Council inks a second rehoming deal

Dusty Paws Dog Rescue form partnership with City of Mount Gambier

City of Mount Gambier has signed a second partnership agreement to rehome unclaimed stray dogs following the mandatory 72 hour holding period under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.

The latest partnership agreement with Dusty Paws Dog Rescue outlines that council will transfer ownership of an unclaimed dog to the not-for-profit service, with a foster home situated locally to care for and rehome dogs who are not reunited with their owner.

City of Mount Gambier CEO Sarah Philpott said having multiple agreements in place was important to effectively manage the capacity for fostering and rehoming services in the event that an organisation does not have capacity or a suitable foster carer for a dog that requires rehoming.

Prior to transfer of ownership, council will ensure that the dog has been microchipped, has received a veterinary health check and an initial vaccination.

“Council will arrange a behaviour assessment by a dog trainer if it is required. Council will also pay a once-off fee to the service as a contribution to the expenses associated with rehoming that animal,” Ms Philpott said.

‘Jinny’, a black, tan and white New Zealand Huntaway was found unregistered and without a microchip on Sunset Drive in Mount Gambier last month. She was the first dog to be transferred to a Dusty Paws carer in Penola for fostering and rehoming.

Crystal Pike of Dusty Paws Rescue said Jinny had come such a long way in less than a month and was now a happy and confident dog, knowing that humans are fun and safe to be around.

“She is making plenty of furry friends in her foster home and is now up for adoption,” Ms Pike said. Dusty Paws foster carers provide a safe and secure temporary home until a foster dog finds their forever home.

“Carers provide basic training for their foster dog in addition to socialisation and meet and greets with potential owners,” Ms Pike said.

Dusty Paws Dog Rescue will be recruiting for additional foster homes in the area soon. Please visit https://www.dustypawsdogrescue. com/ to learn more about fostering animals and adoption services through the service.

Council also has a partnership agreement with Wet Noses Animal Rescue. ‘Hector’ a Jack Russell cross was the first dog to be impounded at Council’s holding kennel facility after he was found wandering on Wireless Road West, Mount Gambier in July this year.

Wet Noses Animal Rescue Director Maxine Spence said Hector had now been adopted to a new family who are thrilled to have him.

“He has made a best friend in Staffy Matilda and is enjoying living on a property with plenty of grass and good fencing to keep him safe,” Ms Spence said.

Please visit https:// www.facebook.com/ wetnosesanimalrescue to learn more about fostering animals and adoption services through Wet Noses Animal Rescue.

In August, council officers returned 19 wandering dogs to their owners. In September, Council returned 11 dogs to their owners. Five dogs have been impounded since July 1 this year. Two were reunited with their owners, two have been adopted and one has been fostered. No dogs have been euthanised.

Details regarding impounded dogs are posted on the City of Mount Gambier Impounded Dogs Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ mountgambierimpoundeddogs/ If you are interested in adopting Jinny, visit: http://www.savour-life. com.au/adopt-a-dog/searchnow/view/66003 View Council’s Unclaimed Dogs Policy: https://cdn. mountgambier.sa.gov.au/generalimages/Council-Policy-AnimalManagement-Unclaimed-Dogs.pdf