AMount Gambier City Council elected member will be seeking answers about animal pound and shelter services over the past 12 months.
Councillor Paul Jenner has submitted a question with notice to be answered at council’s July monthly meeting.
He is seeking information about the process that has been undertaken over the past 12 months with regards to the expression of interest for animal pound and shelter services.
He has also requested any clarification in regards to the requirements listed in the expressions of interest.
Late last week council announced that it had reunited all 16 stray dogs picked up by council’s General Inspectors since July 1 with their owners, besides a puppy.
The puppy, called Hector, was the first dog to require impoundment at council’s holding kennel facility and was transferred to a foster home via Wet Noses Animal Rescue.
Team Leader General Inspectorate Derek Ferguson said Hector did not have a tag and was not microchipped, therefore could not be returned to his owner.
“We remind our community the best way to ensure that your pet can be reunited with you as quickly as possible is by ensuring its microchip and registration details are up-to-date so our inspectorate team can get in touch should they get lost,” Mr Ferguson said.
Council chief executive Sarah Philpott hopes to allay any community concern regarding council’s new pound and re-homing procedures.
“The facility provides shelter and protection from the elements with a raised bed off the concrete floor as a requirement for hygiene and sanitising purposes, and fresh air and ventilation from mesh that provides natural light,” Ms Philpott said.
The kennel facilities were approved by the Dog and Cat Management Board in accordance with the Dog and Cat Management Act to house up to four dogs at a time for the mandatory 72-hour period.
Ms Philpott said beyond 72 hours, council was exploring various options for re-homing including volunteer-run animal rescue organisations and other local councils with established re-homing programs.
“As Hector shows, our focus is on reuniting and re-homing – we are certainly not just going to euthanise dogs after 72 hours as has been suggested on social media,” she said.
Council is considering multiple agreements to address situations where these organisations reach full capacity and the possibility of re-homing some dogs internally within its own facilities.
City Council will meet today to discuss this and other topics that may arise from the meeting agenda.
Cr Jenner has submitted a further three questions with notice, including updates on Umpherston Sinkhole and the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre.
Cr Jenner has also questioned whether City Council or the Limestone Coast LGA have any current dealings or association with international company Price Waterhouse and Cooper (PWC Australia).
Meanwhile, Cr Kate Amoroso has also submitted questions with notice.
Cr Amoroso is seeking an explanation on the impact on council’s budget when staff leave the organisation and recruitment required to replace them.
She also questioned how much money is spent annually over the past four years by elected members on catering expenses.
