Cessnock City Council is encouraging all pet owners to microchip their pet and keep their details up-to-date on NSW’s pet registry website. In conjunction with this, a free microchipping day will be held for pets of the Cessnock LGA.
Last financial year, Council Rangers picked up 328 stray dogs across the local government area. Only one in four were able to be returned directly to their owners with the remainder either not having a microchip or having a microchip or ID tags with incorrect or out of date details meaning the owners could not be contacted.
Melissa from Cessnock City Council’s Ranger team said the simple act of updating details on the NSW pet registry website could make the difference between your pet being returned home promptly or being taken to the animal management facility.
“On most days, our team of Rangers are picking up stray pets that are either not microchipped or their details are out of date,” said Ranger Melissa.
“The sad truth is that more than three in every four animals we find roaming are not able to be returned directly to their owners, meaning they end up facing the inconvenience and cost of impounding.
“Keeping your pet’s microchip and ID tag details up to date is not only a requirement but is essential to help them find their way home.”
Cessnock City Mayor Jay Suvaal said Council is hosting a free microchipping day for dogs and puppies at Huntlee District Park on Wednesday 25 October between 9am and 12.30pm to help reduce the number of unidentified pets that become impounded. The event is open to residents living in the Cessnock LGA.
“It’s important that pets are microchipped. That’s why we’re helping local residents by hosting a free microchipping event for dogs and puppies at Huntlee District Park on 25 October.”
All cats and dogs in New South Wales must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before being sold or given away, whichever occurs first.
Residents living in the Cessnock LGA are also eligible for afreemetal dog tag that is engraved with your pet’s details.
