Top tips for responsible pet ownership
What does it take to be a responsible pet owner?
What does it take to be a responsible pet owner?
Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said having a pet was one of the most rewarding experiences you could have, but it comes with a lot of responsibility.
“Coming from a family of dog lovers I have known a dog as a family pet all my life,” Cr McKay said.
“At the moment we only have one dog, but this changes from time to time as we have given a home to many dogs over the years.
“Owning a pet can be a big financial and time commitment because they rely on us for everything, from food, health care and shelter, to love, interaction and training.
“So, if you are thinking about getting a pet, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared.”
Exercise is a big part of being a responsible dog owner. To let your dog run free for a while, try out one of council’s fully-fenced dog off-leash parks or visit a designated off-leash park or beach area, but make sure you check the signs for specific off-leash times and areas.
Penalties apply if dogs are off-leash outside of these times and locations.
In off-leash areas it is your responsibility to ensure your dog is close by, always under supervision, responsive to your commands and not harassing other people or animals.
It is also important to clean up after them in these designated areas.
While a majority of dog owners do the right thing by picking up and disposing of their dog’s waste correctly, council’s Supervisor Response Services Hannah Maloney said unfortunately there were still some members of the community who were not.
“Council officers regularly patrol off-leash dog beaches and are constantly finding waste left behind,” Ms Maloney said.
“The beach is for everyone to share and enjoy, so I encourage all dog owners to respect the beach, our environment and their fellow community members by not leaving their waste behind - it isn’t enough just to bag it, you also need to dispose of the bag in a bin.”
For more information on responsible pet ownership, dog off-leash areas and keeping other types of pets visit the Animals and Pets page.
Top tips for responsible pet ownership:
- Register your pet: All cats and dogs must be registered with council every year and wear a council-issued registration tag when in public.
- Microchipping: It is a requirement of the Animal Management Act 2008 to microchip your cat or dog before it reaches 12 weeks of age or if ownership changes. It also helps to reunite a lost pet with its owner.
- Use a lead: Taking your dog for a walk, a run around the park, local sports field or to the beach is a great way to keep your furry friend happy and healthy, but don’t forget that your dog must always be kept on a lead, unless in an off-leash area.
- Bag it and bin it: When exercising your dog you must carry a doggy bag. Make sure you pick up your dog’s poop and dispose of it responsibly.
Want to learn more?
On the following dates, council’s Response Services Officers will be available at a pop-up education booth to provide the community and visitors with information about responsible pet ownership.
Saturday, November 26, 6-10am Stumers Creek, Coolum
Sunday, November 27, 2-6pm Ballinger Beach (access 260) , Currimundi
Saturday, December 3, 6-10am La Balsa Park, Buddina
Sunday, December 11, 2-6pm Point Cartwright Reserve
Saturday, December 17, 2-6pm Mudjimba Beach
Sunday, December 18, 7-11am Lake Currimundi
Saturday, January 7, 6-10am Eleanor Shipley Park, Moffat Beach
Sunday, January 15, 6-10am Golden Beach, Caloundra
Sunday, January 22, 2-6pm Shelley Beach, Caloundra