Planned Campaspe Animal Shelter closure could lead to ‘needless’ pet abandonment and euthanasia

The Central Victorian council has been slammed over the planned closure of its animal shelter and the end of pet adoptions amid warnings it could drive a spike in animal euthanasia.

A decision by the Campaspe Council to close their animal shelter and ban pet adoption has met fierce criticism from both unions and politicians. Picture: Brendan Radke

A decision by the Campaspe Council to close their animal shelter and cease pet adoption has met fierce criticism from unions and politicians.

The central Victorian shire announced earlier this week their decision to convert the animal shelter to a pound over the next 12 months.

This means they would only hold lost or stray animals for eight days before offloading them to other shelters that are already struggling to cope.

The council has said after a service review they decided the animal shelter was not in the best interest of the animal and it isn’t “financially efficient”.

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell said Campaspe Council was “naive and wrong” and they were just passing the buck on the issue for others to deal with.

“We are in the midst of a rehoming crisis, with council operated shelters in surrounding shires in Bendigo and Shepparton already at capacity,” Ms Purcell said.

“Fifteen local foster network groups cannot keep up with the overflow of animals being surrendered in the area.”

Georgie Purcell wants the government to reverse the councils decision. Picture: Rob Leeson

She said the closing of the Campaspe Animal Shelter would have “devastating impacts” on the mental health of animal welfare staff and it could mean dogs and cats left without a home would be needlessly euthanised.

The member for northern Victoria also said the state government should step in and reverse the council’s “terrible” decision, adding Campaspe Council was one of a number forgoing support for animal shelters.

“This is becoming a concerning trend in regional areas - leaving animals with nowhere to go and at risk of abandonment or euthanasia,” she said.

“Last year Campaspe Shire rehomed hundreds of cats and dogs – changing those animals’ lives forever. My community cannot afford to lose this vital resource.”

The Australian Services Union (ASU) labelled the closing of the shelter as an attempt “to prioritise economics over ethics” in a scathing attack on the council.

ASU secretary Tash Wark said the Campaspe Shire Council were set for a wave of public backlash over the “cynical and poorly thought” decision stating they wouldn’t be fooled by the councils messaging and see it for what it is.

Animal Shelters are already over flowing with animals that need adopting. Picture: Jason Edwards

“The people of Campaspe will see through this outrageously careless proposal,” she said.

“They understand this ‘review’ is a betrayal of the trust they place in council to behave decently, and it will spark outrage across the community.

“Campaspe Shire is abandoning its responsibility to treat animals humanely.

“The public won’t stand for it, and the ASU will support both the public and the council workers who will be affected if this cruel, thoughtless economically bloody-minded plan goes ahead.”

In a media release announcing the decision Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos said it was too expensive for them to house the animals for more than eight days.

“Basically, we have been holding too many animals for too long – moving to the pound model makes sense for both the welfare and safety of the animal and from a financial point of view,” he said.

“We will still scan for microchip and contact owners, however if the animal is not claimed after eight days, ownership moves to Council, and we will place the animal with the appropriate animal welfare rescue group.”

The Herald Sun reached out to Campaspe Council for comment.