Mount Isa City Council officers recently surveyed all houses in Mount Isa and Camooweal to ensure all animals are registered. Council used the survey strategy in an attempt to decrease the amount of stray dogs and dog attacks. It recorded the number of registered animals in Mount Isa and Camooweal, pet owners with permits and pet owners with appropriate fencing for their animals.
In the last financial year, over 1,600 animals were impounded in Mount Isa, of which more than half were euthanised, 143 re-homed and only 331 claimed. This considerable number of stray dogs has the added burden of an increased risk of dog attacks in the community.
Mount Isa CEO, Michael Dougall, said Council needs the support of dog owners to create a healthy climate for responsible pet ownership and to help eliminate stray animals and dog attacks.
“By adopting healthy animal husbandry, dog attacks as well as stray dogs within our community should abate,” he said. “Council is encouraging dog owners to assist in keeping these numbers down by having their dogs desexed.”
Council is also advising pet owners to ensure that their animals are registered and wearing their current tags; that permits are obtained for keeping more than two dogs or cats; breeding permits are applied for if their dog or cat is pregnant; and that they have adequate fencing around their property in order to keep pets from escaping. Council is also reminding pet owners of the importance of registration and microchipping in the event the animal escapes.
In response to dog owners’ requests, Council has established Edna Medley Park, an off leash park for the exclusive use of exercising dogs. The park was designated so the dog owners of the community could give their dogs exercise and help to prevent the wandering of animals.
Bins have been installed and bags are provided for dog waste. A water tap is also available, but the dog’s own dish is required to ensure nontransmitting of diseases that can be carried by dogs.
“As a community, we need to pull together to keep dogs off the streets and in their yards by exercising responsible animal husbandry,” Michael Dougall said.
For further information contact Libby Hall at Mount Isa City Council on (07) 4747 3200.
