Lost and displaced companion animals in Gunnedah Shire now have access to improved care, with Gunnedah Shire Council officially opening its new Animal Impound Facility.
The purpose-built Quia Road facility will provide safer, more comfortable accommodation for animals while making it easier to reunite lost pets with their owners and support local rehoming efforts.
Mayor Colleen Fuller OAM officially opened the facility on Wednesday.
Funded through a partnership between the NSW Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 5, the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program Phases 2 and 4, and Gunnedah Shire Council, the $1.9 million project replaces the former impound, which was more than 20 years old.
Council’s Director Community and Development Andrew Johns said the new facility was designed to better meet the needs of both animals and the community.
“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.”
The new facility includes dedicated isolation and veterinary treatment areas, multiple exercise yards, an enclosed meet-and-greet space for reunions and adoptions, and improved biosecurity measures to protect animal health.
Council’s Manager Community Safety Tony Krawczyk said the facility would improve day-to-day services while strengthening partnerships with rescue organisations and the broader community.
“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.”
Krawczyk said the facility was also helping educate the next generation of responsible pet owners.
“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 has been refurbished as a dedicated cattery, further improving Council’s capacity to care for companion animals.
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au