FAQs

Council has a cat containment law. By keeping cats within property boundaries around the clock, owners can protect their pets and contribute to the conservation of our region's native species. 

Pet cats that are kept contained tend to live longer, healthier lives, avoiding the risks of getting lost, injured or contracting diseases. 

For residents dealing with stray cats, we provide free cat traps to humanely capture them. This allows our Community Laws Officers to safely collect and impound the animal. Many Councils charge a fee for the cages, but in East Gippsland they are free.

Victorian Government Legislation requires all dogs and cats to be microchipped and registered with their local council at three months of age.

If you lose your dog or cat, having them registered with Council greatly improves their chances of being returned to you.

Your registration fees help provide animal welfare services such as: 

• The animal shelter 
• Responding to incidents of wandering and aggressive dogs
• Education programs
• Monitoring pet shops, boarding kennels and catteries for compliance with the minimum standards under the Codes of Practice

It is a Local Law that you must pick up after your animal and to carry a “receptacle, dispenser, bag or other similar device in which to place excrement of the Animal when the Animal is on any Road, Nature strip or on any property on which he or she does not normally reside.”

You should pick up dog poo to:

• Prevent the spread of diseases
• Protect water quality
• Maintain public spaces 

Dog waste can contain harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses that can contaminate water and soil. This is a risk to humans and other animals. 

No-one wants to deal with someone else’s dog poo in public spaces.

Most dog attack incidents happen when dogs are off leash in public areas.

Keeping dogs on a lead, especially in public areas, is crucial for their safety and the safety of others. This helps prevent accidents, injuries and potential conflicts with other animals and people.    

Specific Areas Requiring Leashes by Order of Council:

In East Gippsland, dogs must be restrained by a leash:

1. Within 5 meters of walking and bicycle tracks
2. During organised sporting activities, public meetings, events, or markets
3. Within 20 metres of a playground or play equipment area
4. Within 20 metres of a BBQ or picnic area

To provide more off leash areas than already provided will take up public open space used for other activities. A balance needs to be achieved between dog owners who want to exercise their dogs off leash, and the members of the public who also want to enjoy East Gippsland’s open spaces.

There are almost 40 Council-owned or managed parks and reserves where you can take your dog(s) to have off-leash play time.  

Some basic rules of respect using shared use open spaces still apply. Dog owners remain responsible for their dogs, and it is important that their dogs are always under effective control. 

Before going off-leash, it is important for owners to acknowledge both their own and their dog’s limitations. If your dog isn’t trained to come back when you call it, it is not under effective control and should stay on a leash.

Current facilities include: 

Council facilities:

• Bairnsdale - part of the Bosworth Road former landfill site, which has been redeveloped and was officially opened on 3 December 2019; and
• Lakes Entrance - in Palmers Road (next door to the Aquadome).

Private facility:

• Brackenbush Unleashed - 117 Hoggs Lane, Lakes Entrance (a Pick My Project-funded community facility)

Download the 'Pet Care and Management' booklet here >>