MidCoast Council’s acting director of planning and natural systems, Paul De Szell says the animals at council pounds are well cared for by council staff, and it is upsetting for staff to be vilified on social media for doing their job.
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“Our rangers really care about the animals they work with and to see the community making personal comments about them on social media is unacceptable.”
Mr De Szell said the comments were often made by members of the community who are not aware of the full circumstances surrounding either particular animals or pound management.
Commenting on claims the Taree pound is not up-to-standard, Mr De Szell said that while the Taree pound is aged, it is functional and meets requirements.
And while council is aware of an online petition calling for changes to pound management, he said this won't happen without a full and proper review.
“We are in the process of reviewing the management of our pounds, and while we will take on board community feedback in this review, it is important we focus on ensuring we are meeting the needs of the animals and our obligations under the Act.”
All pounds in the MidCoast Council area are managed in accordance with the Companion Animals Act 1998 and the NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice 5 – dogs and cats in animal boarding establishments.
Being a responsible pet owner and ensuring animals are microchipped and registered ensures MidCoast Council can return animals to their homes, Mr De Szell said.
“The number one priority for our rangers is to return animals to their owners, however this can only happen if the animals are microchipped and ownership details kept up to date.”
He said council has acknowledged the current concern with the way local pounds are run, saying it is important the community understands how the pounds operate.
“Dogs that make their way into our pound generally fall into the following categories: not identifiable, removed from their owners due to the threat they present or surrendered/dumped as they are unwanted by their owners.”
Mr De Szell said while he understood the concerns from well-meaning members of the community, there was often a misperception that all animals which end up in the pound can be rehomed.
“Many dogs that do end up at the pound have not been well cared for, and in many cases have been mistreated.
“As a result some dogs are not suitable to be rehomed, due to their temperament and behaviours.”
Council staff work with several organisations to rehome suitable animals, including the Animal Welfare League of NSW Great Lakes/ Manning branch, Paws Crossed Animal Rescue and Sweet Pea Animal Rescue.
