Wellington Shire Council is reminding pet owners to re-register their animals or face a fine.

This year, about 700 cats and dogs were not re-registered, despite reminder letters being sent out to owners.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Carolyn Crossley said it was important that our furry friends were registered so they could be easily identified and returned home if they became lost.

“If cats or dogs are not registered or microchipped, it makes reuniting them with their owners almost impossible,” Cr Crossley said.

“If pets are unable to be reunited straight away with their owners, they are taken to Council’s animal shelter, run by not for profit group Animal Aid.

“It is a legal requirement that cats and dogs are microchipped and registered with your local Council.

“If you are moving into the Shire from another municipality your dog or cat is required to be registered with Wellington Shire Council. By registering with Council, it allows us to update the animal’s details to the new address.”

In coming weeks, Council’s Local Laws staff will be attending all properties identified where animals were not re-registered and will issue $322 infringement notices to owners plus notices to re-register their pets if it is established the pets are still at the property and remain unregistered.

If owners’ circumstances have changed or the pets are no longer with them, they can contact Wellington Shire Council Customer Service staff and update their details.

More information on Councils Domestic Animal Management program can be found on Council’s website www.wellington.vic.gov.au/Council-Strategies-and-Plans ; Domestic Animal Management Plan.

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