City of Mount Gambier reminds animal owners that dog, cat and breeder registrations are due for renewal by Saturday 31 August 2024. Registrations are renewed through Dogs and Cats Online (DACO), South Australia's database for microchips, local council dog and cat and breeder registration.
Registration renewal notices have been sent out to all dog and cat owners and prompt residents to re-register their animals via the DACO online system and check that their contact details are up to date.
“Registration is important as it helps ensure lost/stray pets are reunited with their owners and keeps the community safe from roaming animals,” City of Mount Gambier Team Leader General Inspectorate Derek Ferguson said.
“Be sure to check that your contact details are up to date. If your pet goes missing and is picked up by Council, we will scan it for a microchip, look up the number registered in the DACO system and contact you.”
Registration fees contribute to the cost of animal management staff to support the collection and return of stray animals to owners (including training and equipment). In addition, registration contributes to the cost of programs and initiatives outlined in Council’s Dog and Cat Management Plan.
“The fees fund community services and facilities such as dog parks, dog poo bags, dispensers and bins, the management of pound and shelter facilities, the review of nuisance complaints such as barking complaints, cat and dog trespassing complaints, wandering and stray animals and attending to and investigating dog attack/bite incidents.”
In 2023/2024 5,350 dogs were registered in the City of Mount Gambier area and 57 pet owners received expiations for unregistered dogs. Council inspectors collected 166 stray dogs, returned 135 to their owner/s and impounded 31 dogs.
Council has sent out an email reminder to renew registration/s and will also issue an SMS reminder to all pet owners. This is in addition to signage throughout the city and reminders via social media.
“Council has currently received 32 per cent of our annual dog registration renewals. To avoid late fees and fines, please make sure you register your animals by 31 August 2024.”
“A $25 late fee will be applied to all overdue registrations from 1 September 2024 and a $170 fine will be issued to all those who have not renewed their registration from October 2024,” Mr Ferguson said.
If you have not received your registration renewal notice, please contact Council's customer service team to update your details on 8721 2555.
Renew your registration at www.dogsandcatsonline.com.au
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 0413 798 327 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
