Council encourages responsible pet ownership

Scenic Rim Regional Council is encouraging responsible pet ownership in line with Queensland Government legislation covering the keeping of cats and dogs.

Council CEO David Keenan said the registration of dogs and microchipping of cats and dogs were essential in ensuring that pets which were lost or strayed could be returned home safely.   

"Keeping your pet’s microchip details current with the relevant microchip registry is crucial," he said.

"It also helps to ensure that you can be notified quickly if your pet is ever lost." 

From 1 July 2009, Council has required a microchip number to be listed on the registration of all dogs over the age of 12 weeks. 

While registration is not required for cats, they also need to be microchipped from the age of 12 weeks.

"If your dog is microchipped but you do not have the number to update Council’s records, please contact your local vet for your dog to be scanned to retrieve the microchip number," Mr Keenan said. 

"It's important that your dog's details are kept up to date with Council, whether this be change of ownership, change of address or if, sadly, your pet has passed away." 

Changes to Queensland Government legislation have reinforced the importance of pet owners' compliance with laws covering cats and dogs.

The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 was amended in 2024, providing new penalties including on-the-spot fines and prison terms for owners who fail to control their dogs, following the rise in the number of complaints about aggressive dogs and dog attacks across Queensland that have resulted in serious injuries and fatalities.

Responsible dog owners should ensure their:

• fencing is secure and that gates are kept closed
• dogs are registered with Council and microchipped
• dogs are taught basic obedience and walked on a leash in public
• dogs are desexed if possible, and
• that they comply with local and state government legislation and policies.

"Council’s Regulatory Services team would like to thank everyone who has updated their pet's details, notified Council of their dog’s microchip number and paid their dog's registration which was due on 31 July," Mr Keenan said.

For further information on state legislation requirements for pet owners visit dpi.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity/information-local-councils/cats-dogs or contact Council by phoning 07 5540 5111 or emailing mail@scenicrim.qld.gov.au