Pet owners have until April 10 to register their cats and dogs with Brimbank council.
The Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires all dogs and cats aged three months and more to be microchipped, desexed unless exempt, then registered with their local council. Failing to register a dog or cat attracts a $311 fine.
Joseph Savona’s one-year-old bulldog, Pepper, is registered with Brimbank council. The Kings Park resident says it’s given him peace of mind that Pepper will be returned home in case she manages to escape the backyard.
In 2015-16, Brimbank council collected 912 dogs and 1654 cats found wandering the streets. In total, there are about 12,320 dogs and 3220 cats registered with the council.
It costs $22.90 to register a desexed cat and $34.30 to register a desexed dog. Brimbank mayor John Hedditch says the costs go towards animal shelters and responsible pet ownership programs.
Pet registration forms may be downloaded from Brimbank council’s website brimbank.vic.gov.au or from council service centres.
