At Mitchell Shire Council, we understand that pets are family, and we want to make sure lost pets get home safe and sound.
Here's a friendly reminder of our pet return process, designed to reunite you with your furry friends as quickly as possible.
"If your dog or cat is registered with us, we'll go the extra mile to get your pet back to you. We'll give you a call and do our best to return your pet right to your door. Losing a pet can be really stressful, and we're here to help," Mitchell Shire Acting Mayor Cr Nathan Clark said.
Here's the scoop on our pet return process:
- First-Time Offenders: Each registration period, if we find your dog wandering or cat caught in a trap, you won't get a fine for it not being contained to your property per registration period. The fine is more than $395.00
- Reduced Fees for Registered Pets: If we have to impound your registered pet because we are unable contact you, you get a reduced release fee.
However, if your pet isn't registered, here's what happens:
- Immediate Impoundment: Unregistered dogs and cats will be taken to the pound right away.
- Release and Registration Fees: You'll need to pay both a release fee and a registration fee to get your pet back.
- Fines for Non-Registration or Wandering at large: Unregistered pets will receive a fine for being at large and may also receive a fine for not being registered which is nearly $1000 in total.
It's important to note that if your dog has been involved in a serious incident, such as a dog attack, the process changes. In such cases, our Animal Management team will follow strict protocols to ensure the safety of the community.
"Pet registration funds our Animal Management Services, which include investigating dog barking and attacks, enforcing cat curfews, and dealing with wandering dogs and wandering livestock. It's all about keeping your pets safe and preventing accidents," Cr Clark said.
"Each year, the State Government takes $4.95 from the registration fee of every dog and cat registered in Mitchell Shire. This helps support state-wide animal management initiatives, but it also means that local registration is crucial for funding the services we provide right here in our community.
"Fines for unregistered pets can be hefty, but registering your pet is a no-brainer: just $44 for a desexed dog and $29 for a desexed cat. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind and to avoid those fines.
"Our Animal Management Services team also takes great care of the pets in our pound, thanks to the funds from pet registrations. Plus, we work hard to rehome dogs and cats that need a new loving family."
