Council to host Microchipping and Amnesty Day
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Ararat Rural City Council will host a Microchipping and Amnesty Day to encourage pet owners who haven’t had their animals microchipped and registered to do so.
On Saturday, May 5, residents can have their pets microchipped for a discounted price of $30 per animal.
It is a requirement under the Domestic Animals Act that every dog or cat is registered and microchipped once it is more than three months old – these registrations are due for renewal on April 10 each year.
During the amnesty, Council will accept new registration of cats and dogs in good faith and not pursue any enforcement. The fine for an unregistered animal or non-renewal of registration is $317.00.
Similarly, if a cat or dog is located wandering at large and it is unregistered, the animal will be impounded and the owner fined.
Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Allan Bawden said the true value in registering and microchipping your pet is the safe and quick return if they wander off.
“Hundreds of pets are reported missing or impounded in Ararat each year,” he said.
“Council holds the microchipping days to give pet owners the chance to have their beloved animals microchipped at a reduced price and register their pets.
“Microchipping is the most effective way to ensure the safe return of your pet in the unfortunate event that they go missing.
“It’s a simple thing you can do to ensure the speedy return of your pet, so I encourage anyone who hasn’t had their pet microchipped to come along to this event next month.”
Council will be conducting the microchipping event on Saturday, May 5 at the following locations:
9am to 11am at the Ararat Veterinary Clinic located in Port Fairy Road, Ararat 11.30am to 1.30pm in Moyston at the Moyston Hall in 12 Brooke Street, Moyston 2pm to 4pm in Pomonal at the Pomonal Community Hall in Ararat-Halls Gap Road, PomonalOn the day, cats must be in a carrier and dogs must be leashed. Must be a resident of Ararat Rural City municipality.
Microchips are inserted by a veterinarian and cause no discomfort or pain to the animal.
Each microchip contains a barcode that is linked to its owner’s contact details to allow for the easy identification of the pet for its lifetime.
Residents are also reminded that cats and dogs must be microchipped to be registered with Council. Contact Ararat Rural City Council on 5355 0920 to arrange your pet registration.