NSW Labor is calling on the NSW Government to help save the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home (SDCH) to ensure thousands of lost, abandoned and neglected animals don’t face euthanasia.
Labor announced it will commit $9 million for its relocation to Kurnell back in September, and the Government has not come to the table, leaving many animals in a perilous position.
For over 75 years the SDCH has responsibly reunited, rehomed and rehabilitated animals. As one of Sydney’s largest charity community pounds, the SDCH serves eight councils, over 100 suburbs and over 20 per cent of the City. Without this funding the SDCH may be forced to close by the middle of 2023, causing thousands of healthy pets to be unnecessarily euthanised.
The charity was evicted from its Carlton site in January after the land was sold to developers. It has been renting temporary facilities since then.
After months of discussions, the NSW Government suddenly closed the door on funding.
NSW Labor is calling on the Government to commit to funding the SDCH as part of a broader animal management and animal welfare plan for New South Wales.
COVID-19 saw a boom in pet ownership, but unfortunately that has also meant a stark increase in surrendered pets since the end of lockdowns in Sydney.
Additionally, Sydney’s population is predicted to increase by one million people by 2041. With 60 per cent of NSW households having a pet, there is a need for a state wide plan to manage the increase in the companion animals.
The size of the new facility at Kurnell will help SDCH care for and rehome thousands more animals, mostly dogs and cats every year.
Each year, the new facility will:
- Support over 3,400 incoming animals;
- Grow adoptions to over 2,200 animals;
- Ensure over 1,000 lost pets are reunited with their families;
- Increase foster care placements to over 800 pets awaiting adoption;
- Grow current service offering to support more Sydney Councils; and
- Improve Sydney’s animal welfare and management.
As part of NSW Labor’s plan for strong animal management and animal welfare, we’ll also consult widely with key stakeholders including the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, the RSPCA, Animal Welfare League of NSW, councils and others groups, to discuss the increase in pet ownership and the post-COVID impact on the sector.
Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader said:
“The Sydney Dogs and Cats Home is a wonderful organisation staffed and run by volunteers who have rehomed and cared for 200,000 lost, abandoned and neglected animals over 75 years.
“Unfortunately they are at risk of closing down permanently, which will result in thousands of animals being euthanised.
“They have the land and development approval, and we want to provide the financial support.
“Let’s not wait. I’m urging the Government to reconsider their refusal to fund this important project and commit to get this new home up and running.
CHRIS MINNS MP
NSW LABOR LEADER
