Animal registrations for 2015 were due on 10 April and reminder notices have been issued and payment is due by the 19 June.
Greater Shepparton City Council Director Business, Chris Teitzel said animal registration fees cover more than just the cost of reuniting lost animals with their owners.
“The registration fees also help cover the cost of Council services to respond to calls about wandering dogs or dog attacks, or nuisance issues such as barking dogs, control of dangerous breeds, monitoring pet shops and kennels, breeding businesses and our animal shelter,” he said.
Mr Teitzel emphasized that it is a legal requirement for all domestic cats and dogs aged over three months be registered. “All pets being registered for the first time within Greater Shepparton also need to be microchipped, making it easier for the animal to be returned to you if it goes missing”.
“If the registration has not been paid due to the animal being deceased or missing people just need to indicate this on the reminder form. The form can be posted or dropped back into the Council Offices in Welsford Street so the records can be updated,” said Mr Teitzel.
After 19 June, Community Rangers will attend properties where reminder notices remain unpaid. “If unregistered animals are found at a property the owners will be issued a $295 infringement for each unregistered animal,” said Mr Teitzel. “It is far cheaper to register your pet and have the security of knowing they can be returned to you. If an animal is not registered it makes the process much more difficult to find their owners.”
Animal registration forms can be obtained from the Council’s website greatershepparton.com.au or from the Customer Service counter at the Council office, 90 Welsford Street, Shepparton.
