Friendly reminder

WATTLE Range Council is reminding local pet owners of their responsibility to keep dog ownership records up to date, following a recent increase in incomplete microchip information.

Last financial year, over 3,300 dogs and 350 cats were registered in the Wattle Range Council area.

Encouragingly, 95% of those dogs were microchipped, and 56% desexed—a positive sign of responsible pet ownership across the region.

However, Council has noticed a concerning trend: a rise in dogs with outdated microchip details, particularly when ownership changes hands.

In many cases, the original breeder or previous owner’s contact details remain linked to the animal.

“If details are not kept up to date, it can be very difficult to reunite wandering dogs to the correct owner,” said Wattle Range Council Chief Executive Officer, Ben Gower.

“We encourage anyone buying, selling, or rehoming a dog to update the pet’s details through the Government of South Australia’s Dogs and Cats Online website as soon as possible.”

“Additionally, if your dog passes away it is important update Dogs and Cats Online or advise Council so we can update your details.”

“We don’t want people being charged a registration fee if they no longer own the dog, or it has passed away” Mr Gower added.

Council also reminds the community that anyone buying or selling dogs must be a registered breeder with Dogs and Cats Online and must comply with current legislation and animal welfare guidelines.

For more information, please call our friendly staff at the Council or visit Dogs and Cats Online at dogsandcatsonline.com.au