If you’re a pet owner, a quiet shake-up could be on the horizon—one that may change how you walk your dog, clean up after them, or even let them out at all.
Local councils are pushing for change, raising concerns about a decline in basic ‘pet etiquette’ and calling for tougher penalties on pet-related offences for those who don’t follow the rules.
Two major councils—Randwick and Waverley—based in Sydney are now leading the charge, saying too many owners are letting the side down when it comes to responsible pet ownership in shared community spaces.
A decline in ‘pet etiquette’: What’s going wrong?
Let’s face it: most of us love our furry friends, and for good reason. Pets bring joy, companionship, and even health benefits to our lives.
But, as Randwick City Council points out, not everyone is playing by the rules.
The council has formally asked the New South Wales (NSW) government to review the Companion Animals Act 1998, calling for bigger fines and harsher penalties for those who flout the law.
So, what’s got the councils so riled up?
It’s a mix of issues, but the main culprits are dog owners who let their pets off-leash in the wrong places, allow them to harass children or wildlife, and—perhaps most infamously—fail to pick up after them.
The numbers are sobering: reported dog attacks in Randwick have skyrocketed from 900 in 2004 to over 5000 in 2024.
That’s not just a few bad apples—it’s a sign that something needs to change.
What are the rules—and are they clear enough?
Randwick’s submission to the government highlights a need for clearer rules and better etiquette in shared spaces.
The basics are simple: keep your dog under control, respect other people and animals, and always clean up after your pet.
Yet, as the council notes, ‘these common-sense practices are not universally observed’.
And it’s not just about dogs. Cat owners, you’re on notice too.
The council wants to see a shift towards responsible cat ownership, which means not letting your feline friends roam freely to threaten wildlife or become a neighbourhood nuisance.
The push for bigger fines—and pet owner training
Currently, the maximum fine for breaking off-leash rules in NSW is $330, and it’s $275 for not picking up after your dog.
Randwick and Waverley councils say that’s not enough to deter repeat offenders.
They’re calling for ‘significantly higher fine’, especially in cases of dog attacks, and Waverley is even floating the idea of mandatory pet ownership training classes.
Waverley Council, which boasts one of the highest rates of pet ownership in Sydney, says it values the benefits pets bring to households and the wider community.
But, as they point out, responsible ownership is key to ensuring everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike—can enjoy public spaces safely.
‘We encourage responsible pet ownership to ensure safety and that everyone including our four-legged companions can enjoy our parks and community.’
Why now? The bigger picture on pet ownership
The push for tougher penalties comes at a time when pet ownership is at an all-time high, especially after the pandemic saw thousands of Australians welcoming new animals into their homes.
With more pets comes more potential for conflict, whether it’s a dog off-leash in a playground or a cat stalking native birds.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Both councils are quick to thank the ‘vast majority’ of pet owners who do the right thing, taking pride in their animals and respecting the community.
‘We thank the vast majority of pet owners who take great pride in their pets and are responsible.’
The message is clear: it’s a few doing the wrong thing who are spoiling it for everyone else.
Have your say!
As communities and councils consider changes to pet ownership laws, it’s important to understand the balance between responsible pet care and community safety.
The proposed tougher penalties aim to address growing concerns about pet behaviour and its impact on others, but public views on these measures may vary.
What are your thoughts on increasing fines for pet-related offences? Do you believe harsher penalties will encourage better pet etiquette, or are there other ways to promote responsible ownership? Have you experienced issues with pets in your local area, and how do you think councils should handle these situations? Feel free to share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
Also read: Pets buried in secret for years—now the law finally changes
