Dog Owner Responsibility

Let's keep our community clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone!

A quick reminder to all local dog owners about your legal and social responsibilities when out and about:

Scoop the Poop!

By NSW law, if your dog defecates in any public place (like parks, footpaths, or sports ovals) or on someone else's property, you must remove the waste immediately and dispose of it properly.

Keep Dogs Under Effective Control

When in a public place, your dog must be kept under effective control by a competent person. This means they must be on an adequate chain, cord, or leash unless you are in a designated off-leash area. Not having your dog on a lead can attract an on-the-spot fine of $330.

The Cost of Leaving It

Failing to clean up after your pet is not only a bad neighbourly move, it’s illegal. You could face an on-the-spot fine of $275, with maximum court penalties reaching $880.

How You Can Help:

• Bag it and bin it: Always carry waste bags with you and drop bagged waste into the nearest public bin or your red-lidded bin at home.

• Share the space: Public spaces are shared by all residents, including children and families. Let's make sure everyone can enjoy our parks safely!

• Report issues: If you are experiencing ongoing issues with pet waste, report it directly to Council.

Contact Gwydir Shire Council:

• Phone: Call the main office on (02) 6724 2000

• Email: Send details to mail@gwydir.nsw.gov.au

• In Person: Visit the Warialda Customer Service Office (2 Geddes Street) or the Bingara Office (33 Maitland Street)

Let's do the right thing by our pets and our neighbourhood!