An animal pound is a facility that holds homeless, lost or abandoned animals; primarily a large variety of dogs and cats. Animals are kept at the Council pound in accordance with the requirements of the Companion Animals Act 1998.

Where is the Pound located

The Tamworth Regional Council pound is currently located at the Northern end of Belmore Street - accessed via Plain Street. If you require further directions to the facility, call Council’s Customer Service by phoning (02) 6767 5555.

When is the Pound open

The operating hours of the Pound are:

• Monday to Friday – 8:00am till 10:00am and a Ranger will be in attendance at 4:00pm
• Saturday – 9:00am till 9:30am
• Closed Sunday and public holidays

The Pound will accept stray animals and release animals to their owners during the opening times.

What do I have to pay to get my animal released from the Pound

The Council Pound fees are set annually in the Management Plan. The current fees are payable when you collect your animal:

• 1st Seizure - $49.00
• 2nd Seizure - $55.00
• maintenance - $18.00 for each day the animal stays at the pound

Before your animal can be released from the Pound, all fees must be paid and registration requirements completed.

Are there further charges resulting from my animal being at the Pound

The seizure of a dog in a public place by the Council Rangers may result in an infringement being issued to the owner. Two or more animal seizures may also result in a Nuisance Order being issued. For further information refer to the section on Animal Complaints.

Does the Pound offer any other services to the community

Council does offer the hiring of cat traps, which can be collected from the Pound.

Sales of Companion Animals

Cat Traps

These cages are only hired out for the purpose of trapping cats and preventing them from killing wildlife and injuring themselves or others. The cat traps are not to be used for trapping roaming cats or unwanted possums.

There are two charges for the hiring of the cat traps. These are:

• refundable Bond - $53. The bond will be refunded on return of the cat trap. However, any damages to the trap will result in the bond being retained.
• weekly hire - $12.50

Please Note: There is only a limited stock of cat traps, so there may be a waiting period for the use of these items.

What does it mean ‘to surrender a cat or dog to the Pound’

To surrender your cat or dog to the Pound means that you are giving up the ownership of your animal to the Council, and that the animal will be euthanased.

This service is offered free to citizens of the Tamworth Regional Council area. Before surrendering your animal to the Pound, the following must be understood:

• the person surrendering the animal must sign a form stating they are the owner and that they are surrendering the animal to the council.
• if you are wishing to rehouse your animal, please check with your local vets and animal welfare agencies, for possible new owners.
• animals are only rehoused through the pound to people requesting such an animal.
• Council officers will not collect any animal from a person’s property for euthanasia.
• an owner wishing to surrender an animal must arrive at the pound between 8:00am and 10:00am, Monday to Friday. No surrendered animals will be accepted at the Pound at any other times.

What do I do if my animal has gone missing

If you have lost your pet, please contact the Council Pound by phoning (02) 6762 6329. We will require the following information:

• description of your animal, such as breed, colour, sex and age
• microchip details
• the location of where the animal was last seen
• your name, address and contact number

All information provided by you will be placed in the lost animal register at the pound.

Please Note: It is important to microchip and register your animal, as all animals taken to the pound are scanned for a microchip. Microchips contain the owner’s residential details and allow the speedy return of your animal.