Stray, Missing & Animals in Need of New Homes
Missing and stray animals
When the City of Sydney picks up a stray animal with a microchip and/or other identification (such as a collar and tag), every effort is made to reunite the animal with its owner.
If we can't identify the pet or contact its owner, the animal is taken to the Sutherland Shire Animal Shelter. The shelter staff will continue to try to contact the owner — firstly by phone and then by registered letter — if the animal is microchipped and on the NSW Companion Animals Register.
If contact is made, the owner can reclaim their animal. If the owner can't be contacted or doesn't respond, the animal will be put up for adoption after 14 days.
Dogs and cats without a microchip are only held for 7 days before being put up for adoption.
If your microchipped pet is missing please contact the City on 02 9265 9333.
If your missing pet is not microchipped, contact the Sutherland Shire Animal Shelter on 02 9710 0401.
Stray Cats
Under The NSW Companion Animals Act cats are allowed to free roam. They are not required to be kept on their owner's property and are only prohibited from food preparation / consumption areas and wildlife protection areas. Cats can also be lawfully seized if their seizure prevents injury or death to any person or animal other than vermin.
Under section 32(1) of the Companion Animals Act 1998, "Any person may lawfully seize a cat if that action is reasonable and necessary for the protection of any person or animal (other than vermin) from injury or death".
The City of Sydney cannot seize a cat unless it is in a prohibited area or causing potential injury or death to a person or animal, other than vermin.
If you find a cat and are concerned for its welfare because it is injured or sick please contact your local vet or the RSPCA. If you find a cat in a wildlife protection area or food preparation/consumption area please contact the City on 02 9265 9333.
Keeping your cat safe
While cats are not required to be kept on their owner’s properties under the NSW Companion Animals Act, the City of Sydney recommends that cats are kept on their owner’s properties for their own safety. Free roaming cats are at risk of being killed or injured as a result of
- Dog attacks
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Acts of Animal Cruelty
- Injuries, infectious diseases and infections as a result of fighting with neighbourhood cats.
Free roaming cats are often the cause of neighbourhood disputes because not everyone likes cats or appreciates feline visitors on their property. Free roaming cats are also more susceptible to picking up and spreading parasites such as intestinal worms and fleas.
Free roaming undesexed male and female cats are responsible for thousands of unwanted litters every year. In seven years one female cat and her kittens can produce 420000 kittens…. Please do the right thing and desex your cats to prevent unwanted litters.
Cats kept at home on their owner’s properties statistically live happily and contentedly and have a longer life span than their free roaming feline friends. Cats do not need access to outdoors and can live purrfectly happy lives indoors only. If you do want your cat to enjoy some outdoor time please consider a cat proofing your yard.
There are several options available to cat proof your yard. Please click on the links below to get an idea of what you can do to keep your cat safe and happy while enjoying the great outdoors.
Website: Oscillot Cat Proof Fencing
Website: Catmax Enclosures
Website: SecureaKat Enclosures
And for the home handy person the Department of Primary Industries in Victoria has a booklet on how to construct “Do it yourself” cat proof fencing and enclosures.
Animals in need of homes
Sadly, every year in NSW thousands of unwanted animals are put Sadly, every year in NSW thousands of unwanted animals are put to sleep in pounds and shelters. The Sutherland Shire Animal Shelter is committed to finding homes for all suitable animals in its care.
The shelter has a 'No kill' policy and only those dogs or cats that are deemed dangerous or have an illness that affects their quality of life are euthanased.
Its staff are dedicated and compassionate, as are the volunteers who spend time with the animals and make sure they are exercised, socialised and able to maintain a solid bond with humans.
All animals available for adoption are microchipped, registered and desexed prior to going to their new homes.
If you are looking for a new pet the City urges you to save the life of an impounded dog or cat from the Sutherland Shire Animal Shelter.
Open hours
Monday to Friday: 1pm - 5pm
Saturdays: 9am - 2pm
Sundays & public holidays: Closed
Phone
Monday to Friday: 10am - 5pm, Tel: 02 9710 0401
Saturday: 8am - 12noon, Tel: 02 9710 0401
After hours emergencies, Tel: 02 9710 0333
Location
8 Production Road, Taren Point
(Off Box Road, between Atkinson and Alexander Roads)
Last Updated: Monday 16 January, 2012
