Animals

Dogs

Having pets is a basic right and one of the great joys of our community.  However, everyone who owns an animal must be aware of the responsibility it brings as well as the community’s expectations about responsible pet management.

Owning a pet is great fun, but it does come with responsibility. Much of being a responsible pet owner is understanding your pet’s needs and being aware of your responsibilities to the community.

Dog owners can do a few simple things to keep their pets out of trouble and their neighbours happy including:

• proper fencing for your dog
• using a leash
• excessive barking control
• aggressive dog control
• litter left by them in public
• registration and identification
• desexing your pets

Local Law 65 has very specific provisions to help Council manage animals in the community.  Council is committed to encouraging responsible pet ownership to benefit the entire community.  Please be a considerate and responsible owner.

Cats

Mackay Regional Council does not register cats.  However, Council's Local Law requires that a person must not keep more than four cats on any premises within the Mackay Regional Council area.  It is the animal owners responsibility to monitor and control their pets to ensure that they do not wander. 

People experiencing problems with nuisance or feral cats can hire cat traps from Council.  Council does charge a handling fee and conditions apply. Impounded cats are held at Mackay Regional Council's pound for at least 48 hours before being sold or disposed of.

Catteries

Any person wishing to operate a cattery must obtain permission from Council.

View Council's Planning Scheme refer to kennels for requirements.

Pound

Mackay Regional Council operates a pound located across from the Mount Bassett Cemetery on Strickland Road, Mackay Harbour. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9-11am. To schedule other times with a Local Laws Officer at the pound, please contact Council.

Pound Pets

If you have lost a pet, check out our online Pound Pets.