18-26 – Commencement of amendments to the Companion Animals Act 1998 and a new Companion Animals Regulation 2018
On 31 August 2018 amendments to the Companion Animals Act 1998 commenced, and the Companion Animals Regulation 2018 wholly replaced the former Companion Animals Regulation 2008. In addition, penalties for offences relating to assistance animals increased on 1 July 2018.
18-16 – Increase to companion animal registration fees in line with CPI
From 1 July 2018 cat and dog lifetime registration fees will increase in line with the Consumer Price Index as required by the Companion Animals Regulation 2008 and outlined in Circular to Councils 13-54.
17-18 – Increase to companion animal registration fees in line with CPI
From 1 July 2017 cat and dog lifetime registration fees will increase in line with the Consumer Price Index as required by the Companion Animals Regulation 2008 and outlined in Circular to Councils 13-54.
15-37 – 50% discounted registration fee for desexed animals sold by an eligible pound or shelter
The Companion Animals Amendment (Registration Fees) Regulation 2015 commenced on 29 October 2015. For dogs and cats sold by eligible pounds or shelters that are desexed at the time of registration, the fee payable is 50% of the fee for a desexed animal referred to in clause 17(1)(a) of the Companion Animals Regulation 2008. This discount also applies to animals transferred from eligible pounds or shelters to a rescue organisation for rehoming. An eligible pound or shelter includes a NSW council pound, the Animal Welfare League NSW, the Cat Protection Society of NSW Inc. and the RSPCA NSW.
15-31 – Managing Aggressive Dogs in the Community – Responsibilities of Councils
Councils are reminded of responsibilities under the Companion Animals Act 1998 (the Act) to help protect their community against the risk of attacks by aggressive dogs. Councils are also encouraged to conduct and maintain records of regular inspections of prescribed enclosures for categorised dogs.
15-25 – Increase to companion animal registration fees in line with CPI
From 1 July 2015 cat and dog lifetime registration fees will increase in line with the Consumer Price Index, as recommended by the Companion Animals Taskforce, and outlined in Circular to Councils 13-54.
15-15 – Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program – Year 2 (2015/16) – Call for applications
The NSW Government has committed $900,000 over 3 years to the Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program (2014-15 through to 2016-17). Applications for the second year of funding for the program can now be
made.
15-05 – Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program – Successful Applicants in Year One
Commencing in 2014/15, the NSW Government has committed $900,000 over 3 years to the Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program. Applications for year one of the program have now been assessed and 24 projects with a total project value of $303,375 have been approved.
14-31 Announcement of changes to improve boat trailer parking
The NSW Government will make $5 million available for new dedicated off-street boat trailer storage solutions.
Next year the Government will seek legislative changes to provide councils with the power to impound boat trailers parked for more than 3 months.
14-22 – Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program – call for applications
The NSW Government has committed $900,000 over 3 years to the Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program. (2014-15 through to 2016-17). Applications for the program can now be made.