Registering cats and dogs with Council is an easy and effective way for residents to provide another layer of protection for their pets.
On average, Council Local Laws Officers receive two to three phone calls a week about missing cats and dogs. When these pets are registered, they can be reunited with their owners.
Alpine Shire Mayor, John Forsyth, said that registering cats and dogs is an essential step in responsible pet ownership.
"Registering your pet is not just about paperwork; it's a critical step in ensuring their safety and security," he said.
Cr Forsyth said that accurate pet registration can offer peace of mind for owners, knowing that in the unfortunate event of a lost pet, there's a greater chance of reunion.
"Registering your cats and dogs enables the Local Laws team to find the owners quickly so that families can be brought together as soon as possible," he said.
Local Laws Officers can conduct audits to check registration. Non-compliance will receive a fine of $385. In comparison, it costs $33 to register a desexed cat or dog and $95 to register a non-desexed cat or dog.
Cats and dogs over three months of age must legally be registered with Council. Residents can register their pets online through the Council website or in person by visiting the Council office in Bright and the local libraries in Mount Beauty and Myrtleford.
All cat and dog owners across the Alpine Shire are required to register their pets by Wednesday, 10 April 2024.
Some pets may be eligible for a reduced fee. For more information about pet registration, visit alpineshire.vic.gov.au/residents/pets-and-animals/register-my-pet.
