Animal Control Officer

Last modified: September 25, 2009 - 9:05 AM

An Animal Control Officer with a Council has a large number of duties today starting with the well known phrase of Dog Catcher, but it is far more than that!

Council's Animal Control Officer's responsibilities include:

  • Animal enforcement and the issuing of "on the spot" infringement notices for breaches.
  • Attending to any animals that are contained in Councils holding facilities.
  • Conduct daily patrols of streets, lane-ways and public areas in respect of the administration of dog control, litter control including dumped rubbish and abandoned vehicles.
  • Conduct patrols of Councils reserves and parks.
  • Attend to all clerical duties associated with the daily field work, report and record all incidents in the appropriate register.
  • Thoroughly and courteously investigate all complaints received and take all necessary action to resolve the situation.

A range of services are provided for the community including:
  • Free removal of any unwanted companion animals.
  • Anti barking collars for owners with dogs that bark and are causing a problem with excessive noise.

Impounding Fees (effective from 1 July 2008)

Release of Companion Animal (1st release) $63.00
Release of Companion Animal (2nd or subsequent release) $126.00 plus $63.00 for each additional release
Maintenance - day or part day $6.00
Re-home companion animal $31.50
Emergency accommodation for companion animals $21.00 base fee + $6.00 per day
Stock - per day $63.00 base fee + actual cost to transport to holding facility + acutal cost to feed

Other Fees (Effective from 1 July 2008)

Microchipping $45.00
No Barking dog collar bond $50.00
No Barking dog collar fee  $5.00 per week

Lifetime Registration Fees (effective from 13 January 2006)

Non Desexed $150.00
Desexed $40.00
Pensioner (animal must be desexed) $15.00
Recognised Breeder $40.00
Assistance animal Nil

When claiming a reduced registration fee, you must provide the following proof:

Desexed - a letter, certificate or clear receipt from a vet or a statutory declaration from the owner

Recognised Breeder - proof of current membership of Royal NSW Canine Council, NSW Cat Fanciers Association or Waratah State Cat Alliance, and a statement from the owner that the animal is to be kept for breeding purposes.

Pensioner - current pensioner consession card or other proof of status as an eligible pensioner, plus proof of desexing (please see Desexed – as animal MUST be desexed to receive this discount)

Contact details
Environmental Services Department
02 6830 8000 (ph)
02 6872 3030 (fax)
bourkeshire@bourke.nsw.gov.au