Drop-off facility for stray dogs

Councillor Andrew Antoniolli with Ipswich Pound mascot Delilah at the new after-hours drop-off facility.

Rob Williams

AT FIRST glance it looks like a bigger version of book return chutes at the library but it's designed for a much more precious thing.

A free after-hours drop-off facility for stray dogs and cats has now been included at Ipswich City Council's Hooper Street Pound.

It only started being used this week but has been home for two lost dogs and one stray cat.

Yesterday it was tried out by Delilah, an adorable five-month-old female Rottweiler who became the pound's mascot after she was abandoned about three months ago and no one came in to collect her.

Council Health and Regulation Committee chairman Andrew Antoniolli said the facility was at the front of the pound and would operate from 5pm until 7.30am on weekdays and weekends.

Cr Antoniolli said the cages would be checked twice a day.

Six cages for dogs and the same for cats are open and an extra six of each will be opened soon with demand expected to increase.

“Animals placed into the holding cages will be processed each day, including at weekends,” Cr Antoniolli said.

He said the holding cages were designed for easy use by people who could place the animal in the cage and close the door.

“There is provision in the holding cages for cats to be placed on top and dogs on the bottom,” he said. “The cages, made locally for Ipswich City Council which supports local business, allow for people to deal with strays themselves, where possible, rather than having to wait for council staff to be available.

“The holding cages are insulated, allowing flow for maximum comfort and safety of the animals.

“Animals are also separated from each other for their own protection.”

Each cage is individually locked. Once closed they can't be re-opened from outside and a fixed bowl of water and blanket are inside. The cat cages can be detached and carried to the pound. Cr Antoniolli said the facility was similar to one in service in the Logan area and to those used in other countries.

“Logan is the only council in south-east Queensland that has them,” he said.

“I have personally seen this type of facility in operation in other parts of the world and I believe they are an effective way for the community to assist in removing stray animals from the street and out of harm's way.

“The whole idea is if someone sees a stray dog they can drop it in here. Obviously provided the dog is safe to handle.

“A good example was this morning, when a woman said a dog was following her to work.

“It's good for people who don't have time to wait for the council officer to come to them.”