HIGHLIGHTS OF CHAPTER 8: Registration

• Registration is the most basic and essential function in municipal dog management. Registration is important because it links the dog to its owner, provides management information, acts as a stop-and-think factor, guarantees funding, encourages responsible ownership, and gives an opportunity for interaction between the owner and the MPM staff. a

• Local authorities should aim for 100% registration. When local authorities allow registration levels to fall, they place an unfair cost burden on responsible owners. Responsible owners are the most likely to contribute to registration revenue, but the least likely to be the cause of costly MPM interventions. a

• Under a user-pays system, costs are more fairly apportioned. For example, owners who cause problems pay for the MPM interventions that result. a

• Dog ID devices provide a link between individual dogs and their owners. Aiming for the best ID device for a municipality is not as important as aiming for the best registration coverage. a

• Point-of-acquisition registration offers many advantages and need not be an additional administrative burden on MPM units. Computers make it possible. a

• Reasons for low registration performance include low priority, low commitment, inequity, lack of funding, and vested interests. a 

• A simple registration system can result in excellent registration compliance. Excellent compliance depends on good legislation, effective community education and, most of all, efficient administration. a