KELPIE cross Bruce can’t wait to share his affection, looking forward to finding a home with someone who can spend lots of time with him and provide plenty of exercise and attention, Sentinel-Times visiting him at the South Gippsland Shire Council run pound and animal shelter in Korumburra.

Council took over the facility in July 2023 and is proud not to have euthanised a single re-homeable animal.

Community safety officer Hayley Cranston described Bruce, who was found as a stray in Leongatha, as “highly energetic”, adding that he loves a cuddle, both of which became quickly apparent as he went for a short walk with her and senior community safety officer Rod Banks.

Bruce, who is believed to be about two years old, has a fondness for toys and balls and would be ideally suited to someone with a strong routine.

While council’s focus is on getting animals home to their owners, those that are unclaimed or surrendered are either transferred to other rescue organisations or adopted directly from council.

Between the start of July last year and the end of this June, 400 animals were impounded by council, with 275 of those cats and 125 dogs.

Of those, 117 animals were reunited with their owners (32 cats and 85 dogs), 151 were rehomed to rescue organisations (128 cats and 23 dogs), while 27 were rehomed directly by council, with 19 of those cats and eight dogs.

Council stressed that registered animals have a greater chance of being reunited with their owners, with registration also reducing the likelihood of fees and infringements being issued.

While council encourages people to have their pets microchipped, the chips can sometimes be difficult to find and owner contact details may lapse, the latter of which is less likely with yearly pet registration, helping return animals wearing their registration tag.

Registration fees help keep the pound running and assist with caring for its residents.

Of the 400 animals impounded over the specified period, only 45 were registered, 34 of which were able to be returned directly from the vehicle without having to go to the pound, 29 of those being dogs and the remainder cats.

Surrenders accounted for 91 of the impounded animals, 57 of those being cats, the majority of which were semi-owned or from farm colonies of cats that had got out of control.

However, there were 34 dogs surrendered for a variety of reasons.

Council has agreements with 18 rescue organisations, both local and across the State, which assist in rehoming animals when council can’t do so directly.

“We have great working relationships with local vets and have a team of officers passionate about animal welfare and ensuring the best outcomes for our animals,” a council spokesperson said.

Seeing Hayley and Rod interacting with Bruce, and the affection he showed for them demonstrated their fondness for the animals and their caring approach.

All animals available for adoption from the South Gippsland Animal Shelter are listed on PetRescue.
 

Council encourages potential adopters to read each animal’s profile carefully to ensure compatibility: petrescue.com.au/groups/12244/South-Gippsland-Shire-Animal-Shelter.

If you're interested in adopting, please contact council on 5662 9200.

If the match appears suitable, a meet-and-greet will be arranged.