About Council's dog & cat management services
More than 30,000 dogs and cats reside in Hornsby Shire.
Council aims to protect the rights of companion animals and their owners in balance with the rights and needs of others in the community.
We use an integrated approach of enforcement and compliance actions along with education programs.
These programs encourage self-regulation and promote and support responsible behaviour by companion animal owners and handlers.
The management and delivery of Council services is aligned to the level of public risk.
NSW Companion Animals Act 1998
The NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 and supporting Regulation 2008 aim to protect pets, handlers and the wider community. The act outlines the duties and responsibilities of owners and others in charge of domestic dogs and cats. The Regulation outlines the actions and penalties that can be enforced by councils if owners do not comply with these requirements.
Owners of cats born after the 1 July 1999 and ALL dog owners are required to have their pets microchipped at point of sale or from 12 weeks of age, whichever comes first and then registered by 6 months of age.