MUSWELLBROOK will be home to a new Animal Care Facility, after council negotiated the purchase of land adjoining The Barn Veterinary Services on Denman Road.
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The current 60-year-old pound is poorly sited and falls short of community expectations for the welfare of impounded animals.
However, the new $1.2 million secure and high-visibility facility will be built to provide quality animal care and be co-located near veterinary, boarding and pet supply services.
It is also expected to open longer hours, will fully comply with 2018 built standards for impoundment facilities, and foster a greater awareness in the general community of the needs of animal welfare, responsible pet ownership and re-homing.
Details of the project were released during the Muswellbrook Shire Council’s 2018/2019 Budget breakfast, hosted by the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on Wednesday morning.
“Council is delighted to be able to announce that our shire will soon have a best practice Animal Care Facility to provide appropriate care and accommodation for animals that are unfortunately impounded,” Muswellbrook Shire mayor Martin Rush said.
“Council is confident that the new facility will result in better rehoming rates for those dogs and cats and raise the profile of responsible pet ownership in our community.”
In addition to the $440,000 land purchase funding, council announced a further $760,000 for the construction of the new facility, which is planned to be operating by May next year.
The project is funded through planning contributions made by Muswellbrook Coal Company in the amount of $850,000 and Mt Pleasant, which has committed $350,000.
The purchase of the land will also enable council to consider the co-location of further services.