Nillumbik pet registration dogged by high charges

FURIOUS dog owners in Melbourne’s north are facing pet registration fees as high as $285. And while the council is unrepentant about costs, it says there’s an easy way to reduce them.

Nillumbik dog owners are angry at having to pay much higher fees than those in other municipalities.

DOG lovers are barking mad, with Nillumbik Council charging about $100 more per pet to be registered, compared with neighbouring municipalities.

Owners of microchipped, but not desexed, dogs must cough up a hefty $285 for their yearly registration.

Council spokesman Mitch Grayson said Nillumbik offered a “significant discount” to encourage pet owners to desex their dog at the earliest possible stage and avoid “issues”.

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“There is clear evidence that not desexing dogs and cats can lead to a range of animal welfare issues,” Mr Grayson said.

But neighbouring councils including Banyule ($114.50), Manningham ($153) and even the City of Melbourne ($180) are cheaper.

But Mr Grayson didn’t explain why the fees were substantially higher, for the same cover, compared with neighbouring councils governed by the same act.

“Fees are set during council’s annual budgetary process and are valid for the ensuing financial year. All fees are reviewed during this process,” he said.

Nillumbik residents have contacted the Diamond Valley Leader, angered by the high costs.

One reader said: “At a time in which we’re working towards getting our kids out and active, I would think that dog ownership in the Nillumbik Shire — known for its parklands and outdoor family lifestyles and values — would be encouraged.

“I cannot believe that our costs are $105-$170 more for the same thing!

“We got a puppy for the same reasons that many families do — to get our kids out into the gorgeous parklands in Nillumbik.”

According to Nillumbik’s Domestic Animal Management Plan, there are 11,058 dogs in the shire.

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