Heidi Kraak
Latrobe City Council will investigate ways it can improve the pound and animal management services it provides.
Cr Kellie O’Callaghan called for the review at a council meeting on Monday last week stating it was “not any great surprise” she had “brought this notice of motion to the chamber”.
“For some time I have had some concerns around our animal management practices particularly in relation to our provision of pound services and in relation to impounded animals,” she said.
“Despite best efforts by our officers, the nature of our facilities and the model of service we deliver does not in any way meet what could be described as current, contemporary practice in relation to … animal management services and impounded animals within the municipality.
“Certainly on a statewide basis there are range of models that are much more highly regarded, much more appropriate and I believe consistent with the expectations of our local community.”
Council officers will prepare a report which will explore alternative models for pound services.
Officers will investigate the option of the pound being operated by an external party, as well as models that engage volunteer involvement and volunteer partner agencies such as Forever Friends Animal Rescue, Grounded Paws and Kayas Mission.
The report will also look into Latrobe City-owned land where a new pound could potentially be located as well as options to change pound operating procedures that ensure animals in the care of council are provided with appropriate bedding.
Speaking to the council meeting, Cr Sharon Gibson said the pound was “not somewhere I’d want to put my pet”.
“It is no insult to the officers but I think we can help the officers provide a better experience for the animals,” she said.
“There are other ways to do things for the betterment of everybody, for the volunteers, for the health and safety [of the] animals and for the actual result we can get in the long run.”
The report will be tabled at a council meeting in November.
