NSW Government introduction of annual permits for non-desexed cats and dangerous / restricted dogs

The NSW Government is introducing annual permits for non-desexed cats and restricted and dangerous dogs as part of its commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare standards.

The NSW Government is introducing annual permits for non-desexed cats and restricted and dangerous dogs as part of its commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare standards.

From 1 July 2020 owners of cats not desexed by four months of age will be required to pay an $80 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee.

This will create a stronger incentive to desex cats, which in turn will improve their health and wellbeing, including reducing the risk of some cancers.

Improving desexing rates will also ease the burden on pounds and shelters, reduce euthanasia rates, and help to address concerns about feral, stray and roaming cats and their effect on wildlife.

Exemptions are in place for cats that are registered by 1 July 2020, those kept for breeding purposes by members of recognised breeding bodies, and cats which cannot be de-sexed for medical reasons.

From 1 July 2020 owners of dogs of a restricted breed or formally declared to be dangerous will be required to pay a $195 annual permit in addition to their one-off lifetime pet registration fee, by NSW Government.

This will serve as a further disincentive to owning high-risk dogs and encourage owners to better manage the behaviour of their animal.

Restricted dog breeds are the pit bull terrier, American pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, Argentinian fighting dog, Brazilian fighting dog, and canary mastiff. A dog can also be declared to be one of, or a cross-breed of, one of these restricted breeds.

Dogs of any breed can be formally declared dangerous by a council or court if the dog, without provocation, has attacked or killed a person or animal, repeatedly threatened to attack or repeatedly chased a person or animal, or is kept or used for hunting.

From 1 July 2020, pet owners will be able to pay for annual permits using the  NSW Pet Registry website  or through their local council.

Anyone registering a cat on the NSW Pet Registry will be informed that they must pay for an $80 annual permit if their animal is not desexed by four months of age.

Annual permit fees will go directly to the Companion Animals Fund which pays for companion animal management by local councils including pounds/shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs.  The fund is also used to operate the NSW Pet Registry and carry out responsible pet ownership initiatives.

Local councils will have primary responsibility for enforcing the new requirement consistent
with other companion animal management practices.

If you require any further information or assistance, please contact the NSW Pet Registry at  pets@olg.nsw.gov.au  and 1300 134 460.

• Annual Permits – Frequently Asked Questions 

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