What happens if my pet is taken to the pound?

• If a person finds an animal they are required to return it to the owner or take it to the local pound. The owner must be notified as soon as possible.
• If an animal is stray or injured it can be taken to a vet but if no one claims the animal within 72 hours the vet will hand the animal over to the local council. If the owner is not identifiable then after 7 days the local council has the right to sell or destroy (kill) the animal. Animals that have been unclaimed after their owner has been notified or surrendered to the council by their owner can be sold or destroyed by the council after 14 days.
• The council has authority to determine any fees or charges associated with the holding, seizure or sale of an animal.

As with a normal individual the council cannot sell dangerous or restricted breed dogs.