Pet owners in the Alpine Shire should have received their pet registration renewal notices, with fees due by April 10 2025.
Registering pets is crucial for community safety and responsible ownership. It helps reunite lost pets with their owners, reduces fines, and supports services like animal welfare and ranger operations.
Under the Domestic Animal Act 1994, all domestic dogs and cats must be registered in their local shire. Unregistered animals cannot be returned by Rangers, and non-compliance can result in a $395 fine, whereas registered animals found at large can be returned without charge.
Alpine Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Will Jeremy, said this year registration fees for desexed dogs has increased from $33 to $55, and desexed cats from $33 to $50 to ensure the sustainability of Council's pound services.
"We kept increases to a minimum during the COVID years, however the cost of running the pound has increased significantly, and we must ensure our pound service is sustainable and compliant with state legislation regarding animal welfare," he said.
"Operating the pound locally is essential for several reasons; agreements with external facilities in Wodonga or Albury are more expensive, and private shelters are full and not accepting new rehoming agreements.
"The cost of housing animals, including health inspections, feeding, watering, and walking, is substantial, with this service provided 365 days a year, including holidays."
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said our Rangers provide critical services funded by registration fees.
"They work tirelessly, picking up dogs at all hours and in all weather conditions, conducting vet assessments, handling dangerous dogs, responding to dog attacks, trapping feral or stray cats, addressing reports of at-large animals, investigating animal cruelty reports, and assisting the RSPCA," she said.
"We understand the fee increase may be challenging, however, it is necessary to maintain high standards and ensure animal welfare."
Cr Nicholas said registration fees also help rehome animals, reducing euthanasia rates.
"Alpine Shire Council has one of the best rehoming versus euthanasia rates in Victoria, which we are very proud of, considering we do all the work to find loving homes for animals in our pound," she said.
"We are legally required to report all euthanised animals and only euthanise those that are terminally sick or unsuitable for rehoming."
Current fees are on par with other local councils, and it is cheaper to register desexed animals. Pensioners are also entitled to a discount.
For further information on pet registrations, or to register your pet for the first time, community members can visit Council's website: Pet Registration | Alpine Shire Council