From 1 July 2019 anyone (including councils) who advertises dogs and/or cats for sale (including those for free) will be required to include an identifying number in the advertisement. This requirement applies to all advertisements including those in newspapers, local posters, community noticeboards and all forms of online advertising including public advertisements on websites and social media.
The identifying number can be either each animal’s microchip number, a Breeder Identification Number or a Rehoming Organisation Number. If a person fails to use one of these numbers or uses a number that the person knows, or ought reasonably to have known is false, a fine of $330 may apply if a penalty notice is issued. The maximum court ordered penalty for failing to comply will be $5,500.
This change aims to improve the identification of companion animals to support better traceability of cats and dogs and promote responsible pet ownership.
Depending on Council’s arrangements for its pound/s or animal shelter/s, pets may be advertised for rehoming.
Council’s Rehoming Organisation Number is: R251000166.
