The onset of the storm season over the past weekend has seen the number of stray animals reported to Sunshine Coast Council multiplied.
Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said council called on animal owners to please be responsible for their pets and ensure they are safely contained within their property, particularly during storm events.
“Council picked up 12 domestic pets over the weekend, six were reunited with their owners and the remaining six were impounded as they were not wearing an identification tag or microchipped,” she said.
“These numbers are several more than usual over a weekend with no storm activity.
“Many dogs and cats are frightened of thunder and lightening, with fireworks having a similar effect.
“In their panic, dogs can somehow manage to escape properties that you may think on par with Alcatraz.
“For advice on behavioural training or other options to calm dogs during storms, please speak with your vet.
“If your pet is missing or you find a stray pet, phone council on 5475 7272.”
Cr McKay said the storm season always reinforced the importance of having your animal registered and microchipped.
“Registered and microchipped dogs and cats can quickly be reunited with their owners if they stray,” she said.
“To acknowledge and reward owners for doing the right thing for their pet and the community simply by registering their pet annually, council’s fee for the first impounding is zero.
“Also remember to ensure your pet’s microchip details are up-to-date with your microchip register to help council, the vet or lost animal shelter to reunite you quickly and easily.
“If your pet goes missing and your microchip details are not up-to-date and you do not know which database the chip is registered to, visit council’s website for some simple tips about how to resolve this quickly.”
All dogs and cats must be registered and wear a council-issued registration tag when in public. Significant reduction in registration fees apply for desexed and microchipped dogs and cats, and for pensioners.