Port Hedland mayor Peter Carter on the issue of wandering dogs

Wandering dogs remain an issue for the Town of Port Hedland. The Town is by no means the only local government area that has issues with wandering dogs, particularly in regional areas. One of the best ways to care for your pets is to ensure they are registered, microchipped and securely housed at home so they can’t escape. Taking these measures ensures your pet is safe and secure, but if they do happen to get out, the Town’s rangers are able return them to you as soon as they are collected, as we will have your contact information immediately available. Town rangers conduct regular patrols to respond quickly to reports of animals wandering and collect stray animals. It is also important that if someone sees a roaming dog, they don’t just take a photo of it and post on social media, but contact the Town Rangers on 9158 9300. Responsible pet ownership can help reduce the high volume of wandering animals we are currently experiencing, so ensuring you have safe and secure fences and keeping your dog on a leash while in public are effective measures everyone can take. Exercising dogs is also very important. Currently dogs are allowed off-leash at Spoilbank and the McGregor Street Reserve in Port and the temporary dog park at Marie Marland Reserve in South Hedland. People are reminded that under the Town of Port Hedland Dogs Local Laws 2021, households in and around Port or South Hedland are only permitted to have two dogs above the age of three months old. While two dogs per premises is the rule, a temporary exemption can be applied for to allow more dogs to reside at a household with strict conditions, including a compliant fencing inspection, before approval will be considered. Reducing wandering dogs lessens that chances of attacks and keeps our community safe, so we urge every pet owner to take the small but necessary steps to ensure their animals are well secured at home and on-leash at all times in public.