Pound’s new guidelines

ANIMALS given up because people don’t want them will not be taken at Townsville City Council’s animal shelter.

The only animals people can leave at the pound will be those where the pet is considered a risk to public safety.

The owner must sign a consent letter to allow the animal to be put down.

The new guidelines for the animal shelter were set out at yesterday’s Community Health and Environment Committee meeting.

The council took over the pound this year after the RSPCA decided to stop operating the pound in April.

Community Health and Environment Committee chair Cr Ann- Maree Greaney said the council promoted responsible pet management and ownership.

“Someone can’t just say ‘ we’ve had enough of this pet’ and bring it to the animal shelter. It’s not a dumping ground for unwanted pets,” she said.

Cr Greaney said the guidelines were a positive step.

“We are working with local rehoming organisations and also adopting out pets from the animal shelter,” she said.

“The price set for any animal adopted out from the animal shelter will be set to recover costs and all animals will be microchipped, desexed and registered.”

Angel Paws vice president Clayton Cook said there had been an increase in workload for the group since the RSPCA closed.

“While the demand has certainly increased dramatically, we are trying our hardest to meet demands so animals aren’t euthanised,” he said.

“The adoption rescue services are working hard to support the community and council with fostering and adopting animals.”

The guidelines for the shelter will be examined by the Animal Management Reference Group.

Terms of reference for this group were adopted at the same meeting yesterday.

The group aims to promote responsible pet ownership and provide advice on future public education campaigns and local law reviews.

Representatives from council, foster and rehoming groups, a vet and a community member will be part of the group.

An expression of interest process is expected to be run to fill the community position.

Cr Greaney said animal management was a “very emotive issue” for people.

“So it will be very good to have a member of the community who is a responsible pet owner who can put some skin in the game and help council move forward in this regard,” he said.

The group will meet regularly once established.

The guidelines will go before the next full council meeting on September 25 where a decision will be about whether they are accepted.