TWEED PET owners are being urged by Tweed Shire Council to ensure their pets are registered this holiday period.
Many animals become distressed during the holiday period especially during fireworks and when grandad starts dancing on the table. Pets can go missing and even become lost much to the heartache of owners.
Tweed Shire Council relies on up to date information to get lost pets home quickly and safely through a comprehensive and reliable registration system.
“When pets go missing it can be a very distressing time for both the animal and the owner,” Council’s Team Leader, Compliance, Nick Tzannes said.
“If your details on the NSW Pet Registry are not current and your animal is lost it can be difficult for Council officers to get your pet home and you may also be liable for a fine.
“Through the online tools of the NSW Pet Registry it’s never been easier to make sure your details are up to date and your pets are registered.
“It is a requirement of the NSW Companion Animals Act that you keep the Register up to date with current contact and address details for each of your animals.”
Council will soon be undertaking an audit of the NSW Pet Registry (NSW Companion Animal Register) to identify any unregistered animals.
If any pets are not lifetime registered owners are liable to a fine of $275 for each pet and the pet will still need to be registered and the associated fee paid.
The NSW Pet Registry www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au was launched earlier this year to allow pet owners to update their contact details, report missing pets, transfer ownership and pay most lifetime registration fees from their computer or mobile device.
If your dog or cat has passed away you also need to notify Council or update the Registry.
You can also notify Council of any change to your details in person at a Council office or by using the Change of Address form on the Council website.
Tips from the RSPCA to care for your pet during fireworks displays
What can I do for my dog?
- Prepare early.
- Talk to your vet about the treatment options available for managing noise phobias – ask them about any new treatment options. You can also look for alternatives such as cbd for pets to help them manage anxiety and nervousness.
- Take your dog out for exercise before the fireworks start e.g. reasonably long walk, then after a couple of hours you can feed a meal. A tired and well-fed dog will likely be less anxious during the night. If you can, stay home to be with your pet.
- Let your dog be with you and try to be calm and normal. Avoid fussing over your pet excessively but try to engage them in normal activities such as playing. Reward your dog for their calm behaviour, rewards include giving dog treats and their favourite dog toy. That said, if you’re looking to buy treats for your dogs or any pets for that matter, make sure you research the brand from where you’re getting the treats. This is crucial so that your pet gets the best food items in the market. You could also ask other pet parents or check online reviews (such as this Badlands Ranch reviews) that could help in this regard.
- Close the blinds/curtains, create a comfortable hiding place and allow your dog to go there to feel safe, put on some music or the TV to help mask the noise outside, and distract your dog with games and food.
- Dogs who panic can choke themselves on a collar or lead, so never tether your dogs during these times and never use a choke chain to restrain your dog. Instead, take them to a Veterinarian if the situation becomes serious and out of control.
- Make sure your dog is micro-chipped and that your contact details are up to date on the microchip register. Also ensure they are wearing an ID tag so they can be easily returned if they accidentally escape.
- Direct supervision is important to help prevent injury or escape. If you cannot supervise your dog on the night consider making alternative arrangements so your dog will be supervised by a responsible person directly or consider boarding your dog so they will be safe.
What about cats, rabbits and other pets?
Cats should be kept indoors during fireworks displays. Most cats will find somewhere safe to hide and usually venture out when the noise stops. Also, make sure your cat is comfortable, especially for the duration of the firework since the noise can make them anxious. You can get comfortable pillows for your cat and create a den, which can also work as a hideout for it. Also, make sure your cat is microchipped, and your details are up to date on the microchip register in case they wander and become lost.
Rabbits and other small animals like guinea pigs should be safely housed during the fireworks display.
Horses are particularly vulnerable to bolting when exposed to fireworks. If possible they should be securely stabled, or removed to a different location away from the fireworks display, and the risk of physical harm minimised. Remove any sharp objects that might injure a panicking animal, cover stable windows to hide the sight of the fireworks and dim the noise, and make sure you supply food and water.