New draft guidelines for animal adoption
Date published: 12 September 2018
Townsville City Council’s Community Health and Environment Committee recommended draft guidelines for impounded animals be approved.
The new guidelines will help determine which animals are suitable for adoption from those that would pose a risk to the community.
Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said all animals will be assessed by expert staff at the shelter and every effort made to match them with a local loving family.
“We are working with local rehoming organisations and also adopting out pets directly from the animal shelter,” Cr Greaney said.
“The price for any animal adopted out from the animal shelter will be set to recover costs and all animals will be microchipped, desexed and registered.
“Council staff will do everything possible to make sure every suitable animal is found a new home.”
However, Council will only accept surrendered animals where the animal is considered a risk to public safety and the owner has signed a consent letter to allow the animal to be put down.
Cr Greaney said pet owners needed to act responsibly.
“Owning a pet is commitment for life and it’s not good enough for people to simply dump an animal at a shelter because they can’t be bothered to take care of it anymore,” Cr Greaney said.
“Council wants all Townsville pet owners to act responsibly and take care of their animal.
“That’s why Council is trying to reward responsible pet owners with our programs such as supporting the Canine Obedience Club of Townsville through a peppercorn lease and providing regular free microchipping days – which saves up to $90 per animal.”
The guidelines will go before the next Full Council meeting for consideration.
