Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will take over the management of the Port Macquarie Animal Shelter, also known as the pound, from November 1.
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The animal shelter impounds lost, stray, feral and dangerous companion animals, providing a safe place for them until their owners can be found.
RSPCA NSW has been operating the service on behalf of council since 2004, however earlier in 2020 the RSPCA advised they will not be continuing operation of the pound beyond the terms of their contract.
Council subsequently put a tender to market for the ongoing operation of the service, however with no interest being received made the decision to manage the facility itself.
Group manager Debbie Archer said operating the animal shelter in-house allows council to provide a high level of service directly to its customers, and will result in operating efficiencies.
"This is a service expected by the community, and also a necessity to protect public safety," Ms Archer said.
"Our main priority is to provide a high standard of animal care, and a commitment to re-home as many unclaimed, stray and surrendered animals as possible. We will be working closely with the RSPCA and local animal rescue and welfare groups.
"There are also opportunities to expand the service to include further community education, a microchipping service, and sale of companion animal merchandise necessary for pet owners to meet legislative requirements."
Council will operate the facility within the current legislation, standards and guidelines including the Companion Animals Act 1998; the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979; NSW Code of Practice No1 - Companion animal transport agencies; and NSW Code of Practice No 5 - Dogs and Cats in animal boarding establishments.
"We'd really like to thank the RSPCA for providing the service over the past 16 years, and encourage our community to continue to contact them for adoptions and cruelty complaints," Ms Archer said.
The Port Macquarie Animal Shelter is located at John Fraser Place, Port Macquarie, and will close to the public for a short period over the weekend for maintenance, re-opening at 10am on Tuesday, November 3.
For more information and operating hours, visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/animal-shelter or call 6583 3488.
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