TRC approves two animal inspection programs

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) today (July 20) approved two animal inspection programs starting in spring across residential and rural residential areas.

TRC Environmental Health portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said the following approved inspection programs would run concurrently from September 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022:

• A Systematic Inspection program: To check dog registration and dog/cat microchipping requirements in accordance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, and

• A Selective Inspection Program: To check on compliance with the conditions imposed for keeping a Declared Dangerous Dog or a Declared Menacing Dog in accordance with the Act.

Cr McMahon said it was a legal requirement for all Queensland dog owners to register their pets with their local authority.

He said the Act also required all dog and cat owners to have their pets microchipped.

“Under the Act, Council is permitted to conduct inspection programs of individual properties to check whether dogs are registered and if dogs and cats are microchipped,” Cr McMahon said.

“These inspections help Council maintain accurate records by following up overdue registrations and obtaining new dog registrations.

“Registering dogs with correct contact details is one of the best ways to ensure lost pets are reunited with their owners as quickly as possible. “Microchipping cats and dogs at an authorised implanter also offers an additional safeguard in the event a valued family pet goes missing. “Council will be checking the specific addresses or places across the Region where Regulated dogs are kept.

“Under an Approved Inspection Program, Council officers have the authority to enter a property (but not a home) to check details of animals.”