City pound gets $500k

HALF a million dollars has been set aside for improvements to the Hooper Street pound this year.

The funds injection is part of an allocation announced on Tuesday for the Ipswich City Council's new budget.

A total of $1.8 million was allocated to the management and operations of responsible pet and animal ownership.

Health and Regulation Committee chairman Andrew Antoniolli said a further $500,000 was committed for improvements to the Hooper Street pound.

He said details were being finalised.

He said council funding would include the continuation of Operation Dog Safe, which had “improved registration compliance and improved public safety through the reduction of dog attacks and roaming complaints”.

“We will continue animal-related patrols, inspections, and the usual investigations as well as provide advice and education services in relation to domestic animals, including dogs, cats and stock,” Cr Antoniolli said.

“Our main aim at all times is the development and implementation of strategies to improve responsible animal ownership.”

He said council had set aside $280,000 in the budget for the introduction of cat registrations in Ipswich this financial year.

“For the period of July 1 until June 30, 2010, all cats will be allowed to be registered at an introductory fee of $20,” he said.

“The introductory fee will include all classes of cat owners and all classes of cats.

“We will embark on an education campaign with incentives to promote compliance with cat registration and improvements to our systems.”