Animal Control
Ranger Services actively encourages responsible pet ownership and are responsible for enforcing the local and state laws relating to animals.
Dogs
There are a large number of homes within the Esperance community who have a four legged friend as part of the family. Whether your pooch is big or small there are a number of things you need to consider when making the decision to own a dog.
Responsible dog owners have to consider many things in caring for their animals. Here’s a basic checklist: · Regular flea and worm treatments, health checks, heartworm tablets and vaccinations. · Regular baths and grooming. · Basic obedience training so it can “sit”, “stay”, “come” and “heel” on command. · Register the dog with local government. · Sterilised if not to be used for breeding (reduced registration fees apply). · Adequately confined and is not allowed to stray or wander. · Does not engage in nuisance barking. · Does not attack people or other animals. · Is properly exercised and involved in family activities. · An owner who is prepared to learn how to care for its health and understand its behaviour. |
The average lifespan of a dog is 10 years. This means dog owners need to be prepared to make a long-term commitment.
To be a responsible dog owner, you must first ask yourself whether a dog is suitable for you. Be honest about yourself and the changes you are able to make to look after a dog. The bigger the dog, the greater its demands will be.
A dog is for life! · Do you have the time for a dog? Dogs require time for socialisation and training. · If you have children, you will need to spend extra time with the dog and your children to ensure your children understand how to ‘read’ the dog’s behaviour. And remember, young children should never be left unattended with a dog of any age. · Can you afford a dog? Vets advise that the average cost of owning a dog is about $1500 per year for routine care and feeding, particularly in the first year of life. · You should also carefully consider the breed, age and sex of the dog most suitable for you. When choosing, you also need to be aware that some dogs are considered “restricted breed dogs” and subject to special legislation and banned from being imported into Australia.
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When introducing a dog into your family, you need to be aware of the dog’s socialisation and behavioural management needs. Problem behaviours such as barking, are easier to overcome through positive and adequate training. The following are essential considerations in helping determine dog behaviour: · Socialisation - Socialisation of puppies, especially within the first 16 weeks of age, is essential for dogs to get on with people and other animals. · Leadership - Dogs are pack animals with a hierarchy of leadership. It is essential that owners demonstrate they are the “top dog” with firm, gentle leadership aimed at providing security, certainty and trust. · Training - Reliable dog obedience training can provide you with the safety and security of having better control of your dog at all times. · Activities - Dogs become acutely bored and more difficult to manage if they do not have stimulating things to do, people to interact with, and interesting places to live and play in. · Inclusion - Because dogs are highly social animals, they can become stressed if not included in household activities. |
Registration Fees
The current Dog Registration Fees are as follows:
Type |
1 Year |
3 Year |
Whole Dog |
$30 |
$75 |
Desexed Dog |
$10 |
$18 |
Working Dog |
$7.50 |
$18.75 |
Desexed Working Dog |
$2.50 |
$4.50 |
Pensioners are half price on all fees.
Barking Dogs
If you are having problems with your neighbour’s dog causing a nuisance by excessively barking please approach them and explain your concerns, give them a chance to fix the problem. If the problem continues, please click on the link to download a Barking Dog Information Pack or contact Ranger Services.
Pound Pooches
The Ranger Services team frequently have dogs surrendered simply because people got their dog for the wrong reason, or don’t spend enough time with them.
The Ranger Services team are proudly supported by a number of businesses in town through the Pound Pooch Re-homing program
If you can provide a loving home for a furry friend please contact Ranger Services and they will be able to assist in choosing a pound pooch that suits your requirements. Remember a dog is for life.
Is your dog in the Pound?
To find out if your dog has been impounded please contact Ranger Services during office hours. Before a dog can be released from the pound it must be registered and you will be required to provide proof that you are either its owner or a person acting on behalf of its owner. All fees must be paid before any dog can be released from the pound.
Please note that viewing and release of impounded of animals will only take place between 3pm and 4pm Monday to Friday.
