Impounded Animals

Impounded Pets

To view any currently impounded pets, visit the Douglas Pets Facebook page or check the news feed below.

What happens to impounded animals?

There are a lot of myths about what happens to dogs when Council is called to collect them or when they’re found wandering at large.

This is what happens when a dog is impounded in Douglas:

1. The dog is checked for identification. If they are currently registered or have a microchip, we will attempt to contact the owner as soon as possible. Council has a number of microchip scanners and access to the microchip database.
2. The dog is checked for injury or disease. Where an officer has concerns about the health of the dog, it will be vet assessed before being impounded. In the event the dog has ticks or fleas it will be treated with a wash.
3. The dog is provided with shelter, food and water and will be offered a toy.
4. A photo of the dog and any identifying particulars will be added to the Douglas Shire Council website and Facebook page.
5. While impounded, the dog is walked everyday.
6. If the dog remains unclaimed after a week, and is assessed as having qualities consistent with re-homing (good temperament, no major health issues) then a re-homing organisation will be contacted. All of the Local Laws team have received training in basic canine temperament assessment and are regularly supported by YAPS, FNQ Rescues’R’Us, Paws and Claws and other local animal welfare organisations to re-home as many dogs as possible.

Of the 112 dogs impounded in the last financial year, 67 were claimed by their owners, 28 were re-homed and 17 were euthanized.

Of the 17 that were euthanized, 13 of those dogs were surrendered to Council by their owners following a dog attack or for behavioural issues.

If you find a lost or injured dog in the Douglas Shire, please contact Council and let one of our officers help. Our aim is to reunite dogs with their owners as quickly as possible and ensure that they are looked after in the meantime.

Release of Animals

Animals may only be released from the pound after full payment of impounding and sustenance fees, and where applicable registration fees. All impounded dogs and cats are required to be registered prior to release.

To release an animal from Council’s pound you will be required to:

1. Provide officers with satisfactory proof of your identity (eg drivers licence).
2. Pay all impoundment fees owing. Impoundment fees are calculated on a daily basis
3. Provide proof of current animal registration if applicable. If proof of registration is not provided, registration fees will be required to be paid in addition to impoundment fees.

Payment should be made during business hours and prior to the collection of the animal by visiting the Douglas Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre in Mossman. EFTPOS and credit card facilities (Visa & MasterCard) are available at this location.

Collection times at Council’s pound can be made by contacting Council’s Customer Service Centre on telephone 4099 9444. Please have your receipt available when collecting the animal.

Re-homing of unclaimed Cats & Dogs

Council fully promotes the re-homing of unclaimed cats and dogs and endeavours to work with recognised animal re-homing and adoption organisations to re-home suitable animals. This ensures that animals are re-homed responsibly.

Unwanted animals

Council may accept dogs or cats that an owner no longer wants, however it is preferred that the owner either have the animal destroyed by a vet or find an alternative home themselves.

Animal Welfare

If you see or have any concerns about the treatment of any animals, the responsible agencies are RSPCA and Biosecurity Queensland – [Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry – DAFF].

Biosecurity Queensland generally handles matters involving commercial activities – call 13 25 23 and the RSPCA handles matters involving companion animals – call 1300 852 188.