Pet identification remains a major issue across municipality 

Ararat Rural City Council is again reminding pet owners of their responsibilities, with almost all dogs collected by Council Rangers last year not registered, and around 50 per cent not microchipped.

Council is urging residents to ensure their pets are registered with Council and microchipped with a national database – ensuring that contact details are up-to-date with both.

CEO Dr Tim Harrison said the annual dog and cat registration notices will hit mailboxes at the end of February and are due for payment by April 10.

“When pets aren’t registered or microchipped, returning them home takes far longer and places a significant strain on our Community Safety Team,” said Dr Harrison. “Our rangers do a huge amount of work behind the scenes to reunite animals with their owners. That time could be better spent on broader community safety priorities.”

The reminder applies equally to cats, including those kept indoors. Council continues to collect cats that are not identifiable, and the time involved in returning them to their owners could be avoided with basic compliance.

If a resident finds a wandering or lost animal, they are encouraged to contact the Community Safety Team on 5355 0200, which operates 24/7.

Calls are redirected after hours so a ranger can attend. Residents are asked not to place animals in their yards or attempt to rehome them, as this can create safety and welfare risks.

“Council does not euthanise animals,” added Dr Harrison. “If an animal is not collected within eight days, it is made available for adoption locally or through one of Council’s trusted adoption partners.
Registering and microchipping pets is simple, legal and helps get them home faster”.