Mount Gambier City Council has signed a second partnership agreement to re-home 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 re-home dogs who are not reunited with their owner.
The new agreement comes after both the City and Grant District councils ended their tripartite agreement with Mount Gambier’s South East Animal Welfare League several weeks ago.
Council chief executive Sarah Philpott said in August, council officers returned 19 wandering dogs to their owners, while in September, council returned 11 dogs to their owners.
Five dogs have been impounded since July 1.
Two were reunited with their owners, two have been adopted and one has been fostered.
No dogs have been euthanised.
Ms Philpott said having multiple agreements in place was important so council could “effectively manage the capacity for fostering and re-homing services in the event that an organisation does not have capacity or a suitable foster carer for a dog that requires re-homing”.
“Prior to transfer of ownership, council will ensure the dog has been microchipped, has received a veterinary health check and an initial vaccination,” she said.
“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 re-homing 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 re-homing.
Dusty Paws Rescue’s Crystal Pike said Jinny had “come such a long way in less than a month and is 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.-.
“If you are interested in adopting Jinny, visit www.savour-life.com.au/adopt-a-dog/search-now/view/66003
“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 would be recruiting for additional foster homes in the area soon.
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.
“Hector has now been adopted to a new family who are thrilled to have him,” Wet Noses Animal Rescue Director Maxine Spence said.
“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.”
Visit www.dustypawsdog
rescue.com to learn more about fostering animals and adoption services through the service or www.facebook.com/wetnosesanimalrescue to learn more about fostering animals and adoption services through Wet Noses Animal Rescue.
