Council offers new incentive to rehome abandoned pets

  • 2014-12-24
Council changes to pet registration and ownership rules are set to encourage growth in adoptions.

The new rules introduced apply to pets that have been accessed from not-for-profit organisations that deal in animal welfare.

It advocates the waiver of the pet registration fee for the first year for residents of Prahran, Victoria, and surrounding areas within the City of Stonnington. A life-long registration tag for cats and dogs will also be introduced from April 2015, although fees will continue annually.

The move is hoped to increase pet adoption, cut the number of unwanted pets that are faced with the prospect of being euthanized, and give animals a second chance at finding a good home.

Mayor Cr Melina Sehr admitted to being a pet lover and said the latest changes should encourage cat and dog ownership, and reward those who provide them with a home.

She said the benefits of pet ownership were many, including reducing any feelings of loneliness, stress or anxiety, while at the same time promoting regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

Flyer printing has been used in the past to encourage families to adopt pets that have been discarded by former owners, and ended up in the care of welfare groups.

Finding homes for unwanted animals is also a major role for other organisations such as the Cat Protection Society of Victoria, the RSPCA, the Victorian Dog Rescue and Resource Group, and the Lort Smith Animal Hospital.