You can dispute an animal-related fine. However, there are common reasons we won’t withdraw a fine. This includes forgetting to register your dog or not leashing it in a public area. Find more information about disputing a fine.
Pay an animal-related fine
Pay an animal-related fine and read about the common offences to avoid as a responsible pet owner.
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Pay your fine
You can pay an animal-related fine online.
Before you pay, make sure you have:
- your infringement number
- a valid Visa or Mastercard.
You can also pay an animal-related fine by phone, BPAY, mail or in person.
Deadline for payment
You have 28 days from the issue date to pay an animal-related fine or to appeal a fine.
If you don’t pay your fine by the due date, Council will send you a reminder notice and give you another 28 days to pay. You’ll be charged a fee for this notice.
If the fine remains unpaid, the State Penalties Enforcement Registry will deal with the matter and charge you additional fees.
List of animal-related offences and fines
As a pet owner, you’re responsible for taking care of your animal. You must ensure it doesn’t harm or disturb members of the community.
Fines and penalties apply if you don’t meet requirements under the Animals Local Law 2017 or Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.
Common animal-related offences
Avoid fines by being aware of the common animal-related offences.
They include:
- failing to register, microchip or get a permit for your pet
- not leashing or cleaning up after your pet in public
- allowing your animal to wander in public
- not having control of your dog in a public place
- excessive animal noise.
Fines and penalties
Council issues fines for breaching animal-owner requirements.
Animal-related fines are calculated using penalty units (PUs) based on the severity of the offence. As of 1 July 2024, the value of one penalty unit is equal to $161.30. After the calculation, the total is rounded down to the nearest dollar.
| Requirements | Fines for breaching requirements | Fine amount |
|---|---|---|
| Register your dog with Council when it’s 3 months old and every year after | 2 penalty units | $322 |
| Make sure your animal doesn’t wander at large | 2 penalty units | $322 |
| Keep your animal in an appropriate enclosure that will prevent escape |
2 penalty units | $322 |
| Comply with all minimum standards for your animal* |
2 penalty units |
$322 |
| Make sure your cat or dog is microchipped |
2 penalty units |
$322 |
| Keep your animal under control when in public (i.e. securely restrained unless in a dog off-leash area) | 2 penalty units |
$322 |
| Carry spare bags or containers for your animal’s droppings | 0.5 penalty units | $80 |
| Pick up and dispose of your animal's droppings when in public | 2 penalty units | $322 |
| Make sure your animal doesn’t cause a noise nuisance |
2 penalty units for the initial offence 5 penalty units if you don’t comply with a compliance notice |
$322 or $805 |
| Make sure any relevant animal permits are up to date | 5 penalty units |
$805 |
| Comply with all conditions of your permit | 2 penalty units |
$322 |
| Effectively control your dog in a public place | 5 penalty units | $806 |
| Effectively control your regulated dog in a public place | 10 penalty units | $1,613 |
| Effectively control your dog in a public place and prevent your dog from wounding another animal | 15 penalty units | $2,419 |
| Effectively control your regulated dog in a public place and prevent your dog from wounding another animal | 20 penalty units | $3,226 |
*Note: Minimum standards refer to your legal obligations when owning a dog, cat, and other pets and livestock.
Educational resources
Frequently asked questions
You can pay an animal-related fine online, in person, via BPAY, phone or mail. Find out more about accepted payment methods for fines.
To prevent animal-related offences, make sure you follow the requirements of responsible pet ownership. This includes to:
- register your pet if required
- microchip your pet
- know your pet’s normal behavioural patterns and any aggression triggers
- apply for any permits and comply with the conditions
- keep your animal in an appropriate enclosure
- limit noise from your animal
- clean up after your pet.
Learn more about animal-related offences and fines.
The fine for an unregistered dog is equal to 2 penalty units.
Animal-related fines are based on a system of penalty units. A fine is calculated by multiplying the value of one penalty unit by the number of penalty units assigned for the offence. The total amount is rounded down to the nearest dollar.
View animal-related fines and penalties.