It’s now easier to register a dog online with a new Bundaberg Regional Council payment platform launched ahead of stage two of the door-to-door dog registration inspection program.
More than 1500 residents have already taken advantage of the new online registration platform.
It comes as stage one of the dog registration inspection program is finalised, with 27,700 homes inspected and 3700 new dog registrations already lodged.
Health, Compliance and Enforcement portfolio spokesperson Cr May Mitchell said the first stage of the inspection program revealed a further 1400 dogs which remained unregistered.
“Stage two of the inspection program is our last resort approach,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Through this program households with unregistered dogs have been given an opportunity to do the right thing through follow-up inspections, registration renewal reminders and even SMS reminders.
“In coming weeks, Council officers will now be revisiting these properties and issuing a final notice.”
Fines of $275 apply for unregistered dogs and fines of $698 apply to dog owners who refuse to supply contact information to Council officers.
Cr Mitchell said the new online payment platform provided the perfect opportunity to register dogs with Bundaberg Regional Council prior to the stage two of the inspection program commencing and fines being issued.
“Registering your dog with Bundaberg Regional Council has never been easier.
“The online application, which was developed by Council’s IT team, also ensures the right fees are calculated and uses artificial intelligence to verify digital copies of certificates for desexing.”
She said Council also planned to offer a 50 per cent discount to any residents with an outstanding animal release payment plan if the remaining balance is paid in full.
“This aligns with Council’s new 50 per cent discount offered for the pound release of registered dogs which have already taken advantage of the first free release in the financial year.
“Our aim is simply to get dogs registered and back to their homes as quickly as possible.
“It reduces the operational cost of our pound facilities and is also the best outcome for the animal and their owner.”
Cr Mitchell said fines were only being issued as a last resort because there were still dogs which remained unregistered following the first stage of the door-to-door inspection program.
Residents can register their dogs online here or renew their dog's registration here.
