Published on Monday, 7 September 2026 at 11:32:39 AM
The Shire’s Rangers have received an increase in the number of reports involving wandering dogs and dog attacks. These incidents can cause serious injury or fatality, distress and financial loss, and every report is taken seriously.
A dog does not need to bite an animal for an incident to warrant a report - rushing, chasing or threatening can also cause injury or death.
If you see a wandering dog or an attack in progress:
- Do not place yourself at risk or attempt to approach an aggressive dog.
- Contact the Shire’s Rangers on (08) 9575 5140 as soon as possible and provide the exact location, time and a description of the dog.
- If safe, take photos or video and note where the dog came from or went.
- If livestock have been attacked, preserve any available evidence and record injuries, damage and veterinary treatment.
- Report the incident promptly, even if the dog has left the area.
Our Rangers can respond to reports, patrol the area, collect evidence, identify and contact dog owners, and investigate potential offences under the Dog Act 1976.
Dog owners are reminded to keep their dogs securely contained at home, ensure fencing is sound and appropriate for your types of pets and livestock, and keep their dogs under effective control in public. Responsible ownership protects our community, our livestock and pets and the dogs themselves.
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