Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will soon undertake inspection programs to check properties where 'Regulated Dogs' are kept, and to check on dog registration and dog and cat microchipping requirements throughout the Toowoomba Region.
At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 13 December 2022, Council approved the programs to take place from 1 January to 31 May 2023.
TRC Environment and Community Committee Portfolio Leader Cr Tim McMahon said one of the priorities of the program was to provide a level of safety for the community.
"Over the past year or so, we've seen too many cases where a dog attack has caused injury to one of our residents and other pets, and this is heartbreaking to see," Cr McMahon said.
"The selective inspection program is targeted at all premises, property and places, where 'Declared Dangerous Dogs' or 'Declared Menacing Dogs' are kept, according to Council records.
"Ideally, we would prefer not to conduct these programs, but history has shown us that a high number of dogs and cat owners are prepared to take their chance and that it's only through intervention and follow-up inquiries that we're able to gain compliance.
"There continues to be significant numbers of cats and dogs impounded, with records indicating 905 dogs and 1020 cats were impounded between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022. Of these, only 350 were microchipped and only about 400 of these dogs were registered.
"This is a program which encourages responsible pet ownership. Having detailed information allows Council to be proactive in the activities where potential problems could occur.
"Having a dog or cat and the connection you share with your pet is special, but it's also a responsibility that needs to be managed.
"If we find a pet that's been microchipped and registered, it's much easier for us to reunite these loved ones with their family. If the pet isn't microchipped or registered, this task becomes much more complicated.
"By running the program again this year, Council is hopeful we will be able to continue encouraging responsible pet ownership."
The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 (the Act) requires all dog owners within Queensland to register their dog with their relevant local government. The Act also requires all dog and cat owners in Queensland to have their pets microchipped.
By carrying out approved inspection programs, Council can improve the accuracy of its records, follow up on overdue registrations and obtain new registrations. Dogs in the Toowoomba Region must be registered before reaching 12 weeks of age.
