Council calls community to volunteer at animal shelter

Council calls community to volunteer at animal shelter

Tamworth Regional Council is calling on the community to volunteer and help Council continue to run the shelter previously known as the ‘Heaven Can Wait Animal Shelter and Boarding Kennels’ for the next 12 months, following the facility’s recent closure.

With over 950 dogs received by the Tamworth Regional Companion Animal Centre each year, far exceeding the available space at the pound, the closure of one of Tamworth’s primary local rescue groups is affecting Council’s ability to meet its responsibilities under the Companion Animals Act.

The Companion Animals Amendment (Rehoming Animals) Bill passed earlier this year has magnified this issue, requiring Councils hold animals for twice as long (a minimum of 14 days) before the rehoming process can begin, and contact at least two rehoming organisations. With the lease of the facility unable to be extended beyond a 12-month period, Council is currently examining long term solutions for the Pound.

Community members interested in becoming a volunteer should visit https://www.ruvolunteering.org.au/ or call Council’s Liveable Communities team on (02) 6767 5421.