The words ‘animal rescue’ relate to several types of rescues.
Animal Welfare organisations in NSW include Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL), RSPCA NSW, Cat Protection Society of NSW, WIRES, Sydney Wildlife Rescue, etc. 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. They may operate as an Approved Rehoming Organisation (via OLG), be a not-for-profit organisation and/or a registered charity.
Many independent (unregistered) animal rescues exist that do not follow any of the above status 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 dictate how long housing must be provided for stray dogs before they can be rehomed or euthanised: [1, 2, 3]
- Identifiable Dogs: If a microchip or collar identifies the owner, the statutory holding period is 14 days.
- Unidentified Dogs: If the owner cannot be identified, the holding period is 7 days.
- Surrendered Dogs: Dogs surrendered directly by their owners do not have a legally mandated holding time and can 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
This inquiry was established on June 29, 2023, to inquire into and report on pounds in New South Wales.