Reminder - Blacktown Ucamasc Meeting

[Mila's Mum]

I have been asked to post the following -

Hi Everyone,

The introduction of compulsory desexing was a battle won, now we turn to mount another campaign - the reduction of animals being carelessly bred in the community. This is the only way to reduce the numbers entering the pound.

Some members of the committee have forwarded in advance of the meeting a report to all committee members and pound management. The report highlights that the Blacktown area is vastly over-represented when compared with the other seven council areas which use the pound’s facilities. It had twice as many stray and surrendered animals as the other seven councils combined, yet Blacktown’s population is only half that of the other seven councils.

While tremendous progress has been made at the pound, with fewer dogs entering, and even far fewer being killed, the situation for cats is dismal and seemingly out of control. The number of cats entering the pound has increased every year, with a 163% increase between 2003 and 2011. In 2011, 3,248 cats were killed, an increase of 155% since 2003. How many will be killed in 2012? There is evidence that suggests that over half of Blacktown’s cats are feral cats. Something must obviously be done.

During the course of the meeting the committee will discuss some strategies acceptable to Council to implement programs to address irresponsible pet ownership and subsidised desexing to reduce the number of unwanted animals entering the pound.

Meeting details

Urban Companion Animals Management Advisory Sub-Committee (UCAMASC) Meeting

Meeting date: Tuesday 14th August 2012

Time: starts promptly at 6.30 pm (advise that you come earlier since everyone has to go upstairs in the lift - it all takes time)

Address: Blacktown City Council Chambers

62-68 Flushcombe Rd, BLACKTOWN

Instructions:

Parking: large KMart car park is opposite and there is some on-site parking too.

If parking in the KMart car park, walk across Flushcombe Road, through Council's carpark on the right hand side of the building, and go around to the back of the Council Building.

Hope to see you there!

[Raelene]

Trying to reduce the numbers coming into the pound and improving responsible pet ownership are great initiatives. Hope the meeting goes well.

Would love to hear how it all turns out.

R