Pet ownership comes with responsibilities to ensure safety for humans as well as the animal. For many having a companion animal is a source for comfort and company, for Council responsible pet ownership is a mandatory implementation of the regulations through the NSW Companion Animal Act 1998 (the Act).
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) is responsible for the regulation of state legislation regarding pet ownership, through the Act. CGRC Rangers are tasked with enforcing the Act to ensure the safety of residents, and the effective and appropriate care and management of companion animals.
Responsibilities for pet owners include:
- Microchipping and registration of your animal
- Preventing your dog from escaping your yard
- Being in control of your animal, ensuring they are not in prohibited places or being a nuisance to the community
- Cleaning up after your dog
- Ensuring your dog is on-lead unless in a designated off leash area (even when no one is around)
Council Rangers are regularly educating and providing information to residents about the importance of microchipping, registration and off lease areas provided in Cootamundra and Gundagai.
There are 3 off-leash areas in Cootamundra, Cootamundra Dog Park, Bradman Oval, and Muttama Creek Walk. In Gundagai, the off-leash areas are Heydon Park and Friendship Park. All other areas in require a dog to be kept on a leash.
There are many advantages to owning a companion animal, there are also responsibilities. Some that are often overlooked by owners. Responsible pet ownership requires owners to consider the needs of their pets, and the health, social, economic and environmental issues associated with keeping a pet.
For more information about companion animals, off leash areas please visit www.cgrc.nsw.gov.au/your-services/regulatory/keeping-companion-animals/
Picture and caption:
Minnie loves to run off-leash in Cootamundra’s Bradman Oval, she is registered and microchipped. These safeguards will ensure Minnie is returned to her owner should she become lost.
