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Published on 22 July 2024
Bathurst Regional Council will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to serious violations of the Companion Animals Act in relation to the control of dogs, in response to a dramatic increase in straying and aggressive dogs.
Mayor Cr Jess Jennings said recently three members of the public were seriously injured in a dog attack, and in the last 12 months Council has investigated 28 dog attacks involving 32 attacking dogs. That’s more than one a fortnight, and these are only the attacks reported to Council. We believe there are many non-injury attacks that go unreported as well as attacks on livestock that remain unreported.
“In the same time, there were 19 people injured in attacks, six who required hospital treatment and five others requiring medical treatment. Thirty animals were also injured in that time, with livestock the most common victim, with the outcome often fatal.
“These figures are not acceptable, and Council will step up its enforcement relating to the responsibilities of dog owners under the Companion Animals Act (the Act).
“The first step in responsible dog control is to ensure all dogs are microchipped and registered, as is required by the Act. The stray dogs picked up by Council Rangers are often unregistered and not microchipped or those that are microchipped often have incorrect ownership details.
“The Companion Animals Register shows that less than half of dogs in the local government area are registered. We need to lift these figures. Responsible pet ownership begins with registration and microchipping.
“Dog owners also have a range of other obligations under the Act, including to have their dog under control or confined to secure premises. The number of straying dogs has reached unacceptable levels and this poses a risk to the public and Council’s Rangers.
“With the increasing risk to public safety Council will increase its enforcement activities in relation to animal control.
“The safety of the community is at the heart of this campaign. We know we have many responsible dog owners in our community, and we want to ensure that they are supported by stamping out irresponsible behaviour that puts other people and other animals at risk.
“Council will be hosting a free microchipping opportunity at Bathurst Winter Festival on Sunday 21 July. Members of the public are encouraged to take advantage of this initiative. Microchipping and registration, and keeping your details up to date, is the best way to ensure that your pet is returned to you if they ever become lost,” Cr Jennings said.
Microchipping & registration
Microchipping is the first step in identifying your dog.
Under the Companion Animals Act your dog must be registered by 12 weeks of age, or on first transfer, whichever happens first.
Dogs must be desexed by 6 months of age, otherwise a separate fee, in addition to the registration fee, will be payable.
Cats must be desexed by 4 months of age, otherwise a separate fee, in addition to the registration fee, will be payable.
Late fees apply if you do not register your animal within the required timeframe. Fines can be issued to owners who fail to register their dogs.
Lifetime registrations can be made at Council, the RSPCA or Animal Welfare League or online at www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au
Proof of desexing must be provided to avoid the additional fees for an undesexed animal.