MEDIA RELEASE
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26 July 2017
Blacktown City pet owners seem to be heeding calls to take better care of their canine companions, according to the latest Council data.
Over the last four years, fewer dogs have been ending up as strays on local streets and in the Animal Holding Facility, Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Stephen Bali said.
“The number of stray dogs has more than halved from 2,252 to about 800, while the number of impounded dogs has also dropped significantly to a four-year low of 1,700,” he said.
“This is particularly pleasing, given our population has grown rapidly in that time.
“I congratulate all the pet owners who do a great job looking after their furry friends, and I encourage them to keep up the good work.
“With Council due to open a new animal rehoming centre in the next couple of years it’s exciting to know pet owners will have even more support to take good care of their pets.”
Companion Animal Advisory Committee Chairperson Councillor Chris Quilkey said the figures showed Council’s pro-active pet education campaign was working.
“Council has ramped up all aspects of its responsible pet ownership program over the past four years,” he said.
“The employment of our full time animal education officer, Jacqueline Benito, has been a key to driving these improvements.
“Jacqueline regularly holds animal education programs at schools, libraries and community events to raise awareness about how to properly take care of pets.
“Other initiatives include subsidised pet desexing and free microchipping days.
“I thank Jacqueline and all the AHF employees and volunteers for the important work they do in helping us all be better pet parents.”
Ms Benito said it was wonderful to see the positive effects Council’s education campaigns were having.
“The onus is on the pet owner to be responsible, but it’s up to Council to lead the way,” she said.
“Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, but there are still people who don’t have pets.
“We want to have as much cohesion between pet owners and non-pet owners as possible and make having pets an enjoyable part of our lives.”
Declining figures mean fewer dogs are roaming the streets. Source: Blacktown City Council
Follow the link to download photos below:
Councillor Chris Quilkey, Animal Education Officer Jacqueline Benito and Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali.
Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali with a puppy from AHF.
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