Animal Inspection Program underway

Toowoomba Regional Council has commenced an inspection program to check dog registration and microchipping of cats and dogs for all residents throughout the region.

Toowoomba Regional Council Portfolio Leader Environment and Community Councillor Joe Ramia has spoken in support of the program as it encourages responsible pet ownership.

“As a pet owner it’s important to understand the obligations and responsibilities of keeping cats and dogs on your property,” he said.

“All dogs in the Toowoomba Region must be registered with Council to ensure the wellbeing of our community and our animals.

“Registration and microchipping also ensures that should your pet wander away from home, we will be able to return your furry friend to you as soon as possible.

“We all do our best for our pets and it would be horrible if we weren’t able to be reunited if they did escape which is why registration and microchipping is an important safeguard.”

Animal Management staff began the inspection program last month and will continue checks of all residential and rural residential areas over the next six months.

Cats and dogs over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped and dogs over three months of age need to be registered with Council.

It should be noted that if your dog was older than 12 weeks when the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act came into effect on 1 July 2009 and you still own the dog, you are not required to have your dog microchipped, although it is recommended.

Toowoomba Region aims to be a dog friendly region and improved information on dog ownership allows Council to be more proactive in the initiatives it undertakes.

There is zero tolerance on unregistered dogs and animals that have not been microchipped, with fines already issued to offending owners.

To avoid fines, pet owners should make sure their animals are both registered and microchipped.

To register your pet or for more information on responsible pet ownership, visit: http://www.tr.qld.gov.au/our-region/living-here/animals or contact Council on 131 872.