Local Government Minister Desley Boyle was out and about in Redcliffe today promoting responsible pet ownership and the benefits of pet registration and microchipping.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Local Government Minister Desley Boyle was out and about in Redcliffe today promoting responsible pet ownership and the benefits of pet registration and microchipping.
Minister Boyle joined Member for Redcliffe Lillian van Litsenburg for a visit to the Peninsula Animal Aid refuge in Clontarf.
“Seeing the numbers of abandoned and lost pets first hand at the Peninsula Animal Aid refuge drives home how important it is that people register their pets and get them microchipped,” Ms Boyle said.
“Micrcochipping is a small one-off investment in the safety of a family’s most valuable possession.
“Microchipping combined with registration means that reuniting a missing moggy with its owner can be as simple as waving a microchipping wand.”
Member for Redcliffe Lillian van Litsenburg praised staff and volunteers at Peninsula Animal Aid for their hard work.
“Staff and volunteers at animal shelters like Peninsula Animal Aid do a really important job but the large numbers of abandoned pets means it can be difficult,” Lillian said.
“Anyone thinking about getting a cat or a dog should think long and hard about the responsibilities of pet ownership before making a decision.”
Lillian also praised Moreton Bay Regional Council for the hard work it is doing to reduce the number of unwanted pets.
“Moreton Bay Regional Council has been involved in a two-year pilot study utilising the RSPCA’s Education Mobile Unit and Portable Animal Welfare Unit,” she said.
“The Mobile Units promote Cat Snip and Chip weeks offering convenient and discounted desexing and microchipping services.
“Snip and Chip Clinics have been held at Morayfield, Rothwell, Bray Park, Arana Hills, Beachmere and Caboolture desexing more than 1000 cats and microchipping more than 4500 cats and dogs.
“The Bligh Government has provided $86,000 to Moreton Bay Regional Council to support the pilot program.
“The results will be analysed at the completion of the pilot and used to guide future policies.”
Ms Boyle said it was important pet owners were aware of their responsibilities under the Animal Management ( Cats and Dogs ) Act 2008.
“The new Animal Management Act has been in effect in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area since July 2009,” she said.
“Under the legislation microchipping and registration of cats and dogs is mandatory.
“If you are giving away or selling a puppy or a kitten it must be microchipped prior to the transfer of ownership.
“If you already own a cat or dog you are exempt from having to microchip your pet, however, I strongly encourage all pet owners to get their animal’s microchipped.”
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