Be a good pet owner by registering your animals

Published on 01 August 2024

Pet owners throughout the Gannawarra Shire are reminded to register their dogs and cats.

As part of efforts to reduce the number of cats and dogs reported lost within the municipality, Council’s Local Laws team will spend the next few months targeting unregistered, non-microchipped and roaming animals.

“Registering and microchipping your cat or dog is one of the main ways you can be reunited with your beloved pet when they roam,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“On average, our Local Laws team receives eight telephone calls each week regarding missing cats and dogs, and we would like to see this number reduced to as low as possible.”

Local Laws team members will be conducting spot checks for unregistered animals, targeting cats and dogs over three months of age living in the Gannawarra Shire.

Under the Domestic Animals Act, all cats and dogs over three months of age must be registered, with pet owners who do not register their cats or dogs at risk receiving a fine of $395.

“Trying to locate owners of unregistered pets takes considerable time and impacts resources, detracting the Local Laws team from other issues,” Mr Rollinson said.

“If a lost cat or dog is found by our team and it is registered, it is a quick and easy process to ensure they get home safely.” 

Animal registration fees range from $47.50 for sterilised dogs and cats to $134.50 for unsterilised dogs and cats. Reduced registration fees are applicable for eligible pensioners, as well as animals over 10 years of age, those that are members of applicable organisations, dogs that have completed obedience training and working dogs.

“Animal registration fees cover Council’s pound expenses and support key domestic animal-related services,” Mr Rollinson said.

For more information regarding responsible pet ownership, including animal registrations, visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/animals, phone (03) 5450 9333 or visit Council’s Customer Service Centres at Cohuna and Kerang.