Residents are being encouraged to take the lead with it comes to responsible dog ownership as the Isaac region has one of the lowest dog registrations rates in Queensland.
One in every six households that has a dog in Isaac is unregistered, a figure which has sparked the Paws-itive Blueprint for responsible dog ownership campaign.
One of the three main characters launched by Council in July, Bark Vader will be lighting up social media screens by reminding dog owners about their obligations – especially with registrations throughout August.
Mayor Anne Baker said the community needed to work together to ensure all dog owners are held accountable if their pets are found wandering and unregistered.
"Not only is this a danger to public safety, but it makes it difficult to return animals safely to their owners without registered details," she said.
"Ain't nothing but a pound dog if it's unregistered – owners will be up for an impoundment fee and registration fee before they're released home.
"To avoid this, harness pure pup power and register, microchip and make sure your yard is secure and safe.
"The great thing about registering is that if Council picks up your dog, rangers return them for free in the first instance.
"When you've got your dog's obligations on side, anything is paw-sible."
During August, Council is giving dog owners in the Isaac Regional Council area a fur-real deal – 50 per cent off renewal for your registered pooch.
It's not a fur-fetched idea to register your best friend now.
For those registering for the first time whether they've forgotten or moved to Isaac, you'll be able to qualify for the 50 per cent discount next year.
Those residents who have registered dogs can take advantage of Council's 50 per cent discount until 5pm on September 6, 2019.
Registration fees help fund the running of the Moranbah and Middlemount pounds, provide education programs on responsible pet ownership as well as help to find your pet if it is lost.
It also helps assist with animal management staff to attend to nuisance complaints, investigate dog attacks, and collect and return stray animals to owners plus the management of dangerous and restricted breed dogs.
Residents can visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au/our-pawsitive-blueprint or their local Council office to fill out the registration form and make payment.
First-time registration and outside the discount period for de-sexed animals is $52, during the discount period for a registered and de-sex dog is $26 for 12 months.
Assistance dogs are free and declared dogs are $500. For a dog older than three months that has not been de-sexed is $104.
