On 29 June 2023, a Parliamentary Inquiry was established to investigate and report on pounds across New South Wales, focusing on a range of critical issues.
RSPCA NSW provided a detailed submission and gave evidence before the Committee, based on our extensive experience working with the Office of Local Government, pound facilities across the state, and fulfilling our enforcement obligations under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (NSW) (POCTAA or the Act).
In our submission, we proposed 13 recommendations, including:
- an urgent review of POCTAA, its associated Regulations and Codes of Practice,
- the development and implementation of mandatory welfare standards for pounds and shelters,
- increased resourcing for targeted, free desexing programs,
- outreach initiatives in rural and regional areas, and
- better support for semi-owners of cats.
We also emphasised the need for modernised council pound facilities, training for staff in animal behaviour and welfare, and addressing veterinary industry shortages to improve access to care and ensure the successful rehoming of companion animals.
Following the inquiry the Committee released a report containing 24 recommendations. In advance of the Government reply, RSPCA NSW responds below to the recommendations:
