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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 2 Hansard (27 February) . . Page.. 643 ..

APPENDIX 3: Incorporated in Hansard on 27 February 1997 at page 624

MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, LAND AND PLANNING

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION WITHOUT NOTICE

On Tuesday 25 February 1997 Mr Osborne asked the Minister for Environment, Land and Planning:

What is the Government doing to increase the number of dogs registered in the ACT?

Mr Humphries - the answer to the member's question is as follows:

I welcome the member's question. It is estimated that the ACT has some 55,000 to 60,000 dogs with a registration of 45 to 50%. This compares with levels as high as 80% in other jurisdictions.

I am as concerned as Mr Osborne that registration compliance is as low as it is in the Territory and that it has been so for a number of years.

My Department is currently investigating a number of proposals to substantially lift registrations to levels comparable with other jurisdictions. This includes the examination of registration fees and inspection and enforcement powers.

Proposals for amendments to the Dog Control Act and Animal Nuisance Control Act will provide mechanisms to encourage dog owners to register dogs.

Proposed amendments are likely to include similar practices to that of other States and the Northern Territory which provide for a common nominated expire date each year and allows for proper advertising of the requirements to register dogs. This will also allow the Dog Control Unit to better monitor renewals and to take immediate action on non-renewals.

Education and advertising programs are also being considered and will be aligned with the proposed new changes.

Further methods being undertaken to increase dog registrations include trials for Veterinary Practices to accept applications for dog registration on behalf of the Registrar of Dogs. The trials are scheduled to commence in the first week of March 1997. If successful, the option to renew a dog registration may be negotiated with the Australian Veterinary Association (ACT Division) for wider application across the ACT.

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