TIPS TO KEEP
YOUR DOG AT HOME
Dogs are social pack animals. A dog that
does not receive regular exercise and the
opportunity to get out and see the world
with its owner can often become bored
and frustrated.
Dogs that wander have a considerable shorter life span
and dogs can travel long distances and become lost. Wandering dogs may be stolen, injured or
involved in an accident. Many dog owners that let their dog wander may never see their dog
again.
Litchfield Council Rural Dog Management By-laws
On 1st March 2011 the Litchfield Council Rural Dog Management By-laws came into force.
Copies of the By-laws are available on Council’s website, the NT Government Legislation
website or hard copy by request at Council reception.
ALL DOGS within the Litchfield Municipality must be securely contained to their own property
and have a microchip and the chip details provided to Council. Micro-chipping is available
through Council or your local vet.
Fencing
The height of a fence can sometimes be ineffective in containing a dog to a property. Dogs are
fantastic climbers and some dogs can jump over 2 metres with no problem at all. If your dog is
a jumper or climber, then a fence with a “Lean Back” section on the top may be an option.
The “Lean Back” section should incline back into the property, much the same as a security
fence. The incline provides a visual barrier for jumping dogs and prevents a dog climbing over
the top of the fence.
Plastic lattice, mesh or chicken wire half way up the fence and either pegged to the ground or
placed at a right angle and pegged to the ground can stop dogs digging out. If your dog is a
digger, a concrete ledge along the inside of the fence line will prevent the dog from digging out.
Electric tape strung along the top and or bottom of a fence is also an effective way to contain
your dog inside the fence line.
Fences should be checked regularly for holes, gaps or weak points and be kept in good repair.
Any holes or gaps in the fence should be fixed to prevent dogs escaping, children putting their
hand through a fence or another dog getting into your property. Ensuring your dog cannot gain
access through the fence reduces the risk of dog fights through shared boundary fences.
Tethering
Keeping your dog on a run or a chain when you are not at home can be an effective way to
ensure your dog is safe and sound on its property. Access to shelter from the sun and rain,
water and fresh food must be provided. Providing adequate exercise for your dog is also
required by the law under the Animal Welfare Act. It is an offence under this Act to “keep a
dog tethered for an unreasonable time, or by an unreasonably heavy or short tether”.
Shut the Gate
Shut the gate! Often this very simple step is forgotten and the dog has access to the street and
beyond. Remind your children to shut the gate when they leave the property. A self closing or
self latching gate and a sign on the gate with the words “SHUT THE GATE” can be effective in
reminding people as they leave the property.
Sterilisation
De-sexing a male dog can reduce the hormonal wanderlust. A male dog can detect a bitch in
season up to 5 kilometres away and will repeatedly try and escape until the bitch is no longer in
season. Once the bitch has come off season the dog may continue to escape after its taste of
freedom. Escaping from a property can become a habit and this behaviour can be difficult to
change.
Penalties / Disposal of Impounded Dogs
Please refer to current Fees and Charges
Dogs that are impounded with a Microchip are held for 48 hours (business days). Dogs
that are impounded without a Microchip are held for 24 hours then disposed of.
Pet Containment System
A pet containment system uses a radio field along an insulated wire that is plugged into a
standard power outlet. The wire can be placed on an existing fence, laid on the ground or
buried just below the ground. The length of wire can be designed to suit individual requirements
and property sizes. The dog has a receiver unit attached to its collar and as the dog
approaches the boundary wire the collar emits a high pitched tone that warns the dog that it is
near the wire. If the dog continues then it will receive a static correction. This negative
association will condition the dog to stay within the wire boundary.
For further information or to purchase a pet containment system, try your local
pet product supplier.
If you require any further information please contact the Litchfield
Council Regulatory Services Team on (08)
8983 0600 or visit
www.litchfield.nt.gov.au