Have you forgotten to renew your pet registration?

In March each year, Mornington Peninsula Shire sends out pet registration renewal notices which are due to be paid by 10 April.

In April, reminders were sent out to pet owners asking them to pay for their animal's registration.

These are long standing responsibilities for pet owners – dog registration was introduced in 1970, followed by cat registration in 1994.

The Shire has now begunfollowing up unregistered pets. This includes visits to resident's homes who haven't re-registered their pets. The current fine for owning an unregistered dog or cat is $363 (this amount is subject to an annual increase by State Government and will change accordingly).

Mornington Peninsula Shire provides many different services to support pet owners, funded directly from pet registration fees, such as:

• Off-leash dog areas located around the Shire for residents to train, exercise and play with their dogs. To learn where the closest off-leash area is to you visitmornpen.vic.gov.au/leashfree
• The Community Animal Shelter and Pound which cares for lost pets and finds new homes for unclaimed cats and dogs. If you are in a situation where your cat or dog is missing, visitmornpen.vic.gov.au/lostpetsto see if a Community Safety Officer / Ranger has picked up your pet.
• Community Safety Officers / Rangers responding to dog attacks and nuisance complaints, as well as reducing the risk of wandering dogs throughout our townships.
• The State Government Levy contributes towards community education on responsible pet ownership.

Dogs and cats that are registered and microchipped also have a far greater chance of being reunited with their families quickly and safely if they get lost or go astray.