Register pets or pay price

IRRESPONSIBLE pet owners are being warned to toe the line or face prosecution, as one Yaroomba woman was fined over $900 for not registering her dogs.
Sunshine Coast Council has issued a strong warning, saying they will continue their “zero tolerance” approach and will prosecute irresponsible pet owners.
The Yaroomba woman appeared before Nambour Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (20 November) and was fined $600 for not registering her German Shepherd and American Staffy, in addition to $250 in professional fees and $86.80 in court costs.
Sunshine Coast Council director of community services Coralie Nichols said Council would not tolerate aggressive and dangerous dogs and would ensure owners of such animals be “held responsible for their dog’s unacceptable behaviour”.
Ms Nichols said council would continue to pursue all options to the full extent to prosecute “irresponsible pet owners and create a safe community for visitors, residents and other pets”.
Noosa Council disaster management and public order manager Ron Thomas said Noosa Council supported a tough stand on irresponsible dog owners to ensure the continued safety of the community.
“Aggressive dogs have no place in our community,” he said.
“A dog responsible for an attack on people or another animal may be declared dangerous and the owner prosecuted,” he said.
Mr Thomas said irresponsible dog owners had been warned with council stepping up patrols in response to a spike in complaints about dogs being exercised off leads in our parks, beaches and on our streets.
Council recently approved a systematic inspection program that will see authorised officers conduct a house-to-house inspection of unregistered dogs next year.
Dog owners who fail to register their animals risk a fine of $227. According to the Animal Management (cats and dogs) Act 2008, dogs over three months need to be registered with the local council.
Puppies can be registered for free up to six months of age.
Owners of unregistered dogs and those who need to renew their pet’s registration can call council on 5329 6500 to arrange registration.