Animal volunteers claim Melton pound gave just hours notice for 11 cats destined for euthanasia

Rescue volunteers claim they were given just hours to save almost a dozen cats set to be euthanized by a Melton pound.

Animal rescue volunteers claim they were given just hours to save 11 cats from being euthanized by a Melbourne pound.

The volunteers were told on Tuesday morning that 11 cats housed at Melton’s pound would be put down by a visiting vet in the afternoon if they were not rehoused.

Messages seen by the Herald Sun reveal an animal co-ordinator was contacted by the pound informing them the cats would be killed if they could not be rescued by late Tuesday morning.

One of 11 cats rescued from euthanasia at Melton's pound on Tuesday morning following a "last minute" call for help. Picture: Supplied

The messages claim that Melton’s pound is already full and due to maintenance works it is unable to provide temporary relocation.

The group messages also claim the pound has been reaching out to rescue groups for the past fortnight asking for help but did not receive any responses.

Northern No Kill Alliance co-ordinator, Kathleen Chapman said it was “completely unacceptable” and claimed the pound was killing animals for “convenience”.

Almost a dozen cats at Melton Pound were set to be euthanised before rescue volunteers intervened. Picture: Supplied

“The operation at Melton is simply not good enough, they are not marketing the animals, it doesn’t have an adoption program and it is only open (for) limited hours, especially on weekends,” Ms Chapman said.

“In the 21st century, pounds have a responsibility to treat animals and give them the best chance, not treat them as disposable.

“It is not reasonable, sustainable, or ethical for rescues to be done like this … it’s traumatising and I would go so far to say it’s abusive.

Northern No Kill Alliance co-ordinator, Kathleen Chapman. Picture: Supplied

“Please don’t call this ‘euthanasia’, it’s convenience killing.”

Rescue groups worked frantically on Tuesday morning to contact volunteers who may be able to temporarily house the animals.

Volunteers confirmed all 11 cats secured a rescue.

But a City of Melton spokesman said the council held the cats for fourteen days, almost a week longer than the period mandated by legislation.

“Council has been liaising with five rescue groups to try to rehome the animals ... (and) was advised that these animal shelters were at capacity and could not take the cats into their care,” the spokesman said.

“Council emailed the groups for a final time today (Tuesday) offering the cats as a last resort to avoid euthanasia and as a result a rescue group has confirmed they are able to accommodate the 11 cats.

“While euthanising animals is a last resort, council complies with all codes of practice regarding the wellbeing of animals in custody.”

Melton pound was contacted for comment.