NEW DOG and CAT REGISTRATION LAWS
State Government legislation requires all dogs and cats to be registered with their local Council from the age of 3 months. Registrations must also be renewed by 10 April each year.
The objective of the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animal Act 1994 is 'public safety' and to that end the Act has recently been amended and now requires all dogs and cats to be micro-chipped, if they are being registered for the first time with a Council.
First time registration includes any animal that has not been registered with that Council within the previous 12 months.
A recent inspection of Strathbogie Shire Councils Domestic Animal Registers reveals over 400 residents failed to renew their animal registration last year. Council Rangers are currently checking those unpaid registrations.
Manager of Regulatory Services at Strathbogie Shire Council, Stuart Lansley is urging all pet owners to check that their pet registrations are up to date. "Should our Rangers call and find your registration is unpaid fines of $537 can apply for each dog or cat kept."
Renewal Notices for April 10 2007 are currently being prepared and will be distributed shortly. Where a registration was not paid last year the new law will apply. The aim of the new law will ensure (with the progression of time) that every dog and cat registered in Victoria is recorded with a local Council and listed on a National Data Base.
The National Data Base will assist Councils to clearly identify pets whether or not they are wearing their Council registration tag. The Data Base will also assist Council Officers to identify the owner of domestic animals involved in an attack or should they become lost, especially outside of their municipal district, ensure their safe and speedy return.
"Micro-chipping your pet provides a permanent method of identification which cannot be lost and endures for the life of the animal. It is the responsible thing to do for your pet and it attracts substantial reductions in your registration fees" Stuart Lansley said.
For information on micro-chipping your pet contact your local Vet or call Councils Regulatory Services Department on 1800 065 993.
For more information: Marli Kelly on 0409 410 178 [22 February 2007]
For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858