Desexing and microchipping dogs a key focus for Council

Fraser Coast dog owners will be provided a financial incentive to ensure their pets are desexed and microchipped.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Paul Truscott said the annual registration fee for desexed and microchipped dogs would be just $30 in 2021/22.

“Having a dog can provide a lot of enjoyment and companionship but also comes with commitments and responsibilities, including ensuring they are registered every year,” he said.

“We’ve been heartened by the fact that the number of dogs registered in the region has increased from about 14,000 to more than 20,000 over the past four years.

“Council encourages local residents to keep doing the right thing by ensuring their dogs are registered, desexed and microchipped, and that their details are up to date.

“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.

“That’s why we’re providing a financial incentive for owners to have their dogs both desexed and microchipped.

“The $30 fee for desexed and microchipped dogs will be the lowest of all the different dog registration categories, aside from working/assistance dogs which don’t attract a fee.

“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 will also be continuing to offer free first year dog registration to encourage residents to register their animals. Dog registration renewal notices reflecting the new fee structure are set to be issued in October.

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, while dogs also need to be desexed before 22 weeks of age.

More information is available at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/animal-registration