Dear Cr Mark Greenhill,

On May 28, 2014 it was announced that the Council contracted animal facility in Katoomba will close. As this facility was responsible for all lost and homeless animals within the Blue Mountains region, we appeal to you to consider proven alternatives in policy with regards to managing our companion animals.

The City of Sydney has adopted a "no-kill policy" where all healthy and rehomable animals are de-sexed, vaccinated and microchipped prior to adoption. The council shelter works closely with animal rescue organisations for animals that require additional behavioural training or do not cope well in a pound environment. 

Volunteers are well respected and a regular photographer provides the best possible photographs for maximum exposure and promotion of these homeless animals.

We feel that similar policies can be implemented on a smaller scale in the Blue Mountains region and appeal to you to consider implementing the following policies:

• Strict no kill policy on ALL rehomable animals (with the exception of dangerous animals or terminally ill pets that require rehoming).
• Compassionate behavioural testing, outside of the pound environment* 
• C5 or F3 vaccinations for all animals 
• Compulsory desexing prior to adoption
• Compulsory microchipping prior to rehoming
• Education for pet owners on responsible ownership
• Fenced off leash parks throughout the mountains for pet owners to appropriately socialise their pet with no risk to children or other residents.

These policies, if implemented will ensure that the Blue Mountains is not only the most beautiful place in the world to live, but will have the most ethical and compassionate policies with regards to companion animals too.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Residents of The Blue Mountains

 

More information on no-kill policy can be found at:

http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/ 

 

 

*Behavioural testing within a pound environment is particularly stressful for a confined animal and will not guarantee accurate results. Alternatives can be conducted outside of the pound environment where animals can show their true temperament