Friday 23 March 2018

Rossmore veterinary hospital to house Camden animals


Camden Council is expected to continue utisilising Rossmore Veterinary Hospital to impound the area's lost and unwanted pets for a further two years.

Councillors will vote to adopt the hospital for continued use at this Tuesday's council meeting.

Camden Council used Renbury Farm, in Austral, for its pound services until late 2016, when the site was sold.

Negotiations with Campbelltown Council to use its pound facilities fell apart in 2017, causing the council to look elsewhere.

Rossmore Veterinary Hospital was selected for a short-term trial in June last year, ahead of a call for tenders to provide an impound service.

The centre applied for the tender, which council staff have recommended be approved.

A report said the hospital was aligned with the council's view on impounded animals.

"The intention of the tender was to appoint a contractor with the ability to provide core animal impounding and veterinary services, demonstrate complying facilities and demonstrate strong corporate and social responsibility to deliver on council's adopted 'no kill' policy in operating its animal care facility," the report read.

The council was looking for a facility to house both companion animals and livestock, however no applications were received to cater for livestock.

The council will continue to seek a suitable location to impound livestock.

The report praised the Rossmore facility for making the site more comfortable for animals.

"Since June 1, there have been more than 140 dogs and 70 cats from Camden LGA pass through Rossmore Veterinary Hospital," the report stated.

"In this time, council officers and the hospital have built a productive and professional working relationship.

"Rossmore vets have facilitated a number of improvements including the installation of blinds on the kennels and a new air-conditioning unit in the cattery.

"Importantly, Rossmore vets have worked closely with council officers to promote and market impounded animals to give them the best opportunity of being rehomed."

The council will continue to "investigate long-term options for our growing community".