Pet registration increase has owners howling in protest

PET OWNERS in the 3228 area say they are outraged by Surf Coast Shire’s decision to increase pet registrations fees by about 57 per cent for desexed animals, without issuing a warning or explanation before sending out the invoice.

The fees – which are due on April 10 – for a desexed dog or cat are now $65 up from $41.40, while the fees for an unsterilised dog or cat are $195, a rise of 36 per cent from $143.10.

Shire resident and dog owner Emma Diffen said it was the process, not the amount that was of concern.

“The Surf Coast has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in Australia. What I want to know is that if the fee has increased, will we see an increase in animal related services?” she said.

“This is another example of the shire not explaining adequately what the money will be used for. Explain what these services are, and we will be happy. Don’t just jack up the price and give us some wishy-washy excuse.”

In an apology post on social media on March 19, the shire admitted fault for not clarifying why animal registration fees were rising.

“We’re sorry. We should have told you why animal registration fees were going up when we sent out the invoice,” the statement said.

“We made a mistake, and are especially sorry that many of you had to get in touch to find out more.”

The registration fees will pay for in-demand services including the operation of a dog pound, after-hours services, payments to Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS), local vets and Animal Welfare Victoria, the management and investigation of dog attacks (including prosecution) and the maintenance of the animal register.

The price hike comes off the back of the council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2017- 21, which received 420 individual responses, with the majority demonstrating “strong community feedback” in support of more rangers and more patrols in the shire.

Shire general manager of environment and development Ransce Salan said the new DAMP was the “over-arching document” that guides how the council manages dogs and cats in the shire.

“Council has responded by providing additional staff and increased patrols, including the purchase of an all-terrain vehicle to patrol beaches.

“We also plan to roll-out new education programs in the second half of 2019 to help people better understand their rights and responsibilities regarding animal ownership – this was another strong theme to emerge during the engagement on the DAMP.”

For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Community/Pets-and-animals/Petregistration.