Council’s manager of health, waste and regulatory services John Cavanagh said council had received a rise in the number of incidents for loose dogs, aggressive and unregistered animals. 

Rangers were forced to issue eleven fines last month for offences relating to irresponsible dog ownership after children, adults and other pets were injured as a result of recent attacks. 

“In particular, please keep your dog locked up or on a leash when you are out and about, especially if your dog is known to be aggressive,” Mr Cavanagh said. 

“Rangers don’t want to fine people in fact rangers issued 37 cautions without fines in February only resorting to fines when owners continued to do the wrong thing. 

“The laws are there for valid reasons to keep children and others in our community safe, to maintain clean and healthy suburban areas and waterways and to prevent roaming dogs from pestering people.

“It's important to be aware of what is required under NSW law when you own a dog.” 

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, companion animals must be mircrochipped by 12 weeks of age and be registered by six months of age. 

The act states that owners must exert effective control of their dog(s) at all times in public places by way of a chain, cord or leash. Owners are still expected to have effective control of their dog in a leash free area.