Dog Ownership

Using a leash in public spaces around Gympie is more than just a legal requirement, it’s an important step towards protecting both your dog and those around you. A leash helps prevent your dog from running into dangerous situations, like traffic or some other animals and ultimately allows you to maintain control in unpredictable environments.

In shared areas like footpaths and on-leash parks, leashing your dog ensures that everyone, including children and the elderly, can feel safe and at ease.

Additionally, leashing protects the local wildlife and natural spaces by preventing dogs chasing and/or disturbing animals and their habitats.

A socialised dog is typically more confident, calm and friendly than non-socialised dogs. Regular exposure to other dogs, people and new environments helps to reduce scared and anxious behaviours such as barking or lunging.

When dogs are socialised from a young age, they learn how to interact with others. This leads to better behaviour in public and at home, and allows for more enjoyable outings to parks, cafes and community events.

Training your dog isn’t just about obedience, it’s about communication. A trained dog that can understand commands allows owners to manage their pets more effectively in public spaces.

Training also builds a strong bond between owners and their pets, increases a dog’s confidence and contributes to their overall wellbeing. Dogs who receive consistent training are less likely to display nuisance behaviours like excessive barking, jumping or aggression towards other animals.

Cleaning up after your dog is one of the most basic and essential responsibilities of pet ownership. Dog waste isn’t just unpleasant, it can post health risks to people, other pets and local wildlife as it might spread harmful bacteria and parasites.

By carrying waste bags and disposing of them in the correct bins, you help keep Gympie clean, safe and welcoming for everyone. It also sets a positive example for others and helps reduce complaints.

Gympie Regional Council provide dog waste bins in most public areas, please use them and encourage others to do the same.

Letting your dog off-leash is a great way for them to exercise and explore, but it should always be done in the right place. Council approved off-leash areas are designed to provide safe, controlled environments where dogs can roam freely without causing issues for others.

Using these areas ensures safety for your dog and other animals, respect for people who may not want to interact with dogs and protection of other wildlife. 

Not every dog is friendly and not every person is comfortable around dogs. That’s why it’s important to always ask before approaching another dog. This simple habit helps prevent unwanted or unsafe encounters, avoid triggering anxiety or fear in other dogs and shows courtesy to other dog owners and their pets.

If someone says no, respect their choice as there may be reasons such as training, medical conditions or behavioural issues.

All dogs deserve a life where their essential needs are consistently met. This includes nutritious food and clean water every day to maintain their health, safe and secure shelter that protects them from extreme weather, regular veterinary care including check-ups, flea/tick prevention and emergency support when needed, and daily exercise and mental stimulation such as walks and off leash play.

Owners are encouraged to speak with their vet for tailored advice on keeping their pets healthy and happy.

Desexing and vaccinations are vital parts of responsible dog ownership.

Desexing helps:

• Provide unwanted litters and reduce stray animal populations
• Improve quality of life for pets

Vaccinations protect your dog (and others) from preventable diseases such as:

• Canine Parvovirus
• Canine distemper
• Kennel cough
• Hepatitis

Keeping your dog’s vaccinations up to date isn’t only essential for their health, but it's also essential for boarding, grooming and socialising with other animals.

Every dog deserves to live free from harm, neglect and suffering. It’s important for both pet owners and community members to recognise the signs that a dog may be in distress or not receiving proper care.

These signs can include:

• Emaciation or malnourishment, such as visible ribs (in some breeds) and a weak condition
• Poor coat condition, open sores and untreated injuries
• Continuous barking or whining, especially when left alone for long periods
• Being tied up for extended periods, or kept in cramped or unclean conditions
• Lack of shelter, water or food

If you witness or suspect animal cruelty or neglect in the Gympie region, you can report it by calling RSPCA Queensland on 1800 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or online.

Dog attacks can result in serious injury to people, other animals and even the dog involved. Prevention begins with responsible ownership and proper handling.

How to prevent dog attacks:

• Always keep your dog under effective control especially in public places
• Use a leash outside of designated off-leash areas
• Supervise interactions between your dog and other dogs or unfamiliar people
• Do not allow your dog to roam unsupervised
• Desex your dog, they are generally less aggressive after being desexed
• Provide training and socialisation early and consistently

Owners are legally responsible for their dog’s behaviour. Penalties may apply for attacks.

Understanding your dog's body language can help prevent aggressive incidents. Dogs often give warning signs before they act out – knowing how to spot them can help you prevent escalation.

Signs of stress of discomfort:

• Yawning, licking lips, turning head away
• Pacing or trembling
• Tucked tail, pinned ears, crouching
• Avoiding eye contact

Signs of aggression:

• Growing or snarling
• Showing teeth or lunging
• Rigid body posture or intense staring

If your dog exhibits these behaviours, remove them from the situation calmly and safely. Council suggests consulting a professional trainer or vet for further support.

Children often don’t understand how to read a dog’s behaviour and even the gentlest pet can react unexpectedly if scared or overstimulated.

• Always supervise children when they are near dogs, even family pets
• Teach kids to ask permission before patting someone else’s dog
• Never allow children to pull tails, climb on or hug dogs tightly
• Create safe zones at home where your dog can rest undisturbed
• Introduce dogs to other pets slowly, in neutral spaces and under control

Owners should be especially cautious with food, toys and resting areas, dogs are usually protective over their things.

Barking is a normal way for dogs to communicate but when it becomes excessive, it can disturb neighbours and lead to complaints.

Common causes of excessive barking include:

• Boredom or lack of exercise
• Separation anxiety
• Reacting to noises, people or other animals
• Seeking attention

How to manage it:

• Ensure your dog gets daily physical and mental stimulation
• Limit exposure to triggers
• Avoid leaving your dog alone for long periods
• Seek professional training or advice if barking persists

Repeated complaints may lead to Council investigation and potential fines. Acting early is the best way to avoid issues.

If you are experiencing issues with a barking dog in your neighbourhood, there are steps you can take before contacting Council.

1. Consider contacting your neighbour to discuss your concerns
2. Consider contacting the Wide Bay Dispute Resolution Service to facilitate a discussion
3. Lodge a formal complaint with Council

For more information including what is required to lodge a formal complaint, download:

Council Rangers regularly patrol public areas and respond to community reports. Their role is to enforce local animal management laws and support responsible pet ownership.

Rangers may check for the following:

• Dogs off leash outside of designated off leash areas
• Unregistered dogs
• Dogs wandering or roaming unattended
• Excessive barking or threatening behaviour
• Unsecured or unsafe fencing on private properties
• Failure to clean up after your dog in public spaces
• Aggressive dogs

Rangers may also conduct welfare checks or investigate reports of neglect or cruelty.

Failing to follow animal laws and regulations can lead to serious consequences:

• Fines for offences like unregistered dogs, dogs off-leash and excessive barking
• Official warnings or compliance notices
• Seizure of the dog in serious or repeated cases
• Legal action or court proceedings for dangerous dog attacks or cruelty

Penalties are intended to promote compliance, not punishment. Rangers prefer to work with owners to resolve issues first where possible.

Being a responsible dog owner doesn’t have to be complicated:

• Register, microchip and vaccinate your dog
• Keep your contact details up to date on the microchip registry
• Use a leash in public areas unless you’re in a designated off-leash area
• Clean up after your dog – always carry waste bags
• Ensure your dog is securely contained on your property
• Provide food, water, shelter and vet care
• Address barking issues early before they escalate into complaints
• Never let your dog wander

Responsible ownership not only avoids fines, but it also creates a better quality of life for you, your pet and your neighbours.