Pound puppies head south

After a long search for a home for the city’s strays, Sydney City Council has entered into an agreement with Sutherland Shire Animal Shelter to take care of its lost and abandoned pets.

Under an exclusive 21-year agreement the City will partner up with Sutherland Shire Council for the exclusive use of the Sutherland Animal Shelter, which was chosen because of its ‘no-kill’ policy, and an aim to re-house every suitable animal.

“The partnership between the City and Sutherland Shire Council to use the Shelter will be of great benefit to the animals, as the Shelter has an exemplary reputation, and high standards in terms of animal welfare, care and rehoming strategies,” said Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

The City will also contribute $300,000 towards the upgrade of the facility. The City has also considered building its own purpose-built animal shelter, however a Council report recommended against it.

Following operational concerns and contract disputes with the management of the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Carlton, the City relocated its strays to the Blacktown Animal Holding Facility in July last year for a trial period.

However, the facility’s high-euthanasia rate raised major concerns among City Councillors and animal welfare groups. Animal rights lobbyist Paul Archer, who runs deathrowpets.com.au called the Blacktown shelter a “high-kill pound”.

The City entered into a relationship with the Sutherland Animal Shelter in April this year.

“The Shelter has the lowest euthanasia rate in Australia of 3.4%, and their aim is to rehouse every suitable animal to a new home,” said Ms Moore.

“In addition to employed staff, there is currently a team of 25 volunteers to ensure that all animals are exercised, groomed and engaged in play and human contact every day.”

The City impounds approximately 144 dogs and 127 cats, or a total of 271 animals each year. Approximately 60,000 pets are euthanized in NSW alone every year.