Staffies the top dogs on the Fraser Coast

Staffies are the most popular pooches on the Fraser Coast. Council’s 2023/24 dog registration statistics reveal there are 1,743 Staffordshire Terriers on the Fraser Coast – making them the region’s top breed. Border Collies are the second most popular breed with 1,545 registered, closely followed by Maltese Terriers with 1,529 registrations.

Local dog owners have been praised for their responsible behaviour with 20,263 animals registered during the 2023/24 registration renewal period last October.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Executive Manager for Regulatory Services Steven Gatt encouraged any dog owners yet to register their dogs to do so before an inspection program starts on 1 March.

“Having a dog can provide a lot of enjoyment and there are many benefits to registering your dog,” he said.

“For example, if wandering dogs are picked up by the pound, then they can be reunited with their owners very quickly.”

Dog registration fees also help pay for animal management operations including educational programmes, compliance inspections, dog attack investigations, running of the Animal Management Facility and the adoption centre, fenced off-leash areas and responsible pet care programs.

Registration is free the first time an owner registers their dog. Mr Gatt said Council issued more than 22,500 dog registration renewals in early October 2023 and there were still about 2,295 owners who are yet to respond. “We encourage those dog owners to get in touch with Council as soon as possible to register their dogs and/or update their details,” he said.

During the 2023 inspection program, Council officers visited more than 11,000 properties which resulted in an extra 2,646 dogs being registered and $215,941 in fines being issued for animal offences. Owners found with an unregistered dog are liable for a $287 fine.

The 2024 dog registration inspection program will run from 1 March to September 30.

If you have not registered your dog, your pet details have changed or your pet has passed away, please contact Council on 1300 79 49 29 to talk to a Customer Service Officer. For more information visit www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/animals-and-pets