Rescue of Animals relates to several types of rescues that have been refined in the following sections and links.
Additionally, NSW hosts Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL), RSPCA NSW, Cat Protection Society of NSW, WIRES, and Sydney Wildlife Rescue. Also see https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/rehabilitating-native-animals/licensed-wildlife-rehabilitation-providers-in-nsw
Volunteers run Animal Rescue Organisations. Additionally, they may operate as an Approved Rehoming Organisation (via OLG), a not-for-profit organisation, or a registered charity.
However, numerous independent (unregistered) Rescue of Animals do not align with any of the above statuses or legal structures.
Animal shelters and municipal pounds in NSW operate under two primary legislative frameworks: the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTA) and the Companion Animals Act 1998. [1]
The shelters must abide by strict codes of practice and guidelines regarding Holding Times.
Holding Times
Legally mandated holding times require authorities to house stray dogs for a period before they can be rehomed or euthanised.
- Identifiable Dogs: If a microchip or collar identifies the owner, the statutory holding period is 14 days.
- If we cannot identify the owner, the holding period remains seven days.
- Dogs surrendered directly by their owners have no mandated holding time and may be rehomed or euthanised at any time. However, shelters must carefully consider all alternatives first.
MORE READING:
NSW Pet Registry
https://www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au/#/
Animal Companion Act 1998
https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-1998-087
Guidelines for Designated Rehoming Organisations
Pounds in New South Wales
We established this inquiry on 29 June 2023 to examine and report on pounds in New South Wales.