Under the The Companion Animals Act 1998 councils have the power to impound a cat or dog that attacks a person or another animal. The act also includes very specific rules for owners of restricted breeds and dogs that are declared dangerous. Breaches of these rules can result in fines of up to $1,760.

If your animal is impounded, there will be a fee to release it upon collection by the owner.

Lost or Stray Dogs

If your microchipped pet is missing contact Council within 72 hours to report it as missing on the NSW Companion Animals Register. Phone us on 02 6740 2100. Please also notify us if your animals is found or returns home.

If your missing pet is picked up by one of our rangers, we will make every effort to reunite you with your pet. If your pet is microchipped and registered, or wearing a collar and identification tag, we will contact you promptly so you can reclaim your pet straight away.

If we can't identify the animal or contact you, we'll take your pet to the the pound.

If the animal is microchipped and registered, our ranger will continue trying to contact you.

If the animal is microchipped and registered but you can't be contacted due to your details being out-of-date or you don't respond, your pet will be made available for adoption after 14 days.

If your missing pet is not microchipped or registered it will only be held for 7 days at the pound, after which time it will be made available for adoption.

Lost or Stray Cats

As cats are allowed to roam free, it isn't possible to be sure whether they are lost or a stray. If a stray cat has been around your place for a while and you are concerned about it or you want to adopt the animal, check if the cat has a microchip by taking it to the vet or contact the Council.

The vet or ranger will advise you about the cat's ownership, and then the process outlined above for dogs will apply. If relevant, you can discuss adopting the cat with the ranger or the pound.

Vets may accept a stray animal and will then contact the Council to impound the animal. Please note that vets are not obliged to accept an animal unless it is injured.

Impounded dogs and cats are kept at the shelter for 14 days if they are microchipped and 7 days if they are not. This gives owners a chance to come forward. If the animal is not claimed within these time periods it is then made available for adoption.