Council launches pet registration inspection program 

Published on 28 August 2024

Pet owners are being encouraged to ensure their cats and dogs are registered before council launches its pet registration inspection programs in October.

Council approved two systematic inspection programs aimed at ensuring compliance with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and related local laws at today’s (August 28) ordinary meeting of council.

These programs will run from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, and will focus on properties within the Mackay region where unregistered cats and dogs have been identified.

Mayor Greg Williamson said dogs and cats over the age of 12 weeks were required to be registered with council.

“In the last financial year, we received 2990 animal management related service requests, which includes requests related to barking dogs, roaming dogs and dog attacks,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Our Local Laws Officers do a tremendous job responding to these requests, keeping dangerous dogs off our streets and protecting our community,” he said.

“Pet registration fees are put towards the costs of providing these services and running the Mackay Animal Management Centre, which provides care for lost and abandoned animals, as well as other inspection programs for regulated dogs, kennels, catteries and more.

“This fee structure ensures that the costs involved in providing these services are borne by pet owners rather than all ratepayers, many of whom do not own pets.”

Mayor Williamson said authorised officers would conduct surveillance and, if necessary, door knock properties to monitor compliance during the inspection programs.

“In cases of non-compliance, registration notices and infringement notices may be issued,” he said.

“These inspection programs are part of council's ongoing efforts to ensure responsible pet ownership and to meet the community’s expectations for effective animal control.”

Council encourages all pet owners to ensure their animals are registered and compliant with local laws to avoid any penalties during the inspection period.

For more details on responsible pet ownership and registering your pet visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/animalmanagement.