There were major changes to legal duties of pet ownership, which ought to be recognised and/or complied with by pet owners.
1. Microchip identification
In late 2005, The Victorian government has legislated for the use of microchips as an animal identification system in companion animals. The new law regulates the type of chip used, the person authorised to insert the microchip into companion animals, and the registry which stores and controls data of microchipped pets and their owners.
By the end of 2006 all microchip implanters and registries must be licensed to undertake such activity. At this stage there is no state wide compulsory requirements to microchip animals, as is the case in NSW. However, each local council under the power of the new legislation, can issue a by-law requiring all pets in its municipality to be microchipped.
A microchip is a permanent identification device ensuring a speedy reunion of lost pets and their owners. Microchipping identification relies on a microchip, an effective scanner and an accountable and accessible registry, which stores the pet and owner’s details.
There are numerous stories of relieved and happy pet owners who were reunited with their lost pets, only and solely due to the advent of microchip technology. Microchip identification is a ‘must’ for every pet owner, even when it is not required by law.
2. Registration age for dogs and cats
In October 2004, the compulsory registration age for dogs and cats has been lowered to 3 months of age. All newly acquired pets must be registered with a local council by this age. The leniency period with regard to compliance with the new law is now over. Pet owners need to remember to register their new puppy or kitten by 3 months of age, or at time of acquisition with pets older than 3 months of age. To take advantage of the considerably reduced registration fees for desexed or microchipped animals, it is highly recommended that pet owners have their pets microchipped or desexed prior to registration.
3. Desexing
Desexing is a surgical procedure whereby the male animal is neutered or castrated and the female is spayed to prevent reproduction, improve health and welfare status and reduce behavioural and medical concerns and costs.
Desexing of pet dogs and cats is a very valuable and responsible step to take.
Pet registration fees are reduced considerably for desexed pets while their owners benefit from the peace of mind associated with a large range of medical and behavioural conditions related to the entire pet (undesexed).
Some councils, notably Frankston and Cardinia have moved late last year to mandate desexing, requiring all companion pets to be neutered or spayed. While it is not likely for desexing to become compulsory in the state as a whole, it is very probable that other councils will follow suit in their attempt to improve stray animal population management and help minimise cost associated with breeding, straying and aggression with pet animals in our communities.
Desexing is a day procedure which can be undertaken from 8 weeks of age and it is a common practise to have your pet desexed at 3-6 months of age, before they reach sexual maturity. Puppies and kittens generally recover from the anaesthetics quicker and heal faster. We highly recommend the early age desexing and we encourage such surgery and offer it at a reduced fee.