Council
21 July, 2023
Pet owners put on notice
PET owners across the city are being urged to re-register their animals now to avoid a possible fine.
Local laws officers from the Warrnambool City Council will soon be going door knocking at homes where they believe there are unregistered pets.
“Late this month our officers will be carrying out door-to-door checks and people who have not registered their pets are risking a fine, so we encourage people over the next couple of weeks to do the right thing and register their pets,” local laws coordinator Tim Brosowsky said.
“If your cat or dog goes missing or wanders away from home, you have a much better chance of them being returned home if they are registered.”
Pet registration is a key to helping keep your dog or cat safe.
Each year local laws officers return dozens of lost pets directly to their owners.
“Registering your animal with council also helps cover the cost of running council’s animal shelter and the restocking of numerous dog bag dispensers in popular dog-walking locations,” Mr Brosowsky said.
“It’s also a requirement under the Victorian Government’s Domestic Animals Act for pet owners to register their cats and dogs with their local council.”
It is estimated there are more than 1,000 dogs and cats in Warrnambool that were registered last year but have not been re-registered this year.
RSPCA Victoria’s animal care manager Nadia Peiris stressed the importance of microchipping and registering your pet.
“In the event your pet is lost or stolen, if they have been found a quick scan of your pet’s microchip can immediately and easily identify them,” Ms Peiris said.
“Keeping your microchip contact details up-to-date and registered with your local council is the easiest way to potentially reunite with a lost or stolen pet when the animal has been found.”
Mr Brosowsky said he understood there would be some instances where a pet had passed away and the owner was yet to notify council, however there was still a large number of animals that needed to be re-registered.
Animal registrations are due on April 10 each year.
Registration notices were issued in March and reminder notices were sent several weeks ago.
As the local laws officers carry out the door-knock they will also be encouraging responsible pet ownership, including having your dog on a lead and carrying dog poo bags when you are out and about with your dog.
“Carrying a lead and picking up your dog are really important, basic responsibilities if you’re a dog owner,” Mr Brosowsky said.
Pet owners who need to renew their pet’s registration can call council on 5559 4800 or go online www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au.
