Submissions are open until May 4 and can be made through the Office of Local Government’s website
The NSW government is inviting pet owners and the public to contribute to a comprehensive review of the Companion Animals Act 1998.
The review marks the first major overhaul of pet ownership laws in more than 20 years. It aims to strengthen responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, and improve community safety.
The government’s review will examine key aspects of pet care and management, including measures to prevent dogs and cats from entering pounds, strategies to reduce dog attacks, and the responsibilities of pet owners and local councils. It will also consider the role of regulatory tools available under the legislation and how similar issues are managed in other jurisdictions. Findings from NSW parliamentary inquiries into the veterinary workforce shortage, pound management, and cat population control, as well as recent coronial inquests into fatal dog attacks, will inform the process.
To support the review, the Office of Local Government has released a discussion paper that explores three main areas. The first focus is on encouraging responsible pet ownership, including registration, desexing, education, and training. The second area examines the compliance and enforcement responsibilities of councils, assessing whether local authorities have the necessary tools to manage pet-related issues effectively. The third aspect addresses animal welfare and rehoming, with particular attention to the challenges faced by pounds and adoption services.
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig emphasised the importance of updating pet ownership laws to reflect current challenges. He noted that more than 4.7 million pet dogs and cats live in NSW, bringing companionship to many, but also creating increased demand on council pounds and rehoming organisations. He stressed that the government wants to ensure pet owners take responsibility for their animals in both private and public spaces.
The NSW government is encouraging all interested stakeholders, including pet owners, councils, veterinarians, and rehoming organisations, to provide feedback on the discussion paper. Submissions are open until 4 May and can be made through the Office of Local Government’s website.
Public feedback will contribute to the government's review of companion animal laws, helping assess their effectiveness in supporting responsible pet ownership and community safety.
