THE state government has extended a scheme designed to boost the number of people who register their cats and dogs with a new round of funds.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Scot MacDonald, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, said the program will again focus on education and include free microchipping events.
Port Stephens Council will receive $8000 to coordinate these efforts with vets like Greencross Tanilba Bay, and Hunter Animal Watch, under the Responsible Pet Owners Grants Scheme.
Mr MacDonald said programs that encourage more people to microchip their pets, have them desexed and registered for life, would help reduce euthanasia rates – and address dog attacks.
“Pet dogs and cats are important family members of many households across NSW and it is vital that we are supporting our communities to promote responsible pet ownership,” Scot MacDonald, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter said.
The council’s acting team leader for rangers and compliance, Chris Marshall, said companion animals were often a hot topic in the community.
“The program is really about encouraging responsible pet ownership through the correct administration of the Companion Animals Act,” he said.
Minister for Local Government Paul Toole said a record number of applications had been received in round three of the program.
“More than $300,000 will go directly to 35 NSW councils to develop dog safety, microchipping, desexing, and cat and dog registration programs,” he said.
RSPCA NSW welcomed the additional funds.
“These grants in previous years have worked well to improve the lives of animals and their responsible owners,” CEO Steve Coleman said.
“The best part about these grants is it allows organisation and individuals to innovate responsible pet ownership away from traditional methods.”
In recent weeks the Office of Local Government has launched an online pet registration services when this was previously paper-based.
The service is designed to reunite people with their lost cats and dogs.
Register your pet’s microchip details at petregistry.nsw.gov.au.