Shire of Augusta-Margaret River unveils ‘Dogs’ Breakfast’ family event for dog owners with free registration

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River is ramping up its engagement with the region’s dog owners while also offering free registration during the month of October. Rangers chose October to run community engagement culminating in a Dogs’ Breakfast at Riflebutts on Sunday, October 29. But the Shire was also hosting a Cutest Dog and Smartest Dog in a social media competition in October and urged residents to get involved. Acting ranger services co-ordinator Garth Baxter said the competition was “a fun and light-hearted way to acknowledge the joy dogs bring to our lives and highlight the importance of registering your dog”. “It’s part of an ongoing campaign surrounding responsible dog ownership,” he said. Mr Baxter said the competition and community celebration aimed to highlight the importance of registering all dogs, which was a legal requirement and helped track dogs as well as reunite them with owners if they became lost. “If dogs are found without ID it can be hard to reunite them with their owners,” he said. “Our aim is to keep both community members and their furry friends safe, and to avoid the unnecessary stress and cost of putting animals in the pound that might otherwise have easily been reunited with their owner,” he said. “All dogs kept in the Shire over the age of three months must be microchipped and registered with the Shire.” October was also the chance to have unregistered dogs signed up for free, with the offer set to expire on October 31. Those interested in the social media competition were invited to get involved in the month-long contest. Contenders for the “cutest” and “smartest” title could have their pictures or videos uploaded in the comments section of the contest on the Shire’s Facebook page by 5pm on Tuesday, October 31. Winners would score one of two prize packs valued at $100 as well as free life registration. The Dogs’ Breakfast event runs from 9am-11am at Riflebutts Reserve and includes a talk from Birdlife Australia’s Christine Wilder who would talk on the risks posed to migratory and nesting birds who share the region’s beaches. “With beach nesting season underway, it is important for us to inform the community about the impact dogs may have on our wildlife,” she said. “We have a number of bird species nesting on our beaches currently, including the endangered western hooded plover. “The presence of uncontrolled dogs in nesting areas may place birds under stress and impact a chick’s chance of survival.” The morning event included a free sausage sizzle, coffee van, information stand, a dog-training session and agility demonstration led by Geo Bay Dog Training as well as dog treats and the chance for pooches to socialise while on lead. To undertake free dog registration, visit bit.ly/3RKQguV.