PETS LEFT IN THE LURCH

FEWER than one in five animals impounded by Geelong council were reunited with owners last financial year, a report has revealed.

The City of Greater Geelong’s 2018-19 annual report showed only 18.65 per cent of animals were reclaimed over the 12-month period.

The unclaimed animals — predominantly cats without microchips — were either put up for adoption or put down by the Geelong Animal Welfare Society.

The latest GAWS data shows the society put down 423 cats and 154 dogs in 2017-18.

The council’s rate of reclaimed animals sat at the 50 per cent mark before falling to 20.26 per cent in 2017-18 and 18.65 per cent last financial year.

Council director planning, design and development Gareth Smith said every effort was made to reunite registered cats and dogs with owners before they were impounded.

“We contact owners via information on the registration tag or microchip,” Mr Smith said.

“We also have agreements with local vets, which helps facilitate the expedient return of pets to their home.

“Where the owner cannot be found, GAWS uses its large foster care network and works with a number of rescue group organisations to provide opportunities to rehome animals. A large number of unclaimed animals are adopted by new owners.”

GAWS chief executive Helen Cocks said most of the unclaimed animals were cats.

“While in the majority of cases dogs that arrive at GAWS are reclaimed, sadly the reclaim rates for cats remain consistently low,” Ms Cocks said.

“We encourage all pet owners to have their animals microchipped so that their pet is provided the best opportunity of being reunited with them as soon as possible.”

GAWS launched a promotion to waive adoption fees for cats aged six months and older in its battle against a feline overflow at the Moolap shelter.

A total of 130 cats and kittens were adopted during the promotion.

The City of Greater Geelong has more than 45,000 registered cats and dogs — one of the biggest domestic animal populations of any Victorian council.