Ingleside residents are being urged to contribute to a statewide review of pet ownership laws. The authorities are re-examining the Companion Animals Act following repeated reports of dog attacks in the area.
Review Targets Outdated Pet Regulations
The NSW Government has launched a public consultation to review the Companion Animals Act 1998, the first significant update in over two decades. The review aims to modernise pet ownership rules across the state, addressing public safety, animal welfare, and council responsibilities. Ingleside is among the areas highlighted due to ongoing community concerns about roaming dogs attacking native wildlife.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Wildlife Deaths in Ingleside Raise Alarm
Residents in Ingleside, Elanora Heights, and surrounding suburbs have repeatedly reported the same two dogs attacking wildlife since early 2023. Sightings continued into January 2025, including images of one dog carrying a dead water dragon. The dogs, described as a black labradoodle and a dark brown curly-haired retriever, have allegedly killed ducks and reptiles and chased wallabies across private and public land.
Reports from early 2023 also noted damage to nurseries and attacks on domestic poultry. Despite multiple incidents, NBC confirmed that no fines were issued due to insufficient evidence at the time. The matter is now under further investigation.
Council and State Response Linked to Broader Review
The Companion Animals Act review will consider enforcement gaps, registration issues, and how councils manage compliance. NBC reported 53 dog attacks in the first quarter of 2024–25, with 39 involving animals. In comparison, Central Coast Council, with more than twice the number of registered dogs, recorded fewer animal attacks during the same period.
The review also incorporates findings from coronial inquests into fatal dog attacks, including the 2020 death of Ada Holland and the 2021 death of a five-week-old baby in Kariong.
Recommendations include strengthening penalties, creating a dog ownership licensing scheme, and revising council enforcement powers.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Ingleside Featured in Broader Wildlife Protection Concerns
Local wildlife in Ingleside and nearby suburbs continues to be impacted by uncontrolled dogs. Protected species remain vulnerable such as wallabies and water dragons. Under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, these animals are legally safeguarded, yet enforcement remains inconsistent.
Photographic evidence submitted by residents and reports to media and council highlight that off-leash dogs frequently roam areas where pets are prohibited, including reserves and wildlife corridors. Residents are encouraged to report all such incidents directly to the NBC or the police.
Community Divided on Off-Leash Access
Proposals to expand off-leash dog access in certain locations, including South Mona Vale Beach, have drawn mixed responses. Previous incidents at that site include children being injured or knocked over by dogs. While the beach is not officially off-leash, pet owners continue to use it as such.
Consultation remains open on the new management plan for this area, with concerns that changing access rules could increase conflict between dog owners and the broader public.
Public Feedback Open Until May
The NSW Government is accepting public submissions until 4 May 2025. A discussion paper has been released addressing responsible pet ownership, council enforcement responsibilities, and animal welfare. The review aims to set a clearer legal basis for registration, desexing, and dangerous dog declarations.
Submissions can be made through the Office of Local Government website or by emailing completed forms to ca.review@olg.nsw.gov.au.
Published 15-Apr-2025
