Community & Business
23 May, 2021
Canine inspection program in Wyreema seeing positive results
The Conduct Canine Inspection Program in Wyreema has been noted as a success by Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) in its committee meeting held on Wednesday 6 May.
The report of the Environment and Community Committee said the canine inspection program “has seen instant results with issuing of infringements and increased [sic] in registrations.”
The inspection program began on 1 July 2020 and is set to finish on 30 June 2021.
TRC Environment and Community Portfolio Lead Councillor Tim McMahon said Council undertakes an inspection program to check dog registration and dog and cat microchipping requirements for all residents throughout the region to encourage responsible pet ownership.
"Residents who have pets need to be responsible, and unfortunately, unless there is some form of deterrent then some dog owners will continue to avoid paying registration fees," Cr McMahon said.
The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 (the Act) requires all dog owners within Queensland to register their pets with the relevant local government. The Act also requires all dog and cat owners in Queensland to have their pets microchipped.
It is a legislative requirement that all dogs over 12 weeks of age must be registered and all cats and dogs over the age of 12 weeks must be microchipped.
Cr McMahon said that by carrying out an approved inspection program, Council can improve the accuracy of its records, follow up on overdue registrations and obtain new registrations.
"Improved information around dog ownership allows Council to be more proactive in the activities it undertakes," he said.
A canine inspection program in Cecil Plains has been underway over the same time period and has attained successful results as well.
Inspections have also been conducted in Oakey, Kingsthorpe and Toowoomba.
