New animal management laws to encourage responsible pet ownership

The Bligh Government has strengthened the legislation concerning the management of cats and dogs, with the passing of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 in State Parliament today.

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the new Act would place greater responsibility on the community at large and gave councils around the state the mandate to enforce the legislation to encourage responsible pet ownership.

“The new legislation includes mandatory registration of cats and dogs, microchipping at the point-of-sale and transfer of cats and dogs, and the introduction of a menacing dog classification,” Mr Pitt said.

In addition to the passing of the new Act, the Queensland Government has already funded four pilot studies as a way to trial various other strategies aimed at reducing the number of animals euthanised unnecessarily each year.

“We’ve committed $315,000 towards these two-year pilot studies with a view to informing possible amendments to the legislation in the coming years,” Mr Pitt said.

“Gold Coast City Council will trial an approved breeder permit scheme and a targeted education campaign focusing on appropriate enclosures for pet cats, at a cost of $77,000.

“Logan City Council will construct a dedicated community animal desexing clinic at a cost of $84,000 and Townsville will restart the CatScan program on Magnetic Island, which includes compulsory microchipping of cats over five months old and an education campaign, which will cost $68,000.”

Mr Pitt said Moreton Bay would also work with local veterinarians to promote cat desexing and to use the RSPCA’s Education Mobile Unit and Portable Animal Welfare Service throughout the council area, at a cost of $86,000.

“While the new legislation establishes the minimum obligation for pet owners around the state, these trial studies will provide evidence-based approaches to other ideas and strategies for dealing with this serious issue in the future,” he said.

The government-funded pilot studies will complement the voluntary code of practice for pet shops, which sets out best practice within the industry.

Mr Pitt said apart from the Northern Territory, Queensland was, until now, the only jurisdiction to not have mandatory registration and identification of cats and dogs in place.

“The new legislation brings us into line with other states and places the onus of responsibility back onto pet owners,” he said.

”The Government will continue to work closely with councils and industry to ensure the legislation in place continues to reflect the collective needs of the community and the welfare of animals.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819