In July 2007, the Queensland Government released a discussion paper entitled 'Managing unwanted cats and dogs.' Over 5300 people and organisations responded including the AVA CCAC.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) responded to the enquiry, considering all the issues and putting forward a balanced response based upon fact and logic. The Centre of Companion Animals in the Community, a special Centre of the AVA, responded on behalf of the AVA. To read the full AVA CCAC submission click here.

AVA CCAC are encouraged by the Queensland Premier response to public comment, recognising the seriousness of the situation but avoiding bowing to pressure to introduce mandatory desexing. Identification underpins the solutions to all animal management issues, and we support the introduction of mandatory microchipping. Registration assists in animal identification and is one way to provide finds for animal management at a local government level. We congratulate the Premier and Government on her offer of $500,000 for three councils to explore innovative solutions. We look forward to careful analysis of the results of these trials.

For more on the Queensland discussion paper click here

For Queensland Premier's statement click here

For further information and papers on microchipping, registration and identification click here