Will this help Roma’s roaming dog problem?

The Maranoa Regional Council will install one-way dog chutes at the Roma Pound.

The Maranoa Regional Council are exploring one-way dog chutes to help with Roma’s roaming dog problem - but will it work?

RESIDENTS who find stray dogs will soon be able to drop them off at the Roma Pound at any time.

The Maranoa Regional Council has announced it will introduce a dog drop-off system to the facility in response to a growing number of people surrendering their dogs.

The motion was passed at a council meeting last month, with funding allocated to create the drop-off system that the report said would ensure the dog would be safe and well while staff weren’t present.

Councillor Puddy Chandler said the plan was just one of several initiatives MRC has employed to combat the continued roaming dog problem in Roma.

“The community is proactive about reporting wandering dogs,” she said.

“In response to these reports, Council’s Community Safety team of six officers throughout the region respond accordingly during business hours and carry out ongoing patrols.

“Council is confident the addition of the drop off box will enable the community to use this facility to surrender dogs or keep wandering dogs safe.

“The drop off box is just another initiative that can assist with keeping dogs off the streets.”

Cr Chandler said council were expecting to see a heavy flow of excess dog re-homings as the cut-off date approaches.

“Council is seeing more dogs surrendered and anticipate there to be more as the re-homing of excess dogs (for owners with more than two dogs) date draws closer - August 12,” she said.

“The drop off box will provide an after-hours service allowing the Community Safety Team more time to respond to emergency situations.

“It is also safer for the dog, instead of being a possible risk to themselves and the community.”

Cr Chandler said the only way council could deal with community concerns was to notify them.

“While posting on social media may spread the word about wandering dogs, if residents do not contact Council, the issue cannot be resolved,” she said.

Call 1300 007 662 to report wandering dogs.

Originally published as Will this help Roma’s roaming dog problem?