Media enquiry regarding City rangers

Media Response 8 July 2016
Journalist’s background: I have a number of queries on different topics that I’m putting to all Perth councils in the metropolitan area.
 
Please attribute the following comments to City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty.  
 
DOG AND CAT OWNERSHIP How many dogs and cats are ratepayers allowed to own?
Residents within the City can own up to 2 dogs and up to 2 cats.

Please note, under the Dog Act 1976, residents can apply for ownership of a maximum of 6 dogs, approval is subject to conditions and an investigation by the City which includes a neighbour survey.

In regards to cat ownership, no more than 2 cats may be kept on premises under the City’s Health Local Law 2002. If a member of a prescribed cat organisation is a resident then they can keep 3 times the number of cats that could be kept at the premises under the local law. 

What is the penalty for breaching the regulations?
Keeping more than the prescribed number of dogs under the Dog Act 1976

• Modified Penalty $200 
• Court imposed fine $5,000

Keeping more than the prescribed number of cats under the City’s Health Local Law
• Modified Penalty – First instance $100 Second instance $200  Third instance $500
• Daily Penalty also occurs for non-compliance
• Court imposed fine $1,000

Non authorised Cat Breeder under Cat Act/Regs
• Modified Penalty $200 
• Court imposed fine $5,000

How many warnings, infringements and prosecutions were issued for breaches of these regulations in a) 2014-15 b) 2015-16 so far (if known)?
There have been no infringements or prosecutions issued over the last two years for breaches of these regulations in regards to numbers of animals. The City works with residents to submit applications for keeping more than the prescribed amount.

USE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OWNED RESERVES FOR RECREATION
What recreational activities are not allowed on local government-owned lands or reserves? ie: organised sport, training for profit?
Any organised sporting activity, training for profit or organised event needs to be approved by the City of South Perth.  

What is the penalty for breaching the regulations?
Under the City’s Public Places and Local Government Property Local Law; a fine of $150 may be issued. 
 
How many warnings, infringements and prosecutions were issued for breaches of these regulations in a) 2014-15 b) 2015-16 so far (if known)? 
No infringements have been issued, but the City has issued several warnings.  
 
What were the most common causes for the warnings/infringements/prosecutions? ie: Was there one particular recreational activity that was problematic?
One of the most common warnings issued is to personal trainers that use reserves for business purposes and haven’t gained authorisation from the City.
 
RANGER ABUSE
Is verbal and/or physical abuse of council rangers an issue?

The City’s rangers play an important role in our community. They deal with many challenging situations, their interpersonal and negotiation skills are highly valued. We take great care to ensure the safety and health of all City staff in their workplace.

How many incidents of abuse of any kind against rangers were reported in a) 2014-15 b) 2015-16 (if known)?
N/A

What was the nature of the abuse, if known?
N/A


What action, if any, was taken as a result of these incidents?
N/A

Media contact

For media enquiries, please contact the City’s Communications Officer.