In short:
Wyndham’s 19,944 dogs and 8,153 cats are set to cost more to register as the Allan Government doubles pet fees. Locals say the new “pet tax” adds more financial pressure amid Victoria’s cost-of-living crisis.
Residents Slammed by "Pet Tax"
Wyndham families are set to pay more to keep their pets, with the Allan Labor Government moving to double registration fees for cats and dogs despite growing community concern over rising living costs.
Under the new legislation, government fees will rise from $4.51 to $9 per animal from July next year, with local councils, including Wyndham City, expected to pass the increase on to residents. Registration fees for greyhounds will also double from $3.50 to $7.
The government says the hike — expected to raise about $10 million — will go towards funding RSPCA Victoria operations, animal welfare programs, and pet management research.
A government spokesperson said, “These fees also fund RSPCA Victoria Inspectors who are on the frontline protecting animals, relieving suffering and ending cruelty across the state.”
But Wyndham residents say the timing couldn’t be worse. Many are already struggling under rising rents, mortgage repayments and grocery bills — and now face paying more just to register their pets.
Wyndham has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in Victoria, with 19,944 registered dogs and 8,153 registered cats, according to Wyndham City Council. Residents say the new measure unfairly targets families and pensioners who rely on their pets for companionship and wellbeing.
Shadow Treasurer Jess Wilson criticised the move, describing it as “a petty cash grab on the family dog and the household cat – pure and simple.”
“Victorians are already struggling with the highest taxes in the nation – and now Labor wants to tax the family pet,” she said.
The measure comes as Victoria’s debt continues to rise by more than $2 million every hour, prompting fears that more household-level costs could follow.
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