Review of animal rehoming practices…

The NSW Government has launched a comprehensive review of animal rehoming practices in council pounds across the state.

The Government has worked closely with local councils and animal welfare organisations to reduce euthanasia rates in pounds and shelters across the state.

The number of animals euthanased decreased by 45 per cent for dogs and 26 per cent for cats in 2019-20 compared to 2015-16.

The comprehensive review will be carried out by the Office of Local Government in consultation with key companion animal stakeholders and animal welfare organisations.

A detailed study will be undertaken with metropolitan, regional and rural councils and rehoming organisations to collect and analyse more information and data to better understand euthanasia rates and trends.

The review will examine breeding, desexing and rehoming practices and their impacts on euthanasia.

It will also look at ways to reduce euthanasia rates including any need for legislative reform, improvements to impounding processes, and better data collection.

The Government is providing more than $5.8 million from the Companion Animals Fund to the 128 councils this financial year for companion animal management including pounds/shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs.