Our officers will impound animals when they are found straying. But our first priority is to return the animal home after contacting the owner if the animal is identified by a collar and tag and/or microchip.
Members of the public who capture straying dogs can take them directly to the City of Newcastle Animal Facility located at 75 Elizabeth Street, Tighes Hill.
Seizing a dog from its property
Our officers can seize a dog from its property if it has been involved in an attack within the preceding 72 hours and if we believe the dog is not able to be secured safely on its property. Our officers leave a notice of seizure on the property if this has occurred.
Our officers may seize a dangerous or restricted dog if an officer is satisfied dangerous and restricted dog control requirements have not been met.
A claim for release of a seized dog from Council's pound may be made only if we are satisfied that the relevant control requirements are capable of being met.
Impounded cats
Members of the public and animal control contractors sometimes set traps to capture cats suspected of causing damage to property or the environment. Where cats are identified by a collar and tag and/or microchip, our first priority is to return the cat home if the owner can be contacted.
Members of the public can take trapped cats directly to the City of Newcastle Animal Facility located at 75 Elizabeth Street, Tighes Hill.
How long are impounded animals held
Animals that are not identified by a microchip are held at the facility for seven days. Microchipped animals are held for 14 days. Animals that remain unclaimed become the property of the RSPCA. Animals suitable for re-homing are then made available for purchase from the RSPCA Rutherford. Animals that are assessed as unsuitable for health or behavioural reasons are humanely euthanased.
Impound and sustenance fees
We charge impound and sustenance fees to recover some of the costs associated with providing a pound service. Fees are charged on a daily basis, so the sooner an animal is claimed, the less it costs. All fees must be paid prior to the release of the animal.
Request for Hardship Procedure - Reduction or Waiving of Public Fees
Under the provisions of Section 61OE (1) of the Local Government Act 1993 No 30, City of Newcastle
Council may waive payment of, or reduce, a Public Fee (whether expressed as an actual or a maximum
amount) in certain limited circumstances. Council must be satisfied that the case falls within a category
for which Council has determined payment should be so waived or reduced. Council assesses applications
for a reduction or waiving of fees on a case by case basis.
Read more about City of Newcastle Council's Request for hardship procedure.
Registration fees
The NSW Companion Animal Act requires all impounded animals must be microchipped and lifetime registered prior to release from a Pound. This includes animals that would otherwise be subject to an exemption, such as working dogs, greyhounds, or animals less that six months of age. We are unable to waive or reduce these fees, however desexed animals are cheaper to register.
The costs of lifetime registration are:
- Desexed animal (owned by a pensioner) $27.00
- Desexed animal (except one owned by pensioner) $66.00
- For animal not desexed and owned by registered breeder $66.00
- For an animal not desexed $224.00
Desexing
All owners are encouraged to desex their animals. The cost of registration is a lot lower for desexed animals, and desexed animals grow up cleaner, healthier, quieter and are less inclined to roam.
Hunter Animal Rescue is a voluntary organisation that aims to reduce the number of unwanted cats and dogs in the Hunter by offering financial assistance to people on low incomes to desex their animals. For further information contact (02) 4961 6133 between 11am and 3pm Monday to Friday.
Fines, notices and orders
After the release of your animal from the pound, you may receive further correspondence from us about the incident that led to your animal being impounded. This may involve fines and/or notices and orders, depending on the circumstances.
Further information
Contact us on (02) 4974 2000.
City of Newcastle Animal Facility
75 Elizabeth Street
TIGHES HILL
Ph (02) 4974 2000