Responsible Pet Ownership

Every one is entitled to live in their community without other people’s pets being a nuisance or danger to them.

Minimum Standards for Keeping Animals:

  • Clearly identify pets with your name and phone number.
  • Provide a secure, well-maintained enclosure with enough space.
  • Keep the area clean, free from odour, pests, and waste build-up.
  • Dispose of waste properly and store food securely.
  • Prevent noise, odour, or environmental issues.

  • 90% of impounded dogs and cats are entire animals. 

    99% of dogs that attack or active aggressively towards people or other animals are entire animals.

    Every hour, around 23 cats and dogs lose their lives in shelters across Australia due to pet overpopulation.

    Un-desexed dogs and cats are a significant nuisance impact upon the community and a financial burden to Council’s and animal shelters.  This is why it is so important to desex your pets.

    Desexing your pet is one of the best decisions you can make—not just for their health and behaviour, but also for the community. Council offers significant discounts for registering desexed dogs, making it easier and more affordable for pet owners to do the right thing.

    The Benefits of Desexing:

    • Prevents unwanted litters and reduces pet overpopulation.
    • Lowers the risk of cancers and reproductive diseases.
    • Helps female pets avoid exhaustion from continuous breeding.
    • Leads to longer, healthier lives for pets.
    • Reduces wandering, aggression, and territorial behaviours like spraying indoors.
    • Makes pets more affectionate and easier to manage.
    • Eliminates heat cycles in female cats and the urge to escape in search of a mate.
    • Prevents male dogs from unwanted mounting behaviour.
    • Saves money on unexpected vet bills from accidents or fights.
    • Lowers the number of unwanted animals in shelters and pounds

    Learn more:

  • ​In the Cassowary Coast region of Queensland, both local and state laws regulate the types and numbers of animals or pets that can be kept on a property, as well as the minimum standards for their care to ensure health and safety.

    • Dogs: Up to two dogs are permitted per property, provided they are microchipped, registered with the Council, and contained within a secure enclosure. A permit is required to keep a third dog, granted only in exceptional circumstances. Keeping four or more dogs is prohibited. ​

    • Cats: Up to three cats are allowed per property, with requirements for identification through microchipping or collars displaying the owner's contact information. 

    • Other Animals: The keeping of other animals, such as poultry or livestock, is subject to specific conditions based on property size, zoning, and potential impact on the community.

    To find out more details on other pets and aimals read the Keeping of Animals Factsheet Here

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