New rehoming partnerships established

City of Mount Gambier has reunited 93 per cent of wandering dogs with their owners since it began operating its own dog pound on July 1 last year.

Council’s impounding facility is approved by the Dog and Cat Management Board under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 for impounding up to four dogs at any one time for the legislated holding period of 72 hours and beyond.

During council’s stewardship, staff have collected 195 dogs with 182 being returned to their rightful owners without the need for impounding.

City of Mount Gambier general manager corporate and regulatory services Jane Fetherstonhaugh said council had established the City of Mount Gambier Impounded Dogs Facebook page to help.

“The return rate demonstrates just how dedicated our council officers are,” Mrs Fetherstonhaugh said. “They really do go above and beyond to return the dogs back to their homes.”

Seven dogs have been transferred to rehoming partners after the mandatory holding timeframe, and five dogs have been fostered since the start of the financial year.

Council has agreements in place with three rehoming partners including Wet Noses Animal Rescue, Dusty Paws Dog Rescue and the latest Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was established between City of Mount Gambier, District Council of Grant and Southern Grampians Shire Council.

“We have sent four dogs across to the Hamilton based pound,” Mrs Fetherstonhaugh said. “Similar to our other agreements with Wet Noses Animal Rescue and Dusty Paws Dog Rescue, City of Mount Gambier pays a fee towards the costs of rehoming the dogs we transfer.”

Southern Grampians Shire Council CEO Tony Doyle said Council was pleased to partner with City of Mount Gambier and District of Grant Council in this important program.

“Our team at Southern Grampians has worked hard to establish its successful animal rehoming program over the last few years, finding loving new homes for many animals,” Mr Doyle said. “We are pleased to now be able to expand the service to include Mount Gambier and Grant Councils and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

All dogs receive a veterinary check, microchip and vaccination prior to transfer.

“Mount Gambier residents still have the opportunity to adopt dogs listed for rehoming through the Hamilton pound, and council will share the details on our City of Mount Gambier Impounded Dogs Facebook page,” Mrs Fetherstonhaugh said.

“Discussions are currently underway with a fourth potential rehoming partner. Having multiple partnerships is important as it assists in situations where organisations may reach full capacity and are unable to accommodate additional animals.

Council continues to explore future options and improvements to its impounding facility.