Dog owners – be responsible

Jenny Eising with Buddy and Vet Cathy Milgate who urges dog owners to socialise their dogs from an early age

Did you know that as a pet owner, you are legally responsible for your pet and its actions?

According to Council, pets are to be kept in a safe, healthy and nuisance-free manner that protects the environment and wellbeing of the community.

Cathy Milgate from Tin Can Bay Vets said “Most dogs are lovely – if your dog isn’t it can really do damage.”

She says your dog needs to meet other dogs in controlled environments from an early age:”Don’t shut your dog up for 365 days of the year then wonder why it is not able to cope.”

She emphasises that you can’t expect your dog to be social if it has never been socialised.

“We see far too many dog attacks here – usually dogs biting another dog.

“If you are irresponsible and your dog is not trustworthy, don’t be, because your dog can cause a lot of damage to children, adults and other dogs. It’s avoidable.”

Council says neighbourhood concerns may include roaming or stray animals, excessive animal noise and dangerous animals.

Often people don’t realise how the behaviours and activities of their pets are impacting others, and the repercussions can be dire for your beloved animal.

Cathy cautions, “If you have a dog who has attacked a person or another dog seriously  – you have to have a serious think about what happens next because you would never forgive yourself if it occurred again.”

Find out more:  www.gympie.qld.gov.au/animal-management or book an appointment at Tin Can Bay Vets: 5486 4666