Fraser Coast council to decide on animal inspection program for 2023

More than 50 fines have been issued by the Fraser Coast council this year and problematic suburbs will be the first ones targeted under its animal inspection program in 2023.

Fraser Coast councillors will vote on Wednesday, December 14, whether to approve the animal inspection program for 2023.

More than $15,000 in fines were handed out by the council to Fraser Coast pet owners this year.

A report before the council reveals that $15,664 was issued in fines for animal offences as part of the council’s Approved Inspection Programme for 2022.

There were 56 fines in total and the majority of offences were for unregistered dogs, the council has confirmed.

It comes as Fraser Coast man George Cooksley faces multiple charges after this three dogs, which were allegedly unregistered, mauled Maryborough mum Amanda Carmichael to death in June 2021.

At the council meeting to take place on Wednesday, the approval for the animal inspection program for 2023 will be put to the vote.

According to the December 14 meeting agenda, the program aims to improve pet ownership compliance in the region.

It also allows the council to update its records to ensure it has accurate information and registration numbers, as well as location and breed of dogs on the Fraser Coast.

The majority of fines handed out as part of the Fraser Coast council’s Approved Inspection Programme for 2022 were for unregistered dogs. Photo: iStock.

The council has previously approved animal inspection programs since 2018.

“Council has undertaken similar programmes in recent years which has increased the compliance with registration and other animal management requirements,” the document says.

In August, the council endorsed its Domestic Animal Management Strategy to educate and enforce responsible pet ownership in the region, particularly for dog owners.

Dog attacks, barking complaints, off-leash areas and the possible return of cat registration were among key topics outlined in the strategy.

According to this month’s meeting agenda document, the inspection program for 2022 resulted in “increased compliance in accordance with local law requirements”.

By conducting the program, unregistered dogs are identified and recorded in the council’s animal management database.

The program also aims to increase annual animal registration renewals and compliance in accordance with the council’s local laws for dogs which includes microchipping, desexing and enclosure requirements.

As part of the program for 2023, council officers will inspect properties on the Fraser Coast between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

The meeting document says that suburbs which have the “lowest registration numbers” or “reported the great number of complaints on a variety of animals related matters” will be inspected first.

Compliance notices, infringement notices or legal action may also be issued as a result of the inspections.

“The successful delivery of the programme will have financial benefits for the community in terms of increased registration and revenue, and savings on investigations through officers having more accurate data when conducting investigations,” the document says.

If approved, the 2023 inspection program will be undertaken from March 1 to August 31, 2023.

Notice of the proposed program will also be published on the council’s website at least 14 days before it starts.