Does Sydney have a ‘pet etiquette’ problem? These councils think so

Sydney dog owners caught leaving their pooches off leashes or failing to keep their canine friends in check could face increased fines as part of a council push for tougher pet penalties that has had some dog owners barking mad.

Increased fines and requirements for dog owners to attend responsible pet ownership training are among measures multiple local councils say could address breaches of responsible pet ownership rules and a “troubling” decline in pet etiquette in Sydney’s outdoor areas.

Sydney councils are lobbying for increased penalties for breaches of pet ownership rules.Credit: Janie Barrett

The case for tougher penalties has been made to a NSW government review of companion animal legislation, which is considering changes to enforcement powers for all councils across NSW.

Waverley Council has argued tougher penalties, including the ability to compel dog owners to attend responsible pet ownership training, could address the increase in dogs being walked off-leash in non-designated areas, as well as reports of rangers experiencing “abuse” and “co-ordinated online harassment by groups opposing leash laws”.

Randwick Council also wants stronger enforcement powers, arguing: “Many residents have reported off-leash dogs harassing children and wildlife” as well as “owners neglecting to pick up dog droppings, leaving mess in parks”.

In NSW, councils can issue maximum fines of $330 fines for breaking off-leash walking rules – less than half the $806 fine in Queensland – while the fine for failing to pick up dog faeces is set at $275.

The NSW government is reviewing companion animal rules.

Randwick dog walker Rod Dee believes pet owners are being unduly “targeted” by the “revenue-raising” exercise.

“Since COVID, dog ownership numbers have increased which means dogs are more visible in the area and not everyone likes dogs which means there’s probably more complaints to councils,” he said.

“You do get the odd bad apple who has a big dog and walks around like they’re god’s given gift but the overwhelming majority of owners do the right thing.”

James Webb, director of dog walking service Mad Dogs & Englishmen, believes councils should focus on enforcing existing rules, rather than advocating for additional penalties.

Waverley Council has argued pet penalties may be too low to provide strong deterrence.Credit: Brook Mitchell

The review of companion animal legislation comes amid tensions involving dogs in public areas across Sydney, including conflicts between dog walkers and sporting groups in open spaces.

On the north shore, Lane Cove Council area has introduced a dog flag system in a move to keep dogs away from sporting events following complaints of pooches running into ovals and digging holes in playing spaces.

Inner West Council has also ignited debate over plans to create a new off-leash dog walking area in Steel Park in Marrickville, with some submissions arguing dogs could affect sporting fields and pose “dangers” to children, while supporters say it will “foster community connection”.

Waverley Council data shows it has detected 555 breaches of off-leash dog walking rules in the last three years.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig said “all aspects regarding the care and management of pet dogs and cats are being considered” as part of the review.

“Given that this is the first review of pet ownership laws in 20 years, it’s long overdue [and] the government is open to hearing any suggestions that will help ensure these laws are effective in keeping our pets and the community safe,” the spokeswoman said.

Across NSW, the known population of pet dogs and cats exceeds 4.7 million – more than half the state’s total human population.

Waverley Councillor Lauren Townsend supported tougher penalties but warned excessive regulations could act as a barrier to responsible pet ownership.

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