Nuisance Animals and Pests

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 states that an animal nuisance exists if the keeping or behaviour of an animal causes a condition, state or activity that constitutes:

damage to property owned by a person other than the keeper
excessive disturbance to a person other than the keeper because of noise;
danger to the health of an animal or a person other than the keeper.

It should be noted that all dogs bark to some degree and only some barking behaviour meets the criteria for "nuisance" as described above.

More Information

Cat Traps

There is a wait list for cat cage hire. Phone 1300 367 700 to secure a place on the wait list. When a hire cage is available the pound keeper will contact you directly. A loan agreement form must be completed.

Community members may purchase/utilise commercially available cat traps to trap stray or feral cats and then call Animal Control staff, who will attend and impound cats. Please be aware that Prevention of Cruelty to Animal’s legislation applies to all cats that are trapped by members of the public.

Nuisance Dogs

If you see a dog being aggressive or attacking someone, phone Local Laws Team on 1300 367 700 and report the incident.

Dangerous dogs

Councils and courts have the authority to declare a dog as dangerous, throughout Victoria.

A dog may be declared as dangerous if it has, without provocation, attacked and killed or injured a person or animal or repeatedly threatened to attack or chase a person or animal.

Once a dog has been declared dangerous, owners must comply with the requirements outlined in the Domestic Animals Act 1994. Severe penalties may be imposed and the dog may be seized if the requirements are not met.

Menacing dogs

Council has the authority to declare a dog to be a menacing dog (section 41A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994). A magistrate can order Council to declare a dog to be a menacing dog, if the owner has been found guilty in court for their dog rushing at, or chasing a person.

Victorian councils may declare a dog to be a menacing dog if the dog:

causes a non-serious bite injury to a person or animal
rushes-at or chases a person

“Rush at” means that the dog has approached a person within 3 metres in a menacing manner, this includes displaying aggressive behaviour such as snarling, growling and raising the hackles.

A menacing dog declaration can be upgraded to a dangerous dog declaration, if the owner of the menacing dog has failed to comply with requirements of two infringement notices such as leashing or muzzling their dog while in public places.

A menacing dog declaration can be withdrawn by council if the owner acts to remedy the reasons for the dog rushing at or chasing a person. The action must satisfy council that the incident will not be repeated and cannot be made within the first three years of the declaration.

New restricted dog breed regulations

From 30 September 2011, any unregistered Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull cross breeds can be seized and put down under Victorian law.

For more information or to identify if your dog is a restricted breed visit the DEPI website

Barking dogs

If you are annoyed by noise from barking dogs phone Local Laws Team on 1300 367 700 or report online.

Wasps and Bees

Property owners are responsible for the eradication of nests on their own private property.

If you find a nest in a public place or on Council property, including the nature strip, phone Health Services Team on 1300 367 700.

Rats and Mice

Rats and mice can carry diseases; an infestation of these types of pests can be a health and safety hazard for you and those in your neighbourhood.

Council cannot provide or recommend specific pest control services.