Call to identify pets
Petition says the council kills pets due to not identifying them
HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition calling for Toowoomba Regional Council to better describe lost pets.
The change.org petition was started by Jenny Nicholson after a friend’s cat was put down by the council.
“We need better training of Toowoomba pound staff to accurately ID pets to save pets lives,” Ms Nicholson said.
“I want cats and dogs impounded at the pound to be accurately described on the website and over the phone.
“This is in Maxwell’s name as he was (put to sleep)... because information about his distinguishing marks was not given on the website or over the phone.”
So far about 270 people have signed the petition.
“There should be a no-kill policy at Toowoomba Pound and much more effort taken to re-unite pets with owners. It’s a disgrace pets are not represented,” Lynne Pollard said.
“I think staff do need more training, but I think the mistakes they make over and over again prove they are lazy and don’t care,” Jody Cat said.
“Council policy needs to change to improve the pound, and staff need to start caring, slaughtering pets is barbaric and needs to stop.”
The council’s environment spokesman Cr Joe Ramia said the council encouraged “responsible pet ownership”.
“The best form of identification of any pet is a microchip. It is a requirement by law to microchip your cat or dog and to register your dog. More importantly, a microchipped pet affords the best opportunity for the owner and animal to be reunited,” Cr Ramia said.
“All animals that are impounded by Council are photographed. The only exceptions are animals seized by Authorised Officers or Police, or animals surrendered by owners to Council.
“An Animal Management Centre is not a rehoming or animal welfare facility. The majority of animals that are euthanised have no identified owners. Council have a low euthanasia rate. RSPCA and other Animal Welfare groups provide rehoming to approximately 80 per cent of unclaimed animals deemed suitable for rehoming.”