Dogs
Review of Dog Management Policy
A review of Council’s Dog Management Policy is currently being undertaken. Under the Dog Control Act 2000 it states that in reviewing the Dog Management Policy Council is to:-
(a) invite public submissions relating to a proposed dog management policy; and
(b) consult with any appropriate body or organisation; and
(c) consider any submissions and results of any consultation before finalising the policy.
Public submissions on the Draft Dog Management Policy 2025 are invited with submissions closing on 11th February 2026.
The draft document is available here: CLICK HERE TO VIEW DOCUMENT
Submissions are to be addressed to the General Manager, 19 Alexander Street, Bothwell or by email to development@centralhighlands.tas.gov.au and are to be received by close of business on 11th February 2026.
Important Information for Dog and Cat Owners – HomeSafeID Microchip Register
Pet microchip registry company HomeSafeID has now closed its website.
This means that microchip details of pets that were registered with HomeSafeID are no longer accessible and lost cats may not be able to be traced back to their owners.
If your pet is registered with HomeSafeID, you are encouraged to change your microchip registration to another company.
It is important to keep your microchip details up to date so you can be reunited with your pet if they go missing or are found.
For more information about the situation and what you might need to do if you are impacted, please visit the Office of Local Government website here –
https://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/local_government/legislation/current_legislati on/dog_control/micro-chipping_faqs
Dog Registration
Dogs must be registered in each financial year and under Tasmanian State legislation must also be microchipped. Council sets its annual registration fees in June, each year.
Life Time Dog Tags
Central Highlands Council has ‘lifetime tags’ for your dog’s registration. These tags are a small metal disc with your dog’s unique registration number and Council’s contact number on one side, with the other side blank for you to engrave your contact details if you choose.
When registering your dog for the first time the “lifetime tag” will be issued to you. This tag will stay with your dog for life and you will only be required to pay the renewal fee each year, much like registering your car!
Replacement tags are available through Council if lost or damaged, a replacement fee applies.
Microchipping
All dogs over the age of six month must be microchipped, unless exempt under Section 15A(2)(b) of the Dog Control Act 2000. Exemption applies to working dogs, specified racing greyhounds and hunting dogs that were registered with, and tattooed by, an “approved” hunting association before 1 July 2011.
Dogs that are microchipped can be identified and quickly returned to their family if lost.
Kennel Licences
Only two dogs over the age of six months, or up to four working dogs can be kept on a property without a kennel licence.
For more information on applying for a kennel licence, or any other animal management enquiries, please contact Central Highlands Council on (03) 6259 5503.
Dog Complaints
Complaints about stray dogs and noise nuisance should be forwarded to the Bothwell office 6259 5503.
ALL dogs in Tasmania, over the age of six months must be micro chipped.
On A Short Leash
UNDER the Central Highlands Dog Management Plan, a number of locations have been declared ‘restricted areas’.
Dogs have to be on a leash or under effective control at all times and Council has installed signage displaying the regulations in those areas.
Similar signage is being erected in localities where dogs must be on a leash not exceeding two metres, or under effective control.