The Dog Management Policy sets out how dogs are managed in our municipality. It covers where dogs can be taken, areas where they must be on a lead, areas where they are not allowed, and the responsibilities of dog owners. It helps balance the benefits of dog ownership with public safety, enjoyment of shared spaces, and protection of the environment.

The Dog Control Act 2000 requires councils to review their Dog Management Policies every five years. Our current policy was adopted in 2020 and is due for review in 2025. This review makes sure the policy is up to date, reflects current community needs, and meets legislative requirements.

The draft Dog Management Policy 2025 builds on the previous policy but introduces several important updates.

Key changes include:

• Stronger alignment with Council’s Strategic Plan and Term Plan, including values of Customer Focus and Safety.
• A more detailed Code of Responsible Dog Ownership, covering breed suitability, health care, exercise, training, nuisance behaviour, and new rules such as no tethering dogs to bicycles.
• Introduction of Dog Free Beaches in Penguin and Ulverstone, alongside existing prohibited and restricted areas.
• Updated declared areas (including new off-lead and dog-free zones such as Leith Beach).
• Clearer rules on registration and kennel licences – households may keep up to 2 non-working or 4 working dogs without a licence.

For a more detailed summary of changes click here.

If you are a dog owner, the changes may affect where you can exercise your dog and whether your dog must be on a lead in certain areas. If you are not a dog owner, the changes may impact how you use beaches, parks, and other shared spaces. The aim is to make rules clearer and fairer for everyone.

You can visit the My Central Coast website to:

• View an interactive map showing the proposed changes.
• Comment directly on areas that matter to you.
• Complete a short survey to share your feedback more generally.

Using this platform ensures all feedback can be reviewed consistently and effectively. If you need support to make a submission, please contact Council.

Using the online platform ensures all feedback can be reviewed consistently and effectively, but we understand some people have accessability issues. If you need assistance using the website, visit us at 19 King Edward Street Ulverstone or call 64 29 8900.

Community consultation opens on 22 September 2025 and closes on 12 October 2025.

All feedback will be collected and summarised. Councillors will review the community input in a workshop in October, and this will help shape the final policy. The updated policy will then be presented to Council for endorsement by the end of the year.

Yes. Some restrictions are set by law under the Dog Control Act 2000. For example, dogs are not allowed on school grounds, playgrounds, or the playing surface of sports ovals. Council must also ensure sensitive environmental areas are protected. However, community feedback is vital in shaping how other public spaces, especially beaches, are managed.

No. Dog registration fees are set separately each year as part of Council’s budget process. The Dog Management Policy sets the rules for how dogs are managed, but it does not determine fees.

Council Compliance Officers are responsible for enforcing the Dog Management Policy and the Dog Control Act 2000. Depending on the situation, Council may issue cautions, fines, or in serious cases, seize or impound dogs.

The full draft Dog Management Policy is available here.