RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

How many animals can you keep?

A person must not, without a permit from Council, keep more than 2 dogs and/or 2 cats. This restriction does not apply to animals which are kept on farm land. For further information about Local laws regarding the keeping of animals refer 'Part 2 - Animals' of the Community Local Law No. 15 (PDF - 153KB) please contact Council to obtain an excess animals application form in order to apply for a permit.  For state legislation regarding the keeping of dogs and cats, refer to the Department of Primary Industries Domestic Animals Act 1994.

What are the benefits of microchipping?

If a lost or injured pet is found, the microchip will be scanned and the owner and pet reunited. Each year, tens of thousands of pets are euthanized at animal shelters across the state because their owners are unable to be identified and contacted. Unlike a tag and collar, a microchip cannot break or fall off, making it apermanentform of identification that is effective for the life of the pet. Microchipping can also be used to identify dangerous dogs within the community.

Dog ownership

Where must I have my dog on a lead in Ballarat?

Dogs must be on a lead at all times in the following areas:

• Ballarat Botanical Gardens
• Within 50 metres of the high water mark of Lake Wendouree
• Gong Reserve - Buninyong
• Eureka Stockade Reserve - Eureka Street
• Lake Esmond Reserve
• Any strip shopping centre or mall
• Within 50 metres of any childrens playground equipment
• Within 50 metres of any cooking equipment or tables and chairs in a reserve
• Within 50 metres of any parade, procession or organized gathering
• Any public area where dogs are required by signs to be on a lead
• Any walking path or shared footpath.

Where can I exercise my dog off a lead in Ballarat?

Dogs can be exercised off a lead in many reserves and parks, but they must remain under control and be continually supervised. Some suitable reserves to exercise your dog include:

• Victoria Park
• Morshead Park
• M.R. Power Reserve
• Russell Square

Where must I collect my dogs faeces?

• In any park or public reserve
• On any walking path or shared footpath
• On a road reservation that contains a constructed footpath or maintained nature strip
• In any public place that has constructed surfaces, equipment or fixtures provided for the enjoyment of the public.

Cat ownership

Highly adaptable and flexible, cats fit into domestic life and routines easily and comfortably. They are however, predators by nature and will go looking for mates, defend territory and hunt wildlife, particularly during the dusk to dawn period.

What are the dangers of allowing your cat to roam at night?

The hours between dusk and dawn are when your cat is most likely to attack wildlife; get hit by passing traffic; be injured, or injure another cat in a fight; and spray, howl and annoy neighbours, especially during mating season.

Is there a Cat Curfew in Ballarat? 

Through its Domestic Animal Management Plan, Council has introduced a cat curfew commencing from 10 April 2009. Cat owners will be required to keep their cats confined to their premises at night between sunset and sunrise. The curfew will assist in minimising harm to the environment and wildlife, and reduce a source of annoyance to neighbours.

If cats are not confined they are at risk of being trapped, and being handed in to the pound. Owners will be liable for costs associated in reclaiming their cat from the pound, and a fine may be issued for not complying with the curfew. 

How do I build cat proof fencing & cat enclosures?

A number of excellent cat enclosure products are available commercially, however the cost of buying these can be a problem for some cat owners. For this reason, the Community Program has developed a booklet on building 'DIY' cat enclosures called "How to build cat proof fencing & cat enclosures".

This booklet aims to help people who wish to save money by building their own cat enclosure or cat proof fencing. Materials cost approximately half the price of purchasing similar (but already assembled) commercially available products.

The booklet (below) provides step by step DIY instructions with supporting photos and illustrations, along with tools and materials checklists. It explains how to build cat proof fencing (ie modifying existing backyard fencing to make it 'cat proof'), a cat enclosure attached to an existing structure (eg the house), and a free standing cat enclosure.

Cat Proof Fencing and Enclosures


Your cat is your responsibility. If your cat wanders from your property and disrupts neighbours by spraying, howling, fighting or causing other disturbance, your neighbour can complain to the local Council and request that you ensure your cat is confined to your property.

If your cat wanders off your property and is not wearing a registration tag, it can be seized by anyone and impounded. The owner would then have to pay a fee to reclaim the cat from the pound, and may be liable for fines.

Who's For Cats?

'Who's for Cats?' is a joint initiative by eleven major animal welfare and industry organisations who are working together to educate Victorians on how they can help reduce numbers of unowned cats.

It is the first time a joint initiative of this kind has been conducted and the campaign involves television, radio and print advertising as well as education through public relations, local councils, vets and other animal welfare channels acting throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Organisations supporting the campaign are the Animal Welfare Science Centre, Australian Veterinary Association, Cat Protection Society, Department of Primary Industries, Lort Smith Animal Hospital, Monash University, Municipal Association of Victoria, Pet Industry Association of Australia, RSPCA, The Lost Dogs' Home, and Victorian Animal Aid.

For more information visit the Who's For Cat's Website or download the fact sheets: