Wollongong City Council has ditched the traditional pound system and unveiled how it will reunite lost pets with their owners, ending 18 months of uncertainty.
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And Shellharbour City Council has followed suit, too.
From March 29, 2024, Wollongong's council will provide an "animal care and impounding service" for people who find lost pets.
Shellharbour will adopt the same model on Tuesday, April 2.
The announcement has ended a saga that began in August 2022, when the RSPCA announced it would not continue to serve as the Wollongong and Shellharbour City Council's pound.
The RSPCA previously has told the Illawarra Mercury the organisation intends to "focus on achieving our core mission, which is enforcing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act".
Wollongong's Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery said the new service would be "working with local veterinary services and a network of regional kennelling facilities" instead of a traditional pound.
The council has agreements in place with regional kennelling facilities in Nowra and South West Sydney, a council spokesperson said.
Plea to pet owners
Cr Bradbery urged pet owners to check that their animal's microchip details were up to date.
"Too often we find lost pets with no collar and incorrect microchip details. If you've changed your address or gotten a new phone number, it's important to keep the microchip details updated so that if your pet goes missing it's easy to find the correct details."
How will Wollongong's new system work
If your dog or cat has gone missing, you should:
- Start by visiting the council's website to check to see if your lost pet has already been listed as found.
- You also can call the council's Animal Care & Impounding Services team on 4227 7111 (Shellharbour City Council - 4221 6111).
If you find a stray or roaming animal, you should:
- Start by contacting the council's Animal Compliance team on 4227 7111 (Shellharbour City Council - 4221 6111).
- If it's after 5pm or on a weekend or public holiday, you may also keep the animal in your care overnight.
- If the animal is displaying aggressive behaviour, call the council's after-hours phone on 4227 7111 (Shellharbour City Council - 4221 6111).
What happens to abandoned pets that aren't returned home straight away?
- When a stray animal is found, and and the council can't identify the owner to return the animal home, it will be moved to a regional kennelling facility contracted by the council.
- If the animal remains unclaimed, the council will begin to advertise the dog or cat for adoption on its website.
I want to surrender my pet. How do I do that?
- It is the owner's responsibility to find a new home for an unwanted pet.
- If you are unable to rehome your pet yourself, you can surrender your pet to the council. We charge a fee for this service and there is a waiting period.
* Information from Wollongong City Council
Joel Ehsman
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, experiencing life near the beach.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, experiencing life near the beach.
