ENFORCED microchipping of cats and dogs is on its way with Cairns Regional Council launching a pilot program.

The move comes after the State Government decided to partner with three councils to pay for a pilot program which eventually will lead to the mandatory microchipping of all domestic cats and dogs.

But a proposal for the mandatory registration of cats has been put on the backburner.

Cairns Mayor Val Schier said while microchipping would initially be voluntary, she hoped Cairns would be one of the first to make it mandatory.

"Cairns Regional Council has indicated it is very interested in this idea and wants to pursue this further," she said.

The RSPCA applauded the move.

"We really congratulate Cairns Regional Council for taking the first step in the state to embrace mandatory microchipping," RSPCA Queensland chief executive Mark Townend said.

"We are looking forward to a new dawn in animal welfare and it looks like Cairns is leading the way."

Councillors discussed a range of animal issues at a presentation by its animal protection unit last week, including problem dogs, methods to slash pet euthanasia, compulsory microchipping and cat registration.

Cr Schier said the only way to reduce the large number of unwanted pets being destroyed each year was to ensure pet owners accepted full responsibility for their animals.

Councillors resolved to retain free registration for desexed cats.

Cr Schier said she would be inviting the RSPCA to bring its mobile desexing and
microchipping program to the Far North to focus on the city’s cats.

She suggested the van could divide its time across the city and suburbs.

Mr Townend said he would jump at the chance but financial assistance would be required.

Share this article