BRIMBANK Veterinary Clinic staff member Corrina Duck with her two adorable pooches Cooper and Spoodie 89486 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By VANESSA VALENZUELA
ANIMAL lovers are being urged to get their pets microchipped after hundreds of dogs and cats were found roaming the streets of Brimbank in the last 12 months.
Brimbank City Council figures show a total of 573 lost animals were found around the municipality in the last 12 months.
Almost a third of all stray cats and dogs were located in St Albans, with 174 animals found by residents in the surrounding area.
A further 63 pets were located nearby in Deer Park and 48 missing animals were also found in Sydenham.
There are currently 8504 dogs and 2668 cats registered in the municipality.
Council’s Acting General Manager of City Development Stuart Menzies said there were a number of animals that were lost and being searched for by owners.
“Every effort is made to reunite owners with their pets, these efforts are made much more effective and successful through pet registration and microchipping,” Mr Menzies said.
He said all cats and dogs over three months of age must be registered with Brimbank City Council.
Lost Dogs’ Home Communications Manager Kate Hoelter said many pets often wandered away from home because they were restless from not getting enough exercise.
“If you’re not spending enough time with your dog, if you’re not exercising your pet, then that’s when they can stray because they get bored,” Ms Hoelter said.
She said it was vital that responsible pet owners microchip their animals and also ensure their family pets have a collar and identification tag with clear, concise contact details.
“That’s their return ticket home. They can’t tell someone where they live, so this is how you will get them back home.”
For more information or to report a lost pet call Brimbank City Council on 9249 4000.
