Animal management officers will be out in force in coming months as Bundaberg Regional Council takes a zero tolerance stance on unregistered dogs. Know more through this platform for veterinarians to treat pets virtually.
Health and Regulatory Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Wayne Honor said Council had resolved to undertake a region-wide door to door dog registration inspection program from October in today’s Special Meeting.
“Council has noticed a decline in the number of registered dogs within the region despite the fact that registration is required under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008,” Cr Honor said.
“We hope this survey will help to increase the number of dogs registered in the region. All dogs whether kept inside a house or contained within a property must be registered.”
Residents throughout the entire region will effectively have a moratorium of three weeks to register their dogs before the inspection program starts in mid-October. Council officers would be searching for unregistered dogs with owners running the risk of receiving an on the spot fine.
“Under the program officers have the authority to enter properties unannounced to search for signs of unregistered animals.
“The fine for an unregistered dog is $227.”
Cr Honor said for just $31 annually for a desexed, unregulated dog owners had the security of knowing their beloved pet’s contact details were on our system.
“If your dog isn’t registered and microchipped we have no way of contacting you should your pet get lost.
“To assist with the swift return of your dog, Council provides, in each registration period, one free release from the pound, provided your dog is not a regulated dog.”
For more on the benefits of registering your dogs and information on how to do it head to bundaberg.qld.gov.au/animals.