Douglas Shire Council has teamed up with an animal shelter manager, a veterinarian and a dog trainer to launch a new campaign aimed at promoting responsible dog ownership across the region.
The campaign features a new video, now live on Council’s revamped Dog Management webpage, which provides practical advice for pet owners.
Chris Barber, Manager of Paws and Claws Refuge, said shelters in the region were at breaking point.
“If people desexed their animals at an appropriate age it would make everyone’s life a lot easier and there would be no necessity for the overflow. Dogs end up having to be put down because there is no room for them in the shelters,” Chris said.
“The dogs end up here and it’s a huge cost on us. As a not-for-profit organisation, we get no funding from anywhere, we fundraise ourselves and we still struggle to find dogs homes.”
Local veterinarian Cameron Hendricks from Port Douglas Vets highlighted two major health threats to pets that can be prevented: heartworm and paralysis ticks.
“Regular preventative treatments are essential to keep your pets healthy and safe,” Cameron said.
Michelle Syrett from Port Paws Dog Training said leash training was one of the most important exercises for dog owners.
“You want the leash to be nice and loose, you want a strong grip in your hand and you want to teach the dog from a young age not to pull you along the street,” Michelle said.
“Add lots of reward and reinforcement to (keeping your dog) behind you and keep your arms nice and relaxed and fluid as you walk”.
As part of its commitment to community safety, Douglas Shire Council will begin inspections of all declared dangerous and menacing dogs from December through May 2026. These inspections will ensure compliance with legal requirements under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008, including microchipping, distinctive collars, secure enclosures, warning signage, and muzzling when off-property.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the campaign and inspection program are about creating a safer, more responsible community.
“These inspections are a legal requirement, but more importantly, they’re about keeping our community safe,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“Responsible pet ownership means desexing your animals, keeping them healthy and ensuring they don’t pose a risk to others. Together, we can reduce the number of dogs in shelters and prevent unnecessary harm.”
For more information and to watch the new video, visit Douglas Shire Council’s Dog Management page.
