Breaches and fines
Brisbane City Council requires that animal owners keep their pets in accordance with animal laws and obtain any appropriate permits. As a pet owner, you are responsible for registering your pet (where applicable). Your animal must be healthy, safe and not create a nuisance in your neighbourhood.
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List of requirements and fines
As of 1 July 2024, the value of a penalty unit is equal to $161.30. The fine amount must be rounded down to the nearest dollar after the calculation. For example, the fine amount for an infringement of two penalty units is: 2 x $161.30 = $322.60. The rounded down fine amount is $322.
The table below includes a list of animal owner requirements, followed by the fines for breaching them.
| Requirements | Fines for breaching requirements |
|---|---|
| Register your dog with Brisbane City Council when it is three months old and every year after | 2 penalty units |
| Ensure your animal does not wander at large | 2 penalty units |
| Maintain an enclosure that is appropriate to prevent your animal from escaping it | 2 penalty units |
| Comply with all minimum standards for your animal | 2 penalty units |
| Both the supplier and owner must ensure the cat or dog has a microchip implant | 2 penalty units |
| Keep a dog under effective control (by use of a leash, lead or other restraining device) when in public place | 5 penalty units |
| Keep a regulated dog under effective control (by the use of a leash, lead or other restraining device, and by a person who is able to physically control the dog and is in control of only that dog) when in a public place Note: additional permit conditions for regulated dogs still apply | 10 penalty units |
| Keep your animal (other than a dog) under effective control (by using a leash, lead or other restraining device) when in a public place | 2 penalty units |
| When walking your animal always carry a bag or container for its droppings (It is a good idea to carry several bags or containers as you may be fined for not having another container or bag. This applies even after your dog has done its business and you have disposed of it correctly.) | 0.5 penalty unit |
| Pick up and dispose of your animal's droppings when in public | 2 penalty units |
| Ensure your animal does not cause a noise nuisance | Initial offence of 2 penalty units; or 5 penalty units if you don't comply with a compliance notice |
| If you keep more than two dogs and/or three cats as pets, you must hold a permit. | 5 penalty units |
| Comply with all conditions of your permit | 2 penalty units |
How to report a breach
To report a breach, refer to making a complaint.
How to pay an animal fine
Received a fine? Find out payment options and further information.
If you receive a fine, you have 28 days from the issue date to pay the fine or to appeal.
If you do not take action, you'll receive a reminder notice and a further 28 days to resolve the fine. The State Penalties Enforcement Registry will then deal with the matter and charge additional fees.