CITY of Bayswater will shut down its outdated dog pound, a “concrete bunker” that does not have basic facilities like hot water or an outdoor area.
Bayswater council moved to shut down the Wright Street facility following a number of complaints in the last six months and will outsource to another provider.
According to a City report, the current dog pound was outdated, not up to current community expectations and did not have basic facilities such as hot water, a suitable exercise or outdoor area and an isolation area for sick animals.
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READ NOWThe move comes after Bedford resident Madeleine McGinnis’ dog Chopper was fatally mauled in an unprovoked attack at Grand Promenade Reserve last year.
Ms McGinnis was very concerned the offending dog taken by City rangers to the pound was released back to its owners less than 24 hours later.
Maylands MLA Lisa Baker said a number of concerned community groups approached her some time ago about the condition of the facility.
“They said Bayswater was one of the worst in terms of premises to keep pets in,” she said.
“There are concrete walls, no natural light, it’s freezing cold; it’s like a concrete bunker.”
Ms Baker said it would be appropriate if a credible provider such as RSPCA in Malaga and Shenton Park Dog Refuge took over the service.
The pound was built in 1982 and consists of 12 caged holding pens and an office area; in 2001 a toilet, storeroom and two external kennels were added.
If outsourced, the City would lose an estimated $11,000 to $16,000 revenue, but would also free up rangers’ time.
It would cost about $500,000 for the ageing facility to be replaced.
Councillor Dan Bull said the facility was from a “bygone era” and “well and truly past its use by date”.
“We need to make this decision to ensure the continued humane treatment of stray dogs in the district,” he said.
Cr Brent Fleeton said outsourcing was appropriate due to the cost of the refurbishment, however he hoped to not use the Shenton Park Dog Refuge services.
“I’m really concerned about the level of service for people within the district if it’s the dog pound in Shenton Park; I know how many issues they’ve got and our ratepayers would be adversely impacted by the level of service there,” he said.
“Hopefully there’s someone much closer with a better service record.”
Last year, 257 dogs were impounded and 309 in 2015.
Town of Bassendean outsources to RSPCA and the City of Swan use Julie’s Boarding Kennels and Cattery.
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