Council witnesses jump in dog registrations during COVID-19

DOG ownership across the Toowoomba region has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new figures from the council.

Statistics from the Toowoomba Regional Council’s environment and community group revealed the number of dogs registered with the TRC between January and June 2020 increased by more than 700.

It comes after environment and community general manager Nick Hauser revealed in August that the organisation had noticed more residents across Queensland were buying dogs while social distancing and work-from-home practices were in place.

“Dog ownership during COVID has increased, and Toowoomba is the paw-fect place to visit with your favourite four-legged family member,” his report said at the August meeting.

Environment health portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon encouraged residents to get their dogs registered with the council.

“Council will conduct registration checks and regulated dog compliance inspections this financial year,” he said.

“Registering dogs with correct contact details is one of the best ways to ensure lost pets are reunited with their owners as quickly as possible.”

The council sent about 19,000 dog registration renewal notices to dog owners for the 2020-21 renewal period.

Exact figures are unknown as the renew by date expires at the end of September 2020.

For more information about dog registrations, call the Toowoomba Regional Council on 131 872.