Dog Information

Dog Information

Under the provisions of the Dog Act 1976, all dogs within the Shire of Merredin over the age of three months must be registered. Registration is carried out at the Shire offices during normal office hours and is available for 1 year, 3 years and lifetime periods, commencing on 1 November each year.

All dogs must be contained on an owner's property or held on a lead at all times. The Shire of Merredin is concerned by the incidence of dogs roaming at large and your cooperation in registering and maintaining control of your dogs will be appreciated.

Substantial penalties may be imposed for non compliance with dog control legislation.

Click here to download print versions of the posters below.

Cat Information

Under the provisions of the Cat Act 2011, all cats within the Shire of Merredin over the age of 6 months must be registered and microchipped, with registration tags to be displayed in public places.

The owner of a cat that has reached 6 months of age must also ensure that the cat is sterilised by a veterinarian, unless the cat is exempt from sterilisation. 

Substantial penalties may be imposed for non-compliance with cat legislation.

All cats must be microchipped prior to being sold or given away, and must have an accompanying sterilisation voucher.

Cat traps are available for hire from the Shire of Merredin for a maximum of 14 days. 

Dog & Cat Registration Prices

• Pensioner Concession Card holders are eligible to receive a 50% concession off the above fees
• Working dogs are 25% of the above fees.

You can download and complete the following forms before coming in to see us if you prefer:

Registering a dog for the first time

Renewing a dog registration

Transfer of dog ownership

Cat Registration Form

Renewing a cat registration

Transfer of cat ownership

Pound Services

Under section 29(8)(c) of the Dog Act 1976, if a dog is not readily identifiable, it is to be kept and maintained in the pound for a period of 72 hours. In the circumstance that a dog is wearing a registration tag or is microchipped or the owner is otherwise readily identifiable, under section 29(8)(b) of the Dog Act 1976 they are to be kept and maintained for a period of at least 7 days after written notice is given to the owner or the owners delegate.

Under section 34(1)(a) of the Cat Act 2011, if a cat is not readily identifiable, it is to be kept and maintained in the pound for a period of 3 working days. In the circumstance that a cat is identifiable, under section 34(1)(b) of the Cat Act 2011, they are to be held for 7 working days.

Please be aware that before releasing a dog or cat from the Pound, payment of the below fees must be made at the Shire Administration Centre during office hours (8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday). Dogs and cats must also be registered and microchipped, and cats must be sterilised, or additional infringements may apply. All unclaimed animals will be handed over to a rescue to be re-homed.

The Pound Fees are:

• Impounding Fee - $87.90
• Release Fee - $60.00
• Sustenance Fee - $24.60 per day impounded

Other fees may include;

• Boarding Fee (per day) - $142.40
• Surrender of small animal (dog/cat) - $71.30
• Surrender of large animal (sheep/horse) - $93.70

Animal Welfare

Any matters relating to animal welfare issues need to be dealt with through RSPCA on 1300 278 358. Shire Ranger Services are not authorised to enter properties or housing to conduct welfare checks.

Livestock welfare matters can be dealt with through RSPCA or DPIRD by calling (08) 9363 4053 or (08) 9368 3333.