New direction for Orange pound and RSPCA partnership

RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman met with council managers this week to outline the decision, which will continue to see RSCPA involved in re-homing animals in Orange into the future.

Orange City Council’s Development Services Director David Waddell said the RSPCA had provided the stray animal services under a council contract for many years.

“The change of contract gives the council the opportunity to review some of the areas of the pound operation that have been difficult over the years, such as the ‘after-hours’ cages which were closed some time ago, but we’re looking to continue cooperation with the RSPCA where we can,” David Waddell said.

“We’re looking forward to the RSPCA playing an ongoing role in rehoming cats and dogs.”

“We’re confident when the provision of services for stray cats and dogs goes out to tender, another local provider will step up.”

“In any new arrangements, the welfare of stray cats and dogs that are picked up by council rangers must be managed carefully,” Cr Neil Jones said.

CHANGES : RSPCA CEO Steve Coleman tells reporters the details of the new role future for the agency's pound in Williams St.

“While the number of animals received on behalf of the council has decreased, it’s been difficult for us to balance the responsibility of the pound contract with our core business of investigating cruelty matters and providing animal welfare support to the community,” Mr Coleman said. “In stepping away from the pound contract, we believe other partnership opportunities will emerge.”

The William Street animal shelter is owned by RSPCA NSW and will continue to play role in transporting animals from other RSPCA facilities in western NSW.

“While we won’t be involved in providing pound services, RSPCA NSW continues to be committed to supporting Orange City Council with rehoming companion animals as well as other community welfare initiatives and looks forward to developing partnerships with the council in these areas,” Mr Coleman said.