Licences must be renewed every year.

Dogs will receive a licence number which will stay with it for a lifetime and will transfer from one owner to another.

Puppies must be licensed by their breeders while still on the premises where they were born and by the time they are aged one month.

Breeders are responsible for reporting who the new owners are to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DA&F).

A dog's first licence has to be bought at the DA&F, but renewals can be purchased at Post Offices.

Leashes are to be worn by dogs at all times when in public areas.

Collars containing the licence number must be worn by dogs at ALL times, including while on private property.

Transfer of ownership must be reported to the DA&F.

Owners are liable for any damage to private or public property caused by their dogs.

Owners wanting to breed a dog must apply for a licence. It will be valid for a 90-day period, while the animal is due to be in season, and will only be valid for a single breeding of that particular dog. It is not transferable and can only be used on the named premises. Litters are also to be reported to the DA&F. There is a proposal to charge $100 for each breeder's licence.

People who breed without a licence, claiming it to be a mistake, will not automatically be given a licence as they are not expected by the department to need one again. Illegal litters can be seized. The merits of each case will be looked into.

Dogs can be seized if the owners are suspected of illegal breeding, having an excessive number of dogs, or failing to license them.

Owners must have a special permit to own more than two dogs.