Murrindindi Shire residents will soon be able to find out where their pet comes from thanks to the Victorian Government’s new online database, the ‘Pet Exchange Register’.
Council’s Director Assets and Development, Stuart McConnell said the Victorian Government has introduced new requirements that mean from 1 July 2019, any person or business advertising, to sell or give away, a dog or cat will need to be ‘enrolled’ on the Pet Exchange Register. There is no requirement to enter details of cats or dogs that have been sold or given away prior to 1 July 2019.
“Once enrolled, a ‘source number’ will be generated to identify each seller, this will improve the traceability of the kittens, puppies, cats and dogs they sell or give-away. It will also improve pet-owner accountability. Having sellers enrolled on the Register will also enable councils across the state to more effectively monitor those acting unlawfully, especially the excessive breeding of animals and the selling stolen animals,” Mr McConnell said.
“The Pet Exchange Register will enable Council’s Community Safety officers to track the selling patterns of breeders and better detect illegal animal farming (such as puppy farming) in the future. It will also help us monitor restricted animal breeds living in the Shire and continue our commitment to animal welfare.
“From 1 July 2019, it will be an offence under Victorian law to advertise a dog or cat unless the advertisement includes the animal’s microchip number and the seller’s source number. Both the person selling, or giving-away, the pet and the publisher of the advertisement will face penalties if they fail to comply with the new regulations.
“Council is urging Murrindindi Shire residents thinking of adding a new fur baby to their family to check the Register first to ensure their new pet comes from a valid seller or home,” Mr McConnell said.
