Petnet - Urban Animal Management Conference. Abstract Local authorities have had legislation covering the keeping and control of animals for decades. This paper gives an overview of why Brisbane City Council has elected to introduce new legislation and change the focus of its animal management programs. Background The issue of responsible pet ownership is a major concern not only to the Brisbane City Council but to all local authorities throughout Australia.
Councils have an important economic and social role in the development of responsible pet ownership.
In 1992 there were 63,200 dogs registered with the Brisbane City Council. In 1996 there are 82,000 dogs registered with the Brisbane City Council, with estimates of the numbers of dogs still unregistered somewhere around 20,000. This campaign was aimed at making people aware of their obligations towards registrations. It also identified areas of high unregistered dogs which coincidently coincided with areas of high numbers of complaints regarding uncontrolled dogs. Many of the 80,000 plus registered dogs provide companionship and security to residents.