The Ranger

The Shire’s Ranger Services are provided by -

Mathew Sharpe on 0459 678 154.

The Ranger is responsible for:

  • Dog Complaints.
  • Cat Complaints.
  • Straying stock.
  • Litter control.
  • Off Road Vehicles.

(Fees and charges are subject to change without prior notice).

Pensioners are entitled to a 50% concession on fees and working dogs are given a 75% discount.

If there are changes to your Dog Registration (i.e. change of address, dog passes away or is sold) the owner must notify the Shire as soon as possible.

It is the responsibility of dog owners to keep their dogs under control at all times. Wandering dogs present a nuisance and danger to the general public. The Shire Ranger responds to any complaints and carries out regular dog patrols. There are heavy penalties for owners who dogs have to be impounded.

Under the Dog Act 1976 all dog owners are required by law to:

  • Register their dog with local council – unregistered dogs is an offence that carries a $200 penalty
  • Ensure their dog is unable to escape from their yard
  • Leash their dog at all times in public places

    Responsible Dog Ownership

    For the wellbeing and safety of your dog and the community, please ensure your dog: 

    • can be confined to the premises at which it lives
    • is under control of a competent person, and  on a leash of not more than 2m in length whenever in a public place
    • is only exercised off-leash in designated areas. You must carry a leash to ensure your dog can be restrained if required
    • wears a collar with ID tag displaying your name, address and contact number along with a current registration tag for easy identification
    • is microchipped (mandatory as of 1 November 2013 for all puppies once they have reached 3 months of age, all dogs being registered for the first time and if ownership of the dog changes; all other dogs by 1 November 2015. All dogs classified as a dangerous dog are required to be microchipped by 30 Novemebr 2013).

    If you or your dog disobey any of the requirements, you may end up being fined.

    This section is to inform dog owners within the Shire of Westonia of their obligations under State and local laws, and of their obligations to the community in which they live. Find out about dog registration, sterilisation, microchipping and exercising here.

    Click here for responsible Dog ownership info & Registration form

    Cats - What the Law Says

    The Cat Act 2011
    The Act was introduced by the State Government with the aim of encouraging responsible pet ownership and reducing the number of unwanted cats across Western Australia.

    From 1 November 2013, under the Act, owners of cats (over the age of 6 months) must ensure they have their feline pets:

    1. Micro-chipped, wearing a collar and registration tags
    (for identification purposes if the animal becomes lost or injured)

    2. Sterilised – unless being used for breeding purposes by a Shire of Westonia approved breeder
    (discount sterilisation applies to Shire of Westonia Residents)

    3. Registered – with the Local Government (see below)
    Local Government officers will be authorised to enforce this legislation and fines may apply to owners who do not comply. Cat owners should register their cat(s) with the Shire of Westonia.

    Click here for responsible Cat ownership info & Cat registration form

     Laws For Responsible Dog Owners Brochure