FRASER Coast dog owners have been encouraged to ensure their dogs are registered ahead of an inspection program starting early this year.
Cr Jan Hegge said dogs were required to be registered annually under Queensland Government laws.
“Having a dog can provide a lot of enjoyment and companionship but also comes with commitments and responsibilities,” she said.
“Council officers visited more than 11,000 properties as part of this year’s dog registration inspection program, which resulted in an extra 2646 dogs being registered and updated details provided for 680 dogs whose ownership had changed or who were no longer alive.
“The 2023 inspection program also led to $215,941 in fines being issued for animal offences.
“Council issued over 22,500 dog registration renewal notices in early October 2023 and there are still about 3500 owners who are yet to respond. We encourage those dog owners to get in touch with Council as soon as possible to register their dogs and/or update their details.”
At its meeting today, Council approved the 2024 dog registration inspection program to run from 1 March to the end of August.
Cr Hegge said registering dogs had benefits for owners.
“Ensuring your dog is registered and microchipped helps reduce the number of animals that end up at the pound and makes it easier for Council to reunite lost pets with their owners,” she said.
“The registration fees collected contribute to the cost of Council’s animal management operations including compliance inspections, dog attack investigations, the running of animal pounds and the adoption centre, fenced off-leash areas and responsible pet care programs.”
Council offers free first-time dog registration to encourage residents to register their animals.
It is compulsory for dogs to be registered with Council from twelve weeks of age and within 14 days of owners moving to the Fraser Coast region.
If you have not reregistered your pet, or your pet’s details have changed, especially if it has passed away, please get in touch with Council on 1300 79 49 29 and talk to a Customer Service Officer.
For more information, visit https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/animals-and-pets
