Dogs Amendment Local Law 2026

At a Glance

  • Council adopted updates to the Dogs Local Law 2026 on 25 August 2026 to clarify dog containment requirements and align penalties with current standards.
  • Changes include a new power to require secure enclosures and changes to the modified penalties for a small number of dog‑related offences.
  • The Dogs Amendment Local Law 2026 was published in the Government Gazette on 15 September 2026 and will come into effect on 29 September 2026.

Background

At its Ordinary Meeting on 29 April 2025, Council approved the draft Dogs Amendment Local Law 2025 for public advertising.

This advertising took place. But before it was returned to Council for final consideration, the City identified that clause 2.3(3) created an offence but no corresponding penalty. This was discussed with the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, who advised that adding it would be a material change that would require Council endorsement and readvertising.

At its meeting on 28 April 2026, Council approved the insertion of a $200 modified penalty for clause 2.3(3) into Schedule 3 and resolved to readvertise the amended draft local law for public comment.

Following public advertising and final consideration, Council adopted the Dogs Amendment Local Law 2026 on 25 August 2026. The local law was Gazetted on 15 September 2026 and comes into effect 14 days later.

What changes were proposed?

The Dogs Amendment Local Law 2026 proposed the following key changes to the City of Bayswater Dogs Local Law 2016:

Removing Part 2 – Impounding of dogs
Impounding provisions are already comprehensively dealt with under the Dog Act 1976 and are not included in most other local government dog local laws.

Inserting a new clause 2.3 – Direction to provide a suitable enclosure
This clause allows authorised officers to direct a dog owner to provide a suitable enclosure where a dog is not being adequately contained. It is consistent with similar provisions in other local governments’ dog local laws and is intended to support the safety and welfare of both dogs and the community.

Updating Schedule 3 – Offences in respect of which a modified penalty applies
The local law:

  • Increases the modified penalty for clause 3.9 “Failing to comply with the conditions of a licence” from $200 to $250.
  • Introduces a modified penalty of $200 for clause 2.1 “Failure to provide effective means to contain dog.”
  • Introduces a modified penalty of $200 for clause 2.3(3) “Failure to comply with a direction to provide a suitable enclosure.”
  • Removes the reference to penalties related to a “dangerous dog”, as penalties for dangerous dogs are dealt with under the Dog Act 1976 and no longer need to be duplicated in the local law.

Consultation has closed

Public submissions on the amended draft local law closed Friday, 17 July 2026. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback during the consultation period.

At a Glance

  • Council adopted updates to the Dogs Local Law 2026 on 25 August 2026 to clarify dog containment requirements and align penalties with current standards.
  • Changes include a new power to require secure enclosures and changes to the modified penalties for a small number of dog‑related offences.
  • The Dogs Amendment Local Law 2026 was published in the Government Gazette on 15 September 2026 and will come into effect on 29 September 2026.

Background

At its Ordinary Meeting on 29 April 2025, Council approved the draft Dogs Amendment Local Law 2025 for public advertising.

This advertising took place. But before it was returned to Council for final consideration, the City identified that clause 2.3(3) created an offence but no corresponding penalty. This was discussed with the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, who advised that adding it would be a material change that would require Council endorsement and readvertising.

At its meeting on 28 April 2026, Council approved the insertion of a $200 modified penalty for clause 2.3(3) into Schedule 3 and resolved to readvertise the amended draft local law for public comment.

Following public advertising and final consideration, Council adopted the Dogs Amendment Local Law 2026 on 25 August 2026. The local law was Gazetted on 15 September 2026 and comes into effect 14 days later.

What changes were proposed?

The Dogs Amendment Local Law 2026 proposed the following key changes to the City of Bayswater Dogs Local Law 2016:

Removing Part 2 – Impounding of dogs
Impounding provisions are already comprehensively dealt with under the Dog Act 1976 and are not included in most other local government dog local laws.

Inserting a new clause 2.3 – Direction to provide a suitable enclosure
This clause allows authorised officers to direct a dog owner to provide a suitable enclosure where a dog is not being adequately contained. It is consistent with similar provisions in other local governments’ dog local laws and is intended to support the safety and welfare of both dogs and the community.

Updating Schedule 3 – Offences in respect of which a modified penalty applies
The local law:

  • Increases the modified penalty for clause 3.9 “Failing to comply with the conditions of a licence” from $200 to $250.
  • Introduces a modified penalty of $200 for clause 2.1 “Failure to provide effective means to contain dog.”
  • Introduces a modified penalty of $200 for clause 2.3(3) “Failure to comply with a direction to provide a suitable enclosure.”
  • Removes the reference to penalties related to a “dangerous dog”, as penalties for dangerous dogs are dealt with under the Dog Act 1976 and no longer need to be duplicated in the local law.

Consultation has closed

Public submissions on the amended draft local law closed Friday, 17 July 2026. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback during the consultation period.

Page last updated: 15 Sep 2026, 10:04 AM