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.
