The role of Council Rangers

Council’s four Rangers monitor and provide assistance across a variety of areas in the Kempsey Shire. They manage the pound, investigate dog attacks, impound livestock, respond to illegal dumping and enforce rules for parking, camping and beach permits.

Rangers play a key role in public safety and compliance. From investigating complaints to enforcing regulations, they help keep our community safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone.

To lodge a request with our Rangers, please contact Customer Service on 6566 3200 or fill in the Customer Request form.

For more information on Council’s animal and pet services, visit Animals & pets

After hours animal management

Council does not provide a weekend or on-call Ranger service for animal management. Rangers do not respond to calls after hours for animal-related issues.

What to do after hours

• Dog attacks: Contact NSW Police immediately.
• Stray dogs: Please call Council during usual business hours.
• Straying stock: Contact NSW Police.

Important advice

• Members of the public are not obligated to take in stray dogs outside business hours.
• If you choose to assist:
  • You may house the dog at your property until the owner is located.
  • You can ask a local vet to take the animal. Vets may transfer the dog to Council’s Animal Management Facility during business hours (at the vet’s discretion).
  • Contact Council during business hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.

Safety Tip: A dog’s behaviour can be unpredictable. If you do not know the dog, it is safest to let it continue on its way rather than trying to catch it.

Other contacts for after hours incidents

• Cruelty to animals: RSPCA NSW Emergencies – 1300 278 3589
• Native animals (kangaroos, wombats, snakes, etc.): NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services – 1300 072 757
• Injured native animals, birds, reptiles: WIRES – 1300 094 737

For deceased animals on Council property, please contact Council during business hours on 6566 3200.