclaimed. If, following five working days after the owner has received the notice, the dog has not been reclaimed, the General Manager may sell, destroy or otherwise dispose of the dog.
If the dog isn't wearing a registration disc and the owner is unidentifiable, the General Manager has to make reasonable inquiries to identify the rightful owner. If unsuccessful in locating the owner, he/she is authorised after not less than 3 working days to sell, destroy or otherwise dispose of the dog.
Under the Dog Control Act 2000, if your dog has been seized and impounded, you will be given 5 working days after having received the notice of impoundment to pay:
- any fees due in relation to the dog's seizure and detention
- any other fees or charges that are applicable under the Act
- the appropriate registration fee if the dog isn't already registered.
After payment of these fees the dog(s) will be released to the owner.
