Ranger Services FAQs

I’ve received a notice to register for a dog I haven’t owned for years. What do I do?

Council conduct regular 'Mass Notice to Register' campaigns. We do this by searching a particular set of date of births, such as May and June 2017 and 2021. Due to this, we do often have animals come up that people may no longer own, but details haven’t been updated. Contact Council on 02 4993 4100, or email: council@cessnock.nsw.gov.au to notify us you no longer own the animal. Please include any relevant paperwork.

My neighbour's dog keeps getting out. What can Rangers do?

It is difficult for Rangers to investigate roaming dogs without physically seeing them out and being able to identify the dog by scanning the microchip. We have Ranger Services available from 8.30am–5pm weekdays, and 8am–4.30pm on Saturdays. Please call the main Council line on 02 4993 4100 when the dog is out of its yard, so we can attend straight away.

My neighbour’s dog keeps barking and it’s really annoying. Should I contact Council?

Before you contact council about barking dogs, try talking to your neighbours first to help them understand the issue it is causing you.

If you have attempted to directly resolve the issue with the owner, and it is still occurring, you may report to Council. More information on this process can be found on our Barking dogs page.

I’ve received a parking fine and I don’t agree with it. What steps can I take?

Once a fine is issued, all enquiries should be directed to Revenue NSW.

Through their website you can:

Pay your fine
Request to have the fine reviewed
Reallocate the fine if it was someone else driving the vehicle
Opt to take the fine to court

I’ve bought a new animal, but it isn't registered in my name and the old owner did not give me change of owner paperwork. What do I do?

You can visit Council's administration building to complete a statutory declaration, stating you are the new owner of the dog.

I have concerns with the condition of a local dog. Do I report this to Council?

Welfare reports need to be posted to the RSPCA by calling 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589). Council Rangers do not have the authority to investigate welfare complaints.

How do I register my pet?

Registration can be completed online via the NSW Pet Registry, by calling Customer Service on 02 4993 4100, or by attending Council’s administration building.

More information can be found on our Registration and Pet Ownership page.

There has been an unregistered car left in my street for a few weeks. What can I do to report it?

Contact Council on 02 4993 4100 to report the unregistered vehicle, and Rangers can attend and start the process for its removal.

I reported an unattended vehicle to Council a few weeks ago and it’s still there. Why hasn’t it been moved yet?

Rangers are restricted in action that can be taken under the time frames set out in the Public Spaces (Unattended Vehicle) Act 2021. It can take a few weeks to remove a vehicle, and we may offer further time if the owner contacts us and advises they need more time. If you want an update on the status of a request you submitted for an unattended vehicle, give our Customer Service team a call on 4993 4100 and quote your reference number.