Circulars

What’s new or changing

• The NSW Government is undertaking a statutory review to remake the Companion Animals Regulation 2008 (the Regulation) prior to its automatic repeal on 1 September 2018.
• Two separate consultations are being undertaken as part of the review. A Discussion Paper about the Regulation has been released for public comment, marking the start of the review.

What this will mean for your council

• Councils are invited to comment on key focus areas in the Discussion Paper.
• The Regulation review will look for opportunities to reduce unnecessary cost and red tape for pet owners and local councils and to build a stronger regulatory framework that promotes responsible pet ownership.
• It is anticipated that a new Regulation will commence from June 2018.

Key points

• A Discussion Paper has been released to begin a statutory review of the Regulation.
• The Regulation supports the Companion Animals Act 1998 by providing key details about how companion animals are identified, registered and managed in each local government area.
• The Regulation is being reviewed to ensure it is effective in promoting responsible pet ownership in NSW.
• Feedback to this Discussion Paper will be taken into account in preparing a draft Regulation which, together with a Regulatory Impact Statement, will be subject to further consultation later this year.
• Submissions are due by close of business on Wednesday 19 July 2017.

Where to go for further information

• A link to the Discussion Paper and survey can be found on the OLG website at www.olg.nsw.gov.au.
• For further information, contact OLG’s Policy Team on 02 4428 4100 or by email at olg@olg.nsw.gov.au.

Tim Hurst
Acting Chief Executive