RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) reported an alarming high kill rate of impounded dogs and cats in the Cessnock local government area.

The report was presented to the council meeting the night of June 18. According to RSPCA, for the financial year to date, it has 490 dogs taken in to custody in the Cessnock area. Out of these 490 dogs, only 5 were given to local animal shelters while a disturbing number of 152 dogs were euthanized.

RSPCA explained it positively, saying that the alarming number of euthanized dogs was artificial since there was a decrease in the number of the impounded animals and an increase in reclaim rates.

As for the cats, RSCPA reported that out 0f 311 cats it took in to custody, 78 per cent was euthanized due to disease and medical conditions.

However, David Atwell, Vice President of the Society of Companion Animal Rescuers, oppose RSPCA's claim that the alarming high killed rate of the impounded animals was artificial.

In an interview with ABC News, Mr. Atwell said that that the kill rate reported in the Cessnock area is the highest in the region.

Mr. Atwell reasoned out that, "... the RSCPA is failing Cessnock City Council and their services. 3.18 per cent is absolutely disgusting that's just for dogs. We compare that to other local council pounds which do work with rescue groups, such as Muswellbrook, theur kill rate for dogs is a mere 4 per cent and overall it is 8 per cent."

He further explained that, "Five is absolutely ridiculous, especially when they got 490 in and they euthanized a 152. Again when we consider the other pounds around the region which have significantly lower kill rates we're talking hundreds of animals going into rescue care and onto loving homes."

Mr. Atwell suggested that the RSCPA should work together with local shelters to decrease the high kill rate of impounded dogs and cats.

According to City Council and RSCPA agreement of July 7 2011, section 11 entitled Injured or Sick Seized Animals and Impounded Animals:

"All veterinary costs associated with sick or injured seized animals or impounded animals will be the responsibility of the RSCPA."

From the looks of it, the high kill rate of impounded animals was not an issue of neglect on the part of the RSCPA but an issue of budget constraint, maybe. Although this aspect was not discussed during the meeting, this is something that should be look into by the official.

On the other hand, RSCPA was just doing the right course of action after all.

According to Australian Veterinary Association, Euthanasia is employed to animals when:

  • Pain, distress or suffering are likely to exceed manageable levels
  • The health or welfare of animals is irredeemably compromised; this can include animals affected by drought or other natural disease
  • Humane killings for research animals, at the end of studies; in research, to provide tissues for scientific purposes; when animals are no longer required for breeding or other specific purposes; for control of vertebrate pests; for slaughter of stock at abattoirs
  • FOR STRAYS AND UNWANTED PETS THAT CANNOT BE REHOMED.