Anew agreement has been signed between the Mount Gambier City Council and the South East Animal League, more than seven months after the relationship seemingly broke down.
City Council announced last week the organisations have signed a rehoming partnership agreement for council to transfer unclaimed impounded dogs after the mandatory 72-hour holding period to SEAWL for rehoming.
In mid-2023 the tripartite agreement between City and Grant District councils with SEAWL ended, with a the councils opting not to fund SEAWL to care for impounded animals.
Last week council said it would continue to impound lost dogs at its holding facility approved by the Dog and Cat Management Board for the legislated holding period of 72 hours and beyond.
Dogs will then be transferred to one of council’s rehoming partners.
Council has four rehoming partnerships currently in place, including Wet Noses Animal Rescue, Dusty Paws Dog Rescue, Southern Grampians Shire Council and now SEAWL.
Corporate and Regulatory Services general manager Jane Fetherstonhaugh said council approached SEAWL to provide rehoming services for unclaimed dogs after the holding period.
“Council’s priority is the welfare of the dogs in our care and we are pleased to work in collaboration with SEAWL as one of our rehoming partners to help abandoned dogs find a new home,” she said.
The agreement has been welcomed by SEAWL president Trevor Twilley.
“We are united in looking after the health and wellbeing of the city’s dogs and rehoming the unwanted, forgotten and neglected animals in our community,” he said.
All dogs receive a veterinary check, microchip and vaccination prior to transfer, in accordance with council’s Unclaimed Dog Policy.
Two unmicrochipped Staffy-cross puppies Cookie and Waffles were transferred to SEAWL after they were impounded at council’s facility earlier this month after being found roaming in the Conroe Heights area.
“Cookie and Waffles are approximately five months old and have happy and playful natures. They are now ready to find loving new homes, so please contact SEAWL if you may be interested in adopting one of these puppies,” Mr Twilley said.
