Four councils in trial program to reduce number of unwanted cats and dogs

Four councils will participate in a new trial program to support the State Government’s efforts to reduce the number of unwanted cats and dogs being killed each year.

The two year trial will allow councils to try a number of methods to curb the increasing number of cats and dogs being dumped at animal collection centres around the State.

Local Government Warren Pitt said outside of the Northern Territory, Queensland was the only jurisdiction to not have mandatory registration and identification of cats and dogs in place.

“This has created a situation where thousands of cats and dogs are being destroyed each year. As a Government, we have to help our councils and other stakeholders to address this serious issue,” Mr Pitt said.

“It’s not just unwanted adult cats and dogs that are being put to death. It’s kittens and puppies as well – all because we don’t have the necessary laws and practices in place to impose a degree of responsible pet ownership.

“It’s needless and senseless, and we have got to do more to put a stop to it.”

The Councils participating in the trial program are Gold Coast City Council, Logan City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council and Townsville City Council.

Mr Pitt said the councils were to be commended for their involvement in the trial, as well as others who had also offered to take part.

“In addition to trialling different methods of encouraging identification and de-sexing, they will also collect baseline data to monitor the numbers of levels of animals being euthanased.

“The Government will support these councils in trialling these new programs and has committed $380,000 to help councils do so.”

Mr Pitt said a new code of practice for pet shops was being developed, and would be released shortly.

"The code of practice will not only inform the development of legislation for the sale of animals, but it also will help reaffirm the commitment of the industry to animal welfare issues."

Mr Pitt praised the role of Gold Coast MP Peta-Kaye Croft in formulating the government's approach to deal with the thousands of cats and dogs euthanased in Queensland each year. He said the Member for Broadwater had been a very strong advocate for measures to reduce the number of cats and dogs being put down.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819