Backing ‘Operation Wanted’

Moreton Bay Regional Council will continue its long-standing support of the RSPCA in a bid to encourage responsible pet ownership in the region.

The RSPCA’s ‘Operation Wanted’ will receive a $18,700 grant from Council to conduct its annual program between June 1 and August 31, 2021.

Mayor Peter Flannery says Council will continue funding support for the desexing program for cats and dogs.

“We’re proud to purr-tner with RSPCA to support this program for a sixth year running,” Mayor Flannery says.

“It has been a huge success over the years; in 2020 there were 1,575 desexed dogs and 893 desexed cats in the Moreton Bay Region, both respectively 15 per cent and 14 per cent of the state total.”

RSPCA Qld spokesperson Michael Beatty says despite the pandemic 'Operation Wanted' was an enormous success last year and he hopes to see it increase further this year.

“Some councils are more proactive than others and Moreton Bay Regional Council has always been tremendously supportive. We’re very grateful,” Mr Beatty says.

“By increasing desexing rates, we can help reduce unwanted litters, behavioural problems and even the risk of some cancers. De-sexing also reduces their desire to roam.”

Breeding responsible owners

By breaking down barriers to getting pets desexed, Mayor Flannery hopes to improve the region’s attitudes towards responsible pet ownership.

“In particular, Council is working to reduce our region’s high dog attack rate through a range of different crackdown and awareness initiatives,” he says.

“One of those being our annual Regulated Dog Inspection Program, currently being conducted until the end of June, which ensures owners of regulated dogs are managing their pets in accordance with State Government legislation.

“We have a zero tolerance towards irresponsible pet ownership in the region because everyone has the right to be safe when they walk our streets, parks and foreshores.

“I’m not just saying that, this year we’ve working with the courts to fine residents for irresponsible pet ownership, which has led to vicious dog attacks and caused serious harm to people.”

For more information about Council’s pet services, visit the website