July2013_Old Mill Vet on Pets and the Law
We all know the basics of owning a pet, such as finding appropriate food, housing and activities for them, but often the legal side of pet ownership is overlooked. Below are just a few basic laws that apply to the every day needs of our domestic pets. A full copy of up to date legislation and associated penalties is available through your local and state government representatives.
Living within the Moreton Bay Regional Council area, there are a number of regulations that must be observed by all pet owners.
Registration: All cats and dogs over the age of 12 weeks must be registered with the Moreton Bay Regional Council. Lifetime registration tags are issued to each registered pet, and must be worn by the pet at all times.
Microchipping: Every pet born after 1 April 2009 is required by law to be microchipped. All pets must be microchipped prior to changing ownership eg. any puppy or kitten purchased from a breeder or pet store must be microchipped before they sell your new pet to you. It is illegal to purchase a pet that is not microchipped.
Restricted, Menacing and Declared Dangerous dogs attract many more regulations which are in addition to the above general ownership laws
A typical suburban block of 900sq metres or less may house up to 2 dogs and 2 cats without special permission required from the Council
Body Corporate by-laws also apply to residents living in multi-unit dwellings and pet owners need to check with their individual Body Corporate before moving a pet into the premises.
Whilst most pets love riding in the car with us, there are some road rules that we all need some reminding of.
For dogs travelling in ute trays – the dog must be restrained by a hitch point in the centre of the back of the cabin, or contained in a way that prevents it from falling or jumping off the back. An unrestrained dog can be classed as an unrestrained vehicle load, where the maximum penalty is $2200, and possible demerit points.
For dogs travelling in the cabin of a vehicle, they must be restrained to a seatbelt or secure connection which does not allow them to distract the driver or wander the cabin. There is a minimum fine of $200 for an unrestrained pet, which jumps to a minimum of $233 and possible demerit points if the pet is on the lap of a driver or passenger.
Cats must be restrained either by a harness or in a cat carrier. Having a cat on your lap or distracting a driver bears similar penalties to that of a dog.
If an animal is injured as a result of being unrestrained in a moving vehicle, the owner can be fined thousands of dollars and/or receive a jail term of a maximum 12 months.
Registration: All cats and dogs over the age of 12 weeks must be registered with the Moreton Bay Regional Council. Lifetime registration tags are issued to each registered pet, and must be worn by the pet at all times.
Microchipping: Every pet born after 1 April 2009 is required by law to be microchipped. All pets must be microchipped prior to changing ownership eg. any puppy or kitten purchased from a breeder or pet store must be microchipped before they sell your new pet to you. It is illegal to purchase a pet that is not microchipped.
Restricted, Menacing and Declared Dangerous dogs attract many more regulations which are in addition to the above general ownership laws
A typical suburban block of 900sq metres or less may house up to 2 dogs and 2 cats without special permission required from the Council
Body Corporate by-laws also apply to residents living in multi-unit dwellings and pet owners need to check with their individual Body Corporate before moving a pet into the premises.
Whilst most pets love riding in the car with us, there are some road rules that we all need some reminding of.
For dogs travelling in ute trays – the dog must be restrained by a hitch point in the centre of the back of the cabin, or contained in a way that prevents it from falling or jumping off the back. An unrestrained dog can be classed as an unrestrained vehicle load, where the maximum penalty is $2200, and possible demerit points.
For dogs travelling in the cabin of a vehicle, they must be restrained to a seatbelt or secure connection which does not allow them to distract the driver or wander the cabin. There is a minimum fine of $200 for an unrestrained pet, which jumps to a minimum of $233 and possible demerit points if the pet is on the lap of a driver or passenger.
Cats must be restrained either by a harness or in a cat carrier. Having a cat on your lap or distracting a driver bears similar penalties to that of a dog.
If an animal is injured as a result of being unrestrained in a moving vehicle, the owner can be fined thousands of dollars and/or receive a jail term of a maximum 12 months.
It is our responsibility as veterinarians to firstly help educate our clients about these requirements, assist with the compliance of our clients, and lastly report offenders if there is a genuine disregard for animal safety and the regulations.
If you need help fitting a doggy car harness or have a pet that needs microchipping, please call Ashli at Old Mill Vets on 3425 2222 to discuss your needs.
If you need help fitting a doggy car harness or have a pet that needs microchipping, please call Ashli at Old Mill Vets on 3425 2222 to discuss your needs.
