New management for Epping Animal Welfare Facility

Animal wellbeing will be the priority with a new management structure at the Epping Animal Welfare Facility (EAWF).

The facility, which operates as the animal pound for three local councils, will now be managed in-house by the City of Whittlesea, in partnership with Merri-bek and Darebin Councils

City of Whittlesea CEO Craig Lloyd said the decision to manage the operation of the EAWF in-house is to achieve the best possible outcomes for the animals and our community.

“The three Councils have worked together to develop an operating model which is designed to reduce the current euthanasia rates, reunite the maximum number of animals with their owners or find them loving new homes,” he said.

The EAWF has been managed by the RSPCA for nearly five years and Council will continue to collaborate with the RSPCA to ensure a smooth transition.

Mr Lloyd said the change in management will deliver a high standard of animal care and allow Council to develop further partnerships across the animal welfare sector.

“The model has been designed to deliver better outcomes including a reduction in euthanasia rates,” Mr Lloyd said.

“Our aim is to reunite owners with lost pets as quickly as possible, so please make sure your pet is registered and your contact details are up-to-date - you can do this at your Council’s website.”

Adoption will be undertaken directly from the facility at the start and Council has partnered with a range of rescue groups and large animal welfare groups who will also offer adoption opportunities.

Council will continue to monitor the new operating model and will also review establishing an adoption program in partnership with Darebin and Merri-bek Councils.

“As Council embeds the new operating model, we will continue to review our approach to ensure it is delivering the best outcomes for animals and community,” Mr Lloyd said.

The Facility will be managed and resourced by experts in animal care and welfare. Veterinary work will be undertaken at EAWF. This will include but is not limited to vaccination, flea and worm treatment, microchipping and any other treatment that is required while animals are in our care.

“We are very confident the arrangements we are putting in place will deliver enhanced outcomes for the animals in our care, and we are looking forward to working with the passionate people in the rescue sector,” Mr Lloyd said.

The change of management of the EAWF will take effect on 16 October 2022 and the Facility is proposed to be renamed in early 2023.

The new phone number for the EAWF is 8401 6200. Further information and updated opening hours is available online at Whittlesea, Darebin and Merri-bek Councils.

 

Quotes attributable to Darebin Chief Executive Officer Peter Smith

“The facility will continue to provide stray, abandoned and surrendered animals with refuge and a new life, treating sick and injured animals, promoting pet wellbeing and providing education regarding responsible pet ownership.”

 

Quotes attributable to Merri-bek City Council Chief Executive Officer Cathy Henderson

“Under this Council partnership model, we expect to see more Merri-bek animals reunited with their owners or adopted into loving homes.

 

This new model will also deliver a higher standard of animal care with experts on-site and allow us respond to changing community needs through partnerships across the animal welfare sector.”