Griffith residents are being urged to keep their dogs safely secured within their yards and/or homes to help ensure the safety of others.

This call follows a recent increase in reports of stray animals.

While owning a dog can be a rewarding experience, it also comes with significant responsibilities.

Pet owners must ensure their animals are healthy, well-fed, groomed, vaccinated, regularly exercised and properly socialised.

Owners not only have responsibilities to their pets, but also to the wider community.

The Companion Animals Act outlines these obligations and provides Council with the authority to assist and where necessary, enforce compliance.

Under the Act, all companion animal owners must be aged 18 or over.

As a dog owner, it's your duty to care for your pet’s wellbeing and to ensure your dog does not negatively impact others.

If your dog is barking excessively, acting aggressively, or roaming freely, please consider how this behaviour may be affecting your neighbours. You are ultimately responsible for your dog’s actions.

All dogs must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age and registered on the NSW Pet Registry by six months of age.

Additionally, when outside the home, dogs must wear a collar with a tag that clearly displays the animal’s name and the owner’s contact details, such as an address or phone number.

If you encounter a lost or roaming dog during business hours, please contact Council’s Compliance Officers on 1300 176 077.

Please note that roaming dogs may be taken to the Griffith Pound and Rehoming Centre, by appointment only.