General News
15 September, 2022
Residents urged to surrender unwanted cats
A consistent number of cats and kittens are being dumped in the shire, with the Central Goldfields Shire Council reminding residents that unwanted cats and kittens can be surrendered free of charge. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act...
A consistent number of cats and kittens are being dumped in the shire, with the Central Goldfields Shire Council reminding residents that unwanted cats and kittens can be surrendered free of charge.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, it is a criminal offence to abandon a cat, dog or other animal used to being in confinement or a domestic setting, with the abandonment of cats and dogs carrying a maximum penalty of $1849.
The Advertiser is aware of a number of cats abandoned in the Daisy Hill area and council’s general manager infrastructure, assets and planning Matthew Irving said it was an issue across the shire.
“Council is seeing a consistently high number of cats and kittens being dumped across the munici-pality,” he said.
“Should residents see dumped animals in our shire, we encourage them to contact our compliance team so that they can arrange collection and care for that animal.”
Central Goldfields Rehoming offers the option for residents to surrender unwanted cats and kittens question free, which Mr Irving said should be residents’ first port of call.
“Should residents need to surrender their cats and kittens they can do so, for free and without judgement, at the Central Goldfields Shire pound,” he said.
“Our pound also works with rescue groups to support the rehoming of all animals that are surrendered to council.
“Recently, council also applied for a grant for funding for subsidised de-sexing of animals. If successful, this funding would mean residents could get their pets desexed either free or at a subsidised amount.
“Residents can contact council’s compliance team and pound by calling our Customer Service Centre on 5461-0610.”
The RSPCA investigates reports of abandoned animals regularly and received 1163 reports last financial year in Victoria.
Chief inspector Michael Stagg said the number of cruelty reports relating to abandonment was disappointing.
“As owners or people in charge of animals, we have a duty of care and a legal obligation to ensure they are provided with food, water, shelter and veterinary care. If you are going away, that duty of care necessitates that you arrange proper care for your animals in your absence,” he said.
“We understand many people incorporate travel into their lives, so whether it’s a family holiday or work related, if you’re making plans for yourself and your family, you need to ensure you have also planned for your pets.
“Leaving animals unattended for extended periods of time can lead to suffering and may be fatal, especially in the warmer weather when they need additional water and access to shade.
“If people find they can no longer provide adequate care for their animals, there is no shame in surrendering them and we urge those struggling to contact RSPCA Victoria for assistance and advice.”
Anyone with concerns for the welfare of animals is encouraged to contact RSPCA Victoria’s Inspecto-rate via www.rspcavic.org/report or by calling 9224-2222.
Central Goldfields Rehoming can be found at 70 Burns Street, Maryborough or contacted on5461-0610.