Published on 01 May 2026
Did you know that Council’s animal pound operates as a predominantly no‑kill shelter?
What does “no kill” mean - No-kill is defined as saving every dog and cat in a shelter which can be saved. It means healing the animals who can be healed, treating behaviours that can be treated, and prioritising safety and high quality of life for both pets and people in our communities.
Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of animals and the community, and wherever possible we work to give lost and surrendered animals a second chance. Most animals that come into our care are assessed, cared for and supported with the aim of being returned to their owner or rehomed into a loving home.
Euthanasia is only considered as a last resort and in very limited circumstances. This may include situations where an animal has been involved in a serious attack, poses an ongoing risk to public safety, or has been professionally assessed as feral and not suitable for rehoming. These decisions are never taken lightly and are guided by legislation, expert advice and animal welfare considerations.
Council makes every effort to rehome animals whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so. We work closely with registered rescue and rehoming groups, as well as other councils, to help animals find new homes and positive outcomes. By working together with our community and partner organisations, we are proud to support responsible animal management and give as many animals as possible the opportunity for a fresh start.