Blacktown dog pound to be transformed into world-class rehoming centre at Glendenning

A PROPOSAL for a revolutionary new animal holding facility to be housed in an iconic building in Sydney’s west would become an Australian-first if it gets the green light.

Kelpie-cross farm pups in a basket at the Blacktown holding facility animal shelter, 13 Aug 2003 : PicMichael/Perini - baby Animals / Dogs / Puppy dogs working puppies refuge pound

A PROPOSAL for a revolutionary new animal holding facility to be housed in an iconic Glendenning building would become an Australian-first if it gets the green light.

A report released by Blacktown Council outlines a plan for a purpose-built centre that aims to attract the community away from pet shops towards the adoption of abandoned dogs and cats.

The centre may include a veterinary clinic, “real life” rooms to acclimatise animals to home environments, larger rooms with fewer animals, plenty of natural light and education facilities.

Located on Owen St, the facility would replace the council’s existing pound in Prospect, which would be sold off to fund part of the project.

Plans for a new animal holding facility in Glendenning will move away from the traditional image of a dog pound.

The report refers to modern animal holding facilities centres found around the world which focus more on rehoming pets rather than a place to euthanase them.

“The traditional dog pound has a sad image of a place animals go to be euthanised,” the report states.

“The design is now shifting from concrete jails for animals to complete community centres where the focus is on community interaction and events as well as the adoption and rehoming of pets.”

Rather than 20 or more dogs in one room, the report includes plans for a series of eight rooms holding up to eight animals each facing away from each other to discourage barking.

Community events including pet shows, a community dog park, pet agility courses and other services may also feature at the centre.

There may also be an education and learning centre where school groups can interact with a range of pets and learn about animal welfare.

Blacktown Animal Holding Facility will need major upgrades in the coming years.

Blacktown mayor Stephen Bali said he believed the centre would cost around $14-15m and would be the first custom-built facility of its kind.

“It’s a fundamental shift in thinking. It’s about trying to make the animals as comfortable as possible and for people who want to come in and purchase or adopt a pet,” he said.

“If there’s a good atmosphere then hopefully a few more will be rehomed and it will get people to think about going to the pound rather than the local pet shop.”

The existing pound on Flushcombe Rd was built in the 1970s and needed to be upgraded to meet statutory requirements that could cost up to $10m, Cr Bali said.

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Once a firm plan is in place the council could approach State and Federal governments for funding as it would be a regional asset, he said.

The Owen St property is around 10ha and is currently provided to the Blacktown Kennel Club for training and dog shows.

The council will consider whether to go ahead with the project at a meeting tonight.

Originally published as Blacktown dog pound to be transformed into world-class rehoming centre at Glendenning