Warrnambool council says the cost of pet registrations has risen due to a 300 per cent increase in the cost of running the city pound, as a result of the RSPCA seeking full costs for its services.
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It comes as residents have expressed their anger online and a petition with more than 1000 signatures has been started, calling on the council to reduce costs.
Residents say the increase is too much compared to other regional cities such as Bendigo, where registration is $45 each for desexed dogs, while in Warrnambool it is now $70.
The council says it is required to contribute an extra $240,000 each year to fund the Warrnambool RSPCA animal shelter each year, which is due to a change in the way the RSPCA has chosen to fund the shelter.
It says the RSPCA has moved to a full cost recovery model, which means the cost to council has gone up significantly, resulting in the cost to register cats and dogs in the city increasing.
Warrnambool City Council infrastructure director Scott Cavanagh said the decision was made by the RSPCA in 2017 and the impact was starting to be felt now.
"While a portion of the cost is still subsidised by all ratepayers, pet registration fees are the main way we fund the Warrnambool animal shelter," he said.
"Under the previous agreement, council's contribution was about $112,000 each year.
"For the 2019-2020 financial year, it will be more than $360,000, an increase of more than 300 per cent.
"While we are disappointed by the decision of the RSPCA that has led to higher pet registration fees for Warrnambool residents, the RSPCA provides an excellent service and has helped to facilitate a lot of positive outcomes for pets, owners and the wider community.
"The RSPCA-council partnership gives pet owners the best chance of being reunited with their lost pets and for homeless pets to find a new owner."
A sterilised dog now costs $70 per year to register, compared with $54 last year, while a sterilised cat costs $59, up from $43.
Pensioners are entitled to a 50 per cent discount.
Pet registration is required under Victorian Law.
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