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Guide - Dogs and Cats
Most Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Ownership
Registration
1. Why should I register my cat or dog?
All dogs and cats must be registered under law. By being registered, microchipped and wearing a registration tag a dog or cat can quickly be identified and the owner advised if they become lost. If you fail to register your cat or dog with Council you could face a fine in excess of $200. Council, through its contract with the RSPCA, conducts random door knocks throughout the City to check for unregistered animals.
2. At what age should I register my cat or dog?
Cats and dogs must be microchipped and registered by three months of age, but as younger pets are more likely to stray, it is recommended that your dog or cat be registered as early as possible.3. What does it cost to register my cat or dog?
A reduced fee applies to cats and dogs that are desexed, or are over 10 years old, or are permanently identified with a microchip or are kept for breeding purposes at a registered premises or are registered with the Victorian Canine Association or Feline Control Council. Dogs that have been obedience trained and have received an award recognised by the Australian National Kennel Control also qualify for the reduced fee. A 50% pensioner rebate also applies. For current fees see attached schedule or ring 9518 3445 or 9518 3446.4. Does my cat or dog have to wear its registration tag?
Yes. As well as making it possible to advise the owner about a found pet, you could be fined at least $50 for failing to put a current registration tag on your cat or dog.
If the tag becomes lost contact the Council, on 9518 3445 or 9518 3446 immediately.
5. What do I do if my cat or dog goes missing?
Contact the City of Monash, on 9518 3445 or 9518 3446. Also contact other animal welfare agencies, such as the RSPCA, the Cat Protection Society, Kilsyth Animal Aid, other Councils and local vets to see if someone has handed your pet in.
Problems with Dogs and Cats
6. Will I be fined if my cat or dog is found on the street or other public places?
Dog owners will be fined if their dog is found to be wandering at large (in excess of $160 during the day and in excess of $210 at night). Dogs in this situation which are not wearing a registration tag will be impounded for up to 8 days pending being claimed, rehoused or euthanased. Make sure all fences and gates are secure or keep the dog in an appropriate secure run.
Cat owners may also be fined if their cat is in an area declared restricted for conservation purposes. Cat owners can also be fined if their cat is found again outside its property after the owner has been formally warned. Cats can benefit from being kept indoors or in a proper cat enclosure.
7. What if someone lodges a formal complaint about the noise made by my dog or cat?
Before a formal complaint is received by Council neighbours are encouraged to negotiate a resolution. If that fails then Council will investigate the complaint and will attempt to resolve it through consultation and mediation with affected neighbours. You may be notified by the RSPCA, on behalf of Council, that you have a problem and asked to control the dog's barking within 14 days. You may need to get professional help to fix a persistent problem. Should the problem continue you may be issued a fine and a Notice to Comply or you may be issued a summons to appear in court. Cat noise problems are treated similarly.8. What if my cat strays onto my neighbour's property?
Your neighbours can seize your cat if it has entered their property more than once without their permission, and must then notify Council. If you don't take reasonable action to prevent your cat from entering the property again you will face an on the spot fine. If the cat is impounded you will incur pound fees.9. What should I do in the case of a dog attack or a menacing dog?
Attacks on a human or animal can leave the owner of the offending animal liable for injuries and the costs in a Court of Law. The owner of an offending dog should render all possible assistance to the person or animal injured and pass on their name and address. All attacks must be reported by phoning 9518 3445 or 9518 3446.
10. Where can I exercisie my dog?
Anywhere whilst on a 1.5 metre lead or 'off the lead' in one of the leash free parks. However remember that you must have effective control of your dog at all times and you must always carry the lead and a means of cleaning up dog poo whilst off your property with your dog.Important Phone Numbers
Animal Management - 9518 3445 or 9518 3446Emergency After Hours - 9909 0621
RSPCA - 9224 2226 or 9224 2227
Cat Protection Society - 9434 7155
Illustrations supplied by Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Updated: 21 August 2008
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