Dog registration inspection program underway

More than 5,000 homes have been surveyed as part of the annual Fraser Coast dog registration inspection program.

“Council’s efforts to encourage responsible pet ownership are paying off with 22,167 dogs now registered,” Cr Zane O’Keefe said.

“That is a fantastic effort, and I congratulate dog owners for their efforts to register their pets.

“There was a spike in pet ownership during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as we faced lockdowns and our movements were restricted.

“It is great to see that people who bought or adopted pets are taking up the responsible pet ownership mantle and ensuring their companions are registered and microchipped.”

Cr O’Keefe encouraged dog owners who had yet to register or re-register their dogs to do so as soon as possible.

“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 as required under Queensland Government legislation,” he said.

To ensure that the Council’s records are up to date, the annual dog registration inspection program will run through to the end of September.

The inspection program will start with the owners who still need to return their paperwork.

“Sometimes people get lost in the system because they move house, or unfortunately their pet passes away, and they forget to contact Council to update their details,” Cr O’Keefe said.

“If you have registered a dog and didn’t receive a renewal notification, please contact Council as soon as you can so we can ensure your details are up to date.”

Council staff conducting the inspections will visit homes across the region between 7am and 5pm Monday to Saturday.

So far, during the program:

• 1,533 owners registered their dogs for the first time;
• 425 owners renewed their registrations;
• 318 animals have been removed from the register, and;
• 271 fines issued (52 for failing to renew registration and 219 for failing to register).

“A common misconception is that pets registered for life in other states do not have to be registered here,” Cr O’Keefe said.

“Some new residents did not know they were limited to two dogs per house unless they applied for more.

“And some did not know that if you have a new dog, registration is free the first time you register your animal in the Fraser Coast region.”

Cr O’Keefe said registering animals had benefits for owners.

“If an animal is found wandering or is taken to the pound, registered dogs can be reunited with their owners very quickly,” he said.

“It is harder to reunite dogs with their owners when they are unregistered or not microchipped, or the information on the microchip is outdated.

“It is essential those details are kept up to date with Council and the group which holds your pet’s microchip data.

Dog registration fees help pay for animal management, training programs and provide for improved access to dog-friendly open spaces.”

Owners found with an unregistered dog are liable for the $287 fine.

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