Lost and displaced companion animals have found a new safe haven in Gunnedah Shire Council's next-generation Animal Impound Facility.
The purpose-built facility on Quia Road was officially opened by the Shire's Mayor, Colleen Fuller OAM, today (Wednesday, 8 July) and includes a modern shelter, free-range exercise yards, veterinary treatment room, office space, rehoming orientation yard, and a public reception area.
The $1.9 million-dollar project was jointly funded by the NSW Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5, Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program Phases 2 and 4, and Council.
Gunnedah Shire Council's Director Community and Development Andrew Johns said the new facility was significantly larger and better suited to modern operations.
"Council's original impound was more than 20 years old and was regularly operating over its capacity as companionship rates rose in the Shire," he said.
"We now have double the capacity to provide a safe, secure space for lost and displaced animals, and a user-friendly outdoor area for reunions, and a meeting place for unclaimed or surrendered dogs to meet potential new owners and foster carers.
"The modern facility also ensures Council is compliant with current and foreseeable regulations and practices and has been designed to improve biosecurity for animals that may be impounded, while also safeguarding the community from potential diseases."
Key design features of the new facility include:
· Isolation pen: This area is constructed with materials that are easy to sanitise, allowing it to hold animals upon arrival or those that become unwell, thereby minimising exposure to other animals.
· Dedicated vet room: This space supports veterinary staff and helps reduce cross-contamination among animals.
· Additional exercise yards: Multiple exercise areas promote the health, well-being, and safety of impounded animals.
· Outdoor enclosed meet-and-greet area.
Other practical operational elements include an eye wash station, laundry, security lighting and CCTV cameras.
Council's Manager Community Safety Tony Krawczyk said the space also supported his team to assist with microchipping, implementing responsible pet ownership programs, increasing community engagement, and collaborating with rescue organisations to enhance local rehoming options.
"Now our team can meet with members of the public and rehoming organisations onsite in a secure, user-friendly space, making it easier to get companion animals back home and to facilitate safe transfers from Council care to rescue organisations and animal transport agencies," he said.
"Rehoming is an important part of what we do, and we are glad to have worked alongside valuable groups, such as the Gunnedah Animal Welfare League, to reunite and rehome 127 animals in the 2025/26 financial year."
Mr Krawczyk said the new facility would play a significant role in growing Council's connection with the community through engagement.
"Already, local students have toured the facility to learn first-hand about animal care and the importance of responsible pet ownership through registration, microchipping and desexing, and Council's role and responsibilities around compliance and safety," he said.
"They also find out how Council helps pets get back home, and how we go about rehoming them when this isn't possible."
The former impound facility has been refurbished into a dedicated cattery.
Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller OAM (second from left) with Gunnedah Animal Welfare League members Dianne Trill, Linda Taylor, Belinda Ruttley, Jenni Hewitt, Dianne Ruttley, Robyn Huggins and Jenny McIntosh.
