Council Pounds are now listed individually on the OLG’s Pound Data Report for 2012/13-2014/15. For those who are interested in how their own pound is progressing in regards to animal welfare, please see link - https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/content/animal-seizures-pound-data-reports These reports show how many animals entered a pound and the sub categories show the fate of the animals. It makes for sad reading that in so many cases animals enter the pound and are never claimed by their owners. It is also sad that some pounds appear to make so little effort in trying to rehome animals – in some pounds the total number of animals entering are euthanised. We emailed the OLG to query why the total number of animals entering a facility did not match the total of their sub categories. The OLG replied “This was due to the way that the Companion Animal Register originally counted Incoming Animals. The numbers were including the animals in facility at the start of each month from July-June inclusive.” We made the suggestion “We think there needs to be a separate category(s) to account for animals still held at the facility at the end of the financial year, and those carried over from the previous financial year” to which the OLG replied “Agreed – This is the approach we have used for 2015-16 data which we are finalising at the moment. OLG is looking at using this same format to adjust 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 statistics for consistency of approach when we have the capacity… We have adopted your suggestion… and also will ensure that you can balance sub categories to the number of animals that left the facility during the year.” We also queried the accuracy of reporting by councils and if anomalies were investigated by the OLG. The OLG's reply was “The responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in the Companion Animals Register is entirely with the councils. OLG’s prime responsibility is to consolidate the data in the format that is published on website and any anomalies should be discussed with councils.” We find it difficult to understand that councils appear not to be answerable to anyone for their figures. We hope that people who are interested in pound reform, and want animals in pounds to be given the best chance, will take the time to look up their own council’s Pound Data Report and if they have any queries, email their Council and Councillors. Thank you for your continued support.