Published on: 3 Jun, 2020
Pound facts - Tasmania
Animal registration
A person with care or charge of a dog that is weaned must ensure that the dog can be individually identified. Cats over six months must be microchipped unless a vet has provided an exemption for health and welfare reasons.
What should I do if my pet is missing?
You should take these steps.
In Tasmania, owners can also take steps such as registering their missing on websites such as www.tenlives.com.au or the Tasmanian Lost Pets Facebook page.
What happens if I find a stray animal?
People should contact their local council. Contact details for each council can be found here.
Council officers will either collect the animal from you or if the animal is identifiable they may contact the registered owner and organise for them to collect the animal from you. Some councils may direct you to take the animal yourself to the owner or to an animal welfare organisation.
Note not all councils deal with stray cats.
Are Councils required to collect stray animals?
No. As noted above, while councils will endeavour to reunite people with their pets they may contact the owner and advise them of the animals location so they can collect the animal themselves.
How long will my pet be held in the pound?
Varies from local council area to area - a number of councils indicate they will endeavour to find the owner following which, if unsuccessful, the animal will be handed over to a rescue/animal welfare organisation.
Is a payment required for collection?
Yes. Again this will vary between councils.
Will they rehome or euthanise my pet?
Under the Cat Management Act, a cat displaying unprovoked aggression or who is deemed to be a danger to people may be euthanised.
If it is not appropriate or possible to rehome a dog (if for example, it is overly aggressive or is sick or injured) it may be euthanised. This varies between council areas and it is a discretionary decision.
Will my pet be desexed?
Under the Cat Management Act, a cat being reclaimed should be desexed and microchipped before being reclaimed (although there are exceptions i.e. owner is a breeder or has a certificate of exemption from a vet). Councils are permitted to make declarations that put restrictions around land - If a cat is found in such an area they may also be desexed.
Under the Dog Control Act dangerous and restricted dogs must be desexed and microchipped at the cost of the owner.
Who is responsible for registering/maintaining microchip details?
The owner/person in control of the animal. This does not, however, include councils in the intervening period between it collecting an animal and that animal being rehomed/transferred to rescue or animal welfare organisation.