Armidale Regional Council will receive $15,000 from the state government to promote responsible pet ownership in the local community.

Mr Marshall said the funding boost would allow council to provide important programs such as free microchipping and community education workshops.

“This 12-month project will be conducted in collaboration with the RSPCA NSW Armidale branch,” Mr Marshall said.

“It will involve the fostering and rehoming of microchipped, wormed, vaccinated and de-sexed cats and dogs; free microchipping and community education days, in off-leash areas and areas with high numbers of un-microchipped animals.

“The RSPCA will also offer free microchipping on their Adopt-a-Pet Day and council will have offer a six month subsidised de-sexing campaign.

“Council will also conduct a target program for residents of Tingha which will include free microchipping of cats and dogs and subsidised de-sexing of cats and dogs owned by socio-economically disadvantaged residents.”

Mr Marshall said one of the immediate benefits from the program would be the reuniting of lost and straying pets with their registered owners.

“There will be fewer unwanted animals on the streets which will lead to improved community safety and fewer neighbour disputes about nuisance animals and the education programs will create greater community awareness of responsible pet ownership,” he said.