Canberra’s dog owners have been reminded there’s more to owning a dog than registering, micro-chipping and securely housing the family pet.
Director of City Presentation at Transport Canberra and City Services, Stephen Alegria said that while maintaining a secure yard and ensuring a pet’s registration and microchip details were up‑to‑date were important, “responsible pet ownership means more than just these three legal requirements.”
“Most dog owners know that it is compulsory to microchip, register and de-sex their companions,” Mr Alegria said.
“If you change your address you must update your pet’s microchip details so that if they do become lost they can quickly be reunited with you,” he said.
“These details are essentially your animal’s fast ticket home.”
He said the law also required owners to ensure their dog’s yard or premises was secure so it could not escape.
“Dog owners and carers also have a legal responsibility for the welfare of dogs in their care, including regular walking, grooming and veterinary treatment,” he said.
He said that in the last financial year, Domestic Animal Services (DAS) impounded 1,073 dogs.
“Many of these dogs could have been quickly reunited with their owners if they were microchipped, registered or their details were kept up‑to‑date,” Mr Alegria said.
“Ultimately, responsible pet ownership is everyone’s responsibility and if you break the rules, be aware that you could be fined.”
He said that so far in 2018, DAS had used its new powers to crackdown on dog attacks with 20 animals being euthanised as a result.
“This compares to only three dogs being euthanised for similar attack incidents in 2017,” he said.
Mr Alegria said that in most cases, fines were also issued where dog owners had been found to have breached the new laws and their responsibilities as a pet owner.
More information about responsible pet ownership can be found on Access Canberra’s ‘Paws for Thought’ website at this PS News link.
