Call to register pets

KNOX City Council has issued a reminder to residents that pet registrations are due on Monday, 10 April.
Council local laws coordinator Elke Tapley said pet registration assisted in the speedy recovery of lost animals and reuniting them with owners.
“Your registration fees help provide important pet-related services within your municipality, such as animal control and community education about responsible pet ownership,” she said.
Registration fees cover the supply of a council identification marker, lost and found animal services, an animal control service, a nuisance service, public education about responsible pet ownership and general advice about pet care.
They also go towards the council’s enforcement of legislation regarding minimum animal welfare standards in animal businesses such as pet shops, council pounds, welfare shelters, breeding and dog-training establishments.
The council also reminded pet owners that permits were required for households with more than two dogs or cats as part of a scheme designed to ensure pets are kept in a healthy environment and that neighbours are not inconvenienced.
The council offers a free service for owners of more than two dogs or cats wishing to surrender excess pets rather than register them.
Registration renewal forms will be distributed during March, and residents who do not receive a form prior to Saturday, 1 April should contact the council on 9298 8000.
From July onwards, local laws officers will conduct random inspections for unregistered dogs and cats. Owners of unregistered dogs or cats over the age of three months may be liable for a penalty of more than $500.
Ms Tapley has also urged residents who find a stray animal to contact the council as soon as possible, since a lost and found register is maintained daily.
“People who find stray animals often believe that they are doing the right thing by looking after the animal and not calling the pound.
“This is not the case, as the networking of the pound and council extends well beyond the city boundaries,” she said.
Equally, owners who lose their pets locally are urged to contact neighbouring municipalities.