Australian Capital Territory

Animal Welfare (Welfare of Dogs in the ACT) Code of Practice 2010
Disallowable instrument DI2010–85
made under the 

Animal Welfare Act 1992, section 22 (Codes of practice)
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs in the ACT 2010 is made under section 22 of the Animal Welfare Act 1992.  The instrument records the Minister’s approval of the “Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs in the ACT 2010” (the Code of Practice) which is attached to the instrument.

The instrument commences on the day after notification.

The purpose of the Code is to specify the requirements of the welfare of dogs within the Australian Capital Territory.  The Code details the minimum standards of accommodation, management and the care that is appropriate.  

Section 2 details the general requirements of responsible dog ownership including registration, identification and desexing.  It also identifies requirements for dangerous dogs, security dogs, assistance dogs and the keeping of multiple dogs. 

Section 3 outlines the nutritional requirements of dogs. 

Section 4 details the general requirements for accommodation, both inside and outside, and quantifies the minimum space accepted per kilo weight of dogs in enclosures. 

Section 5 describes the requirements in relation to exercise.

Section 6 outlines the benefits to training a dog. 

Section 7 outlines hygiene requirements related to utensils, bedding, enclosures and parasite control. 

Section 8 examines health issues such as vaccinations, worming and parasites.  Sets out the owners responsibility. 

Section 9 details requirements in relation to the transport of dogs including; water, food, exercise requirements, caging and the use of tranquillisers.  Includes requirements for transporting dog(s) on utility vehicles.

Section 10 outlines the responsible breeding practices as well as dealing with issues such as tail docking in puppies, transfer of ownership and legal responsibility. 

Section 11 gives practical advice to people with unwanted dogs.

Section 12 gives practical advice to people who have lost a dog.

Appendix 1 contains contact details for relevant government sections that are concerning with dog management as well as contact addresses for animal shelters, obedience clubs and training clubs.