Golden Plains Shire Council is undertaking a Shire-wide Pet Registration Audit in May and June to encourage responsible pet ownership, improve pet registration levels and help build a safer, happier community.
The Audit involves Council’s Community Protection Officers visiting properties in Golden Plains Shire to make sure domestic pets are registered and microchipped.
Councillor Helena Kirby, Mayor of Golden Plains Shire Council, said the Audit is ultimately about community safety.
She said, “As the Audit will see Council staff visiting pet owners at their homes, it is important the community understands just how important pet registrations are to the community, and why.
“Pet owners are required to microchip and register all dogs and cats with their local Council under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
“The Pet Registration Audit follows an increase in local dog attacks, dogs at large and nuisance complaints in Golden Plains Shire – registration helps Council identify problem animals and follow up with their owners, minimising the chances of repeat issues.
“Pet registration (which requires microchipping), enables Council to resolve issues involving pets much, much faster, which is significantly better for the pet owners, and any other people, involved.
“Registering your pet also helps us find your pet should they accidentally escape your property, making the chances of getting back a lost furry friend much higher. It can also help us identify pets that have died in road accidents, and notify you.
“I strongly encourage residents who have unregistered dogs or cats to get in touch with Council as soon as possible to register their pet, as the cost to register a domestic animal is much less than the fine for failing to do so,” said Cr Kirby.
Benefits of pet registration
- Includes a ‘Free Ride Home’ for pets at large when they have been collected by Council.
- Allows pets to be returned to their homes promptly, which can significantly reduce the distress associated with missing animals.
- Allows pet owners to be notified when their pets have been found to have passed away.
- Saves residents a potential $317 fine (2017-18) for failing to register a pet over three months of age, plus a potential $180 pound fee and the cost of registration.
- Allows Council to get in touch with the owners of dogs involved in animal attacks or nuisance complaints, so that issues can be resolved for local families as quickly as possible.
Registration fees
The cost of registration is $126 (per animal). Discount registration is $43 (per animal) and is available for:
- Dogs used for working stock
- Animals over 10 years of age
- Animals that have been desexed (proof required)
- Any animal registered with an approved organisation (eg. VCA, FCC)
- Animals kept for commercial breeding as part of a registered Domestic Animal Business.
A further discount of 50% of the fee applies to Pensioner Concession Card holders only (prior approval must be obtained from Council).
Failure to register or renew the registration of a dog or cat over the age of three months is a Council offence.
Further information
Residents can download the Domestic Animal Registration Form, or enquire via Customer Service on 5220 7111 or drop into our service centres in Smythesdale, Linton or Bannockburn to register their pet.