Did you know that if you have more than 2 companion dogs over 6 months of age, under the Dog Control Act 2000, you are required to obtain a kennel licence from your local Council?  So, if you are thinking of getting a third dog ensure that you have the licence first.

• You will need to check with your Council for annual kennel licence charges and fill in the correct form.

• You will need to advertise in your local paper that you have applied for a licence.

• Be aware that anyone living or owning land within 200 metres of your boundary can object within 14 days of the publication of the notice.

• You will need to demonstrate that you can ensure:

adequate provisions for the health, welfare, and adequate control of all dogs on the premises are provided or are likely to be provided; and

nuisance to any other persons is unlikely to occur; and

requirements under laws relating to public health and environmental protection are likely to be satisfied.

(Dog Control Act 2000 Section 55)

After 28 days following the publication of the notice the Council’s General Manager will then consider your application and any objections.

If you are granted a licence, it will be for a period of one year and there will be limits on the number and breed of dogs you can keep.

The council is within its right to cancel a licence in certain circumstances, including if you fail to care for your dogs appropriately or if your dogs are being a nuisance, for example by escaping from the property or barking excessively.

If you are refused a licence or have one cancelled, you do have the right to appeal to the Magistrates Court (Administrative Appeals Division).

All the above takes financial commitment and time.  Costs vary amongst Councils from $240 to $83 for lodgement of an application.  Annual renewal fees vary from $80 – $39, and the cost of advertising can be in excess of $150.  Some Councils have slightly different interpretations of the Act and appear reticent to give licences in built up areas.

We will not adopt a dog to a household with two dogs unless you already have a licence.