Lost and Found
What to do if you find a lost dog or cat
If you can't contact the owner, you should arrange for the animal to be taken to the council pound or a veterinary practice, so the animal can be scanned for a microchip to find out who the owner is. In many cases, we are the first place concerned pet owners will try if they have lost a pet.
Posting on local community social media pages can also help in finding the animal's owner.
If you notify us that you have a stray animal secured on your property, an officer will come and collect the animal and take it to the pound.
What to do if you have lost a dog or cat
If you have lost your pet, contact us as soon as possible. If the pet is impounded and we have your contact details we will be able to notify you. We provide shelter for stray animals for up to 14 days if the owner can be identified. If the owner can't be found, they are kept for up to 7 days. After this period, we will try to re-home the pet through a pet rescue service. If this is not possible, the animal may be euthanised
Local community social media pages can also be very effective.
Seized dogs and cats
If your dog is in a public place and not in a designated off-leash area, it must be under the effective control of a competent person by an adequate chain, cord or leash that is attached to the dog and that is being held (or secured to) the person. If the owner of the dog is present, only a Ranger may seize the animal if it isn't under effective control. If the owner isn't present, any member of the public may seize the animal, however, they must return it to its owner (if the owner is known) or contact Council. Any person who seizes a dog and does not return it to its owner or notify Council, is guilty of an offence and may receive a fine.
Owners claiming a seized animal will need to pay a release fee and maintenance fees for the keeping and sustenance of that animal. All dogs and cats that are released must be microchipped and lifetime registered.
After hours
Our after-hours service is only available for emergencies involving a dangerous or restricted breed dog roaming, straying animals, or where a dog attack has occurred. If you require assistance please contact our emergency number for your town or the local Police who will contact our after hours Emergency Service. Council after hours numbers.
Livestock
If you find livestock roaming free or in a dangerous place please contact us. If outside of business hours, please contact Council’s After Hours Service or the local Police.