New cat and dog laws

Owning a cat or dog can provide companionship and happiness, but caring for a pet also brings with it important responsibilities. Cat and dog registration makes it easier for your pet to be returned to you if they are lost or run away. Microchipping provides a lifetime identification that will help to reunite you with your pet should they become lost.

For more information visit the Queensland Government website.

Frequently Asked Questions

My cat may have kittens after 10 December, do the kittens need to be microchipped?
Yes. All kittens born after 10 December must be microchipped before reaching 12 weeks of age.

I’m giving away my six year old dog, does it require microchipping?
Yes. Any dog that is changing owners after 10 December must be microchipped. It is the new owners’ responsibility to microchip the dog.

I own a 16 year-old cat, does it require microchipping or registration?
Your cat must be registered with council, and free registration is available until June 2011. If you sell or give away your cat the new owner will need to have it microchipped however council recommends microchipping your animal as a further means of identification.

I own a two-year old, registered dog. Do I need to microchip him?

No. If you sell or give away your dog the new owner will need to have it microchipped. However, council recommends microchipping your animal as a further means of identification.

My kitten will be 11 weeks old at 10 December, how will these laws affect me?
You must microchip your cat and you are required to register your cat with council which you can do for free before June 2011.

Will I have to get my cat or dog desexed?
No. Desexing is not mandatory unless you have a pet dog that is a declared dangerous or restricted dog. Desexing cats and dogs will be strongly encouraged through reduced registration fees.

Why do cats have to be registered now as well as dogs?
Compulsory registration of cats aims to reduce the number of ownerless and stray cats adversely impacting on the environment and native fauna. Compulsory registration will also make it much easier for lost cats to be identified and reunited with their owners, reducing the burden on Council animal housing facilities and the number of cats that are euthanased each year.

Do all dogs and cats need to be registered?
Yes. This is irrespective of where the animal is kept, namely on a residential allotment or a rural property. The only exception is for a “working dog”. The definition of a “working dog” means a dog usually kept or proposed to be kept –

1. on rural land; and
2. by an owner who is a primary producer, or a person engaged or employed by a primary producer; and
3. primarily for the purpose of –
   a. droving, protecting, tending, or working stock; or
   b. being trained in droving, protecting, tending, or work stock

In what instance must I implant a microchip in my cat or dog?
Implanting a microchip in your cat or dog is only compulsory in 3 cases:

1. If your cat or dog is younger than 12 weeks when the legislation commences;
2. If the ownership of the dog or cat changes after the legislation commences;
3. If a dog is a regulated dog i.e. a restricted dog or declared a dangerous or menacing dog.

Who will police microchipping?
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation will be licensing microchipping registries and authorised implanters while local governments will be responsible for enforcing the microchipping status of animals.

I have a 2 year old cat (or dog). Do I need to get it implanted with a microchip?
No, as the animal will be more than 12 weeks old when the legislation commences, it will not be mandatory for you to implant a microchip in it before the change in ownership takes place.

Owners are encouraged to implant microchips in their cats and dogs regardless of age however as it ensures these pets can be quickly reunited with the owners after separation.

Regulated dog definitions

Restricted dog

Dogs of the following breeds:

• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier
• Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario
• or is subject of a restricted dog declaration under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

Regulated dog

A declared dangerous dog or declared menacing dog or a restricted dog including a dog that is subject of a declaration under section 94 of the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

Working dog

Means a dog usually kept or proposed to be kept on rural land and by an owner who is a primary producer or engaged or employed by a primary producer; and primarily is used or being trained for the purpose of droving, protecting, tending or working stock. (This excludes a Regulated Dog).

The documentation required for proof of the animal being a working dog is:

Primary producer

• ABN number of business registration from the Tax Office identifying that the business is registered as a Primary Producer and showing that it is in the dog owners name.
• A Statutory Declaration from the person stating that the dog is a working dog (by definition in the Act).

Employee of a primary producer

• A letter from the business owner (on their business letterhead and ABN) confirming that the person is an employee of the business, that the business is registered as a primary producer and that the employee is required to use a dog for the purposes of his duties.
• A Statutory Declaration from the person stating that the dog is a working dog (by definition in the Act).

Registration

Find out how to register your dog or cat.

Animal Management Local Laws

Council has developed a new local law for the new Townsville City Council region. Implementing the new local law will provide consistency across the city.

Local Laws

You can view all Local Laws.

For more information, please phone 1300 878 001 or contact Environmental Health Services.