Visit the Australia Post website to find out how we can ensure the safety of our Posties.
Media release
Muswellbrook Shire Council urges responsible pet ownership
Muswellbrook Shire Council is urging dog owners to act responsibly in caring for their cats and dogs and ensuring that they meet their obligations to the general community. The last twelve months have seen four times as many animals impounded by Council Rangers as in the previous year.
The Companion Animals Act places certain responsibility on all pet owners, and requires that all dogs and cats are micro chipped prior to reaching 12 weeks of age, and must be registered through the local Council prior to reaching 6 months of age.
Council’s Assistant Director Environmental Services, Peter Jeuken said, “Micro chipping and registration of dogs and cats assists Council in locating the owners in the event they are lost or delivered to the Council’s Animal Shelter, and enables Council staff to contact the owner quickly to get the animal back home.”
“When people are out with their dog in a public place they must have their dog under effective control at all times. This means the dog must be controlled by an adequate chain leash or cord which must be secured to the dog and held by a competent person (not a child). It is also an offence if a dog defecates in a public place and the person does not pick it up and dispose of it in a proper manner. Keeping your dog or cat secured at home or within your yard is the best way to ensure the safety of your pet”, Mr Jeuken said.
If a dog is involved in an unprovoked dog attack, whether it is upon a person or other animal, dog owners risk the possibility of their dog being seized or declared dangerous under the Companion Animals Act, and fines of up to $5,500 may be imposed. Dog owners are also liable for any damages or injury incurred as a result of a dog attack.
“Barking dogs also cause a nuisance to neighbours, and Council’s website has a lot of useful information on dealing with barking or escaping dogs to assist dog and cat owners in fulfilling their obligations as responsible pet owners.” Mr Jeuken said.
This page last updated 17 November, 2009 12:19 PM
