CGRC Manager Regulatory Services, Mr Glen McAtear is pictured at last year’s free microchipping day.

   

Residents across the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) area are urged to have their companion animals (dogs and cats) microchipped.

Council will hold two free microchipping days during November. Companion animal owners can bring their pets to Gundagai’s Carberry Park on Saturday 9 November from 9 am, and in Cootamundra’s Dog Park, the fenced off leash area in Hurley Street on Saturday 23 November from 9 am till 1pm.

Council rangers and regulatory officers will be in attendance to offer advice to pet owners on Regulatory issues, relating to the keeping of companion animals.

Hot dogs and refreshments will be provided.

CGRC mayor Cr Abb McAlister said this was a great initiative and encouraged all companion animal owners to attend.

“Free microchipping programs offer our residents the opportunity to ensure their pets can be returned to them if they get lost, our regulatory staff are on hand to answer questions and owners of animals that are chipped will also receive a voucher offering discounted vaccinations at local vets for their animal,” Cr McAlister said.

 

Any companion animal (dog or cat) must be microchipped by the age of 12 weeks or if the animal is sold or given away no matter how old the animal is.  Once an animal is 6 months old it must be registered, registration can be paid at Councils offices.  Fees for registration are on a sliding scale depending on whether or not the animal is desexed and whether or not the owner of the animal is a pensioner or not, other factors are taken into account e.g. if the animal is a working dog.