Yarra Ranges Council is encouraging residents to keep the community and the wellbeing of their animals in mind, as pet registration renewals get closer.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Richard Higgins said that pet registration renewal on 10 April was a great
time for owners to think about responsible pet ownership.
“We have a lot of pet owners in Yarra Ranges who do the right thing by their animals and others
every day, which is incredibly heartening, but I want to emphasise that being a responsible owner isn’t just about ensuring your pet is registered,” he said.
“Your pet needs regular exercise, play time and mental stimulation – they need to be given good
shelter from heat and rain, access to food and water, regular immunisations and vet check-ups
and, of course, plenty of love.
“If you’re taking your dog for a walk, you need to keep them on lead unless you’re in one of our
designated off-lead areas – that includes when you’re walking there from the car.
“This is not just for the protection of other people, but for the wellbeing of your animal, too.”
All dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered with the council by the age of three months.
Cats being registered for the first time must be desexed unless the owner is eligible for an
Exemption.
“Registering your pets is crucially important – we regularly use pet microchip numbers to reunite
owners with their lost pets with the assistance of Animal Aid,” Cr Higgins said.
“Without microchipping and registration, it can be very difficult to reconnect lost animals with their owners, which would be an upsetting thought for most pet owners.”
For more information, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Environment/Pets.
