Complaints about animals
Report nuisance animal behaviour and find the right pathway for barking dogs, roaming pets, stray animals, attacks and animal welfare concerns.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 000. Once everyone is safe, report the incident to Council as soon as possible.
Barking dogs
If your dog is barking excessively
Dogs may bark because of boredom, distress, fear, excitement, territorial behaviour or changes in their environment.
Identify when and why the barking occurs and take reasonable steps to address it. This may include increasing exercise and enrichment, limiting exposure to triggers or seeking advice from a veterinarian or suitably qualified behaviour professional.
If a barking dog is affecting you
- 1
Speak with the owner
- 2
Record the barking
- 3
Submit your complaint
1. Speak with the owner
If it is safe, let the owner know when the barking occurs and how it is affecting you. They may not be home when it happens.
2. Record the barking
If the problem continues, complete the Barking Dog Log Sheet for at least 10 days. Record dates, times, duration and how the barking affects your property.
3. Submit your complaint
Send the completed log to Council with your contact details and the address where the dog is kept. Rangers may contact you for further information.
Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, a dog may be considered a nuisance if its barking is so persistent or occurs to such an extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of another person.
Nuisance cats
NSW law does not generally require cats to remain within their owner’s property. However, owners are responsible for managing behaviour that affects other people or property.
A cat may be considered a nuisance if it:
- persistently makes noise that unreasonably interferes with another person
- repeatedly damages property outside the property where it is ordinarily kept.
If it is safe, speak with the owner first. Explain what is occurring, when it happens and how it is affecting your property.
If the behaviour continues or you do not know who owns the cat, contact Council. Rangers can discuss the available options and determine whether further investigation is appropriate.
Lost, stray or roaming animals
Contact Council if a dog is roaming in a public place or you have found a stray companion animal.
Do not approach or attempt to restrain an animal if it appears frightened, aggressive or unsafe. Provide its location, description and direction of travel when reporting it.
Animal welfare concerns
Contact the RSPCA NSW if you are concerned that an animal is being neglected, mistreated or kept in unsafe conditions.
Call NSW Police on 000 if an animal or person is in immediate danger.
