Community members are encouraged to provide feedback on the revised LHIB Dog Importation and Management Policy 2019. The document will be on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 1 May to 29 May 2024. 

Community information sessions

Two community sessions will be held to provide an opportunity to access information about the draft policy and ask questions. 

Information sessions will take place at the Public Hall:

               Tuesday 7 May at 4:30pm - 5:30pm

                Thursday 9 May at 10am - 11am

Feedback on the Policy must be submitted in writing.

How to access the revised Policy

From May 1, copies of the Policy will be placed on display at the LHIB Administration office during business hours and an electronic copy will be accessible on LHIB’s website.

To make a submission on the policy in May, please email [email protected] or write to:

Lord Howe Island Board

PO Box 5

Lord Howe Island NSW 2898

Experts and opinions consulted

The Policy, now due for review, was revised in consultation with the NSW Office of Local Government and NSW Department of Primary Industry – Animal Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Units. 

Valuable feedback was also provided by the Island vet, Courtney Turner, and the LHIB also considered any feedback received from the LHI dog owner community since the previous review.

Proposed actions and amendments

Key issues were identified and actions to address them were outlined at the March 2024 Board meeting (page 204-205):

1. The Policy is too long, complex and difficult to interpret.
2. The desexing requirements for male and female dogs are outdated and not appropriate based on current veterinary recommendations and evidence-based practice.
3. It is not considered reasonably practicable for veterinary practitioners to certify a dog as “free of disease and parasites”.
4. There is limited guidance and resources for dog owners on the Island to train their dogs appropriately to the Board’s expectations.
5. Nine species of migratory shorebirds have recently been added or uplisted to the EPBC Act threatened species list, several of which are regular visitors to LHI. The stretch of beach they frequent is currently designated as an off-leash area.
6. Limited designated dog areas.