Licenses and the Dog Control Act 2000
The Dog Control Act 2000 states that if you have more than two domestic dogs, or four working dogs, a kennel licence is required in addition to registration.
The following information answers many commonly asked questions regarding kennel licences and is designed to assist you when submitting an application for a kennel licence.
To enable your application to be processed within the shortest possible time, please ensure that all requested information is provided.
If you require additional information or assistance please contact Council.
Application for Kennel Licence Checklist
Have you:
- Advertised your intention to apply for a kennel licence?
- Attached a copy of the entire page of the advertisement with proof of the date advertised?
- Made sure all the dogs are currently registered and microchipped?
- Given your full name and address?
- Given an accurate description of the breed or kinds of dogs to be kept?
- Signed and dated the application?
- Provided a daytime contact telephone number?
- Paid the prescribed fee?
Frequently Asked Questions
If you wish to keep more than two dogs, or four working dogs over the age of six months on any property, you must apply to Council for a Kennel Licence.
A working dog is a dog which is used principally for droving or tending livestock.
Complete the Application for Kennel Licence form, using the checklist on the back of the form to ensure that your application is complete.
You must also publish a “Notice of Intention to Apply for a Kennel Licence” advertisement in a daily newspaper circulated throughout the Municipality of West Coast Council.
To comply with this requirement it is suggested that you place your notice in the Public Notices section of The Advocate on any day, except Sunday. The notice must be in the prescribed form.
Keep a copy of this advertisement as you will need proof of publication and the date advertised. It is recommended that the entire page of the newspaper on which the advertisement appears be submitted with your application.
Lodge the application together with the prescribed fee and a copy of the newspaper notice advertised within 3 days after publication of the notice.
Any person residing or owning land within 200 metres of the property boundary where the dogs are to be kept may submit an objection.
The objection is to be in writing to the West Coast Council General Manager and must clearly set out the reasons for the objection and be submitted to Council within 14 days after publication of the “Notice of Intention to Apply for a Kennel Licence” advertisement.
In reaching a decision as to whether to grant a licence, the General Manager will take into account any relevant objections together with the findings from the property inspection.
The General Manager may grant an application for a kennel licence if satisfied that adequate provisions for health, welfare and control of the dogs are provided, that nuisance to any other person is unlikely to occur, and all laws relating to public health and environmental protection are likely to be satisfied.
Once a decision had been made, Council will notify the applicant of the outcome of their application. Where the application is successful, a licence will be issued together with a covering letter drawing the licence holder’s attention to the conditions that apply to the licence, and notification of the date that the licence expires.
An applicant will receive written notification if an application for a licence is refused.
The General Manager may refuse to grant a licence if they are of the opinion that:
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- the premises are unfit for the purpose of keeping the number and type of dogs applied for; and
- it is in the public interest not to grant the licence.
Renewal of a licence may be refused or a licence may be cancelled if Council is of the opinion that:
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- the requirements of the Dog Control Act 2000 and other relevant Acts are not being complied with;
- the situation or condition of the premises is creating a nuisance; and
- it is in the public interest that the licence not be renewed.
An applicant or holder of a kennel licence may apply to the Magistrates Court for a review of a decision made by Council. An appeal shall:
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- be instituted by giving written notice to the Clerk of the Magistrates Court (Administrative Appeals Division) on the Prescribed form;
- be accompanied by the prescribed fee;
- be made within the prescribed time (14 days of the date of Council notification); and
- otherwise, be instituted in the prescribed manner.
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At the hearing of an appeal the magistrate may:
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- dismiss the appeal;
- direct the Council to grant or renew the licence; or
- reverse the Council’s decision to cancel the licence, subject to any conditions the magistrate thinks fit.
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Council must comply with any directions given to it by the magistrate.
A planning permit may be required, depending on your location and whether you intend to operate a business, such as boarding kennels.
Council’s Planning Officers can provide advice on the requirements for your property under the Planning Scheme.
If you are building kennels then it may be necessary to obtain a building permit. A building surveyor will be able to provide further advice on requirements.
Council may grant a licence which is subject to one or more conditions. Conditions may relate to the number of and/or breed of dogs that may be kept on the property. Licence holders should be aware that failure to comply with the conditions listed on the licence may result in cancellation or non-renewal of the licence.
Kennel licences expire on 30 June each year. Licences can be renewed for a further twelve months upon payment of the prescribed fee and a satisfactory inspection of the premises by a Council Officer.
Licences are NOT transferable from one person to another, nor are they transferable from property to property.
\A new application will need to be submitted if you sell your property and the new owner requires a kennel licence, or if you move to another property and wish to retain your licence.
Penalties apply for keeping more than 2 dogs (or 4 working dogs) over the age of 6 months, without a licence.