Geraldton Animal Management Facility data shows overwhelming majority of impounded dogs wind up back home

Almost two-thirds of dogs impounded in the council’s “animal management facility” end up being reunited with their owners, new data has revealed.

Of 1152 dogs impounded in the City of Greater Geraldton’s facility in 2020-21, 63 per cent made their way back home while 35 per cent were re-homed with new owners. Two per cent of dogs had to be euthanised as they did not meet re-homing criteria, including suffering from the highly contagious disease parvovirus.

In 2019-20 1197 dogs were seized, with 56 per cent returning home, 41 per cent re-homed and 3 per cent not meeting the re-homing criteria.

Mayor Shane Van Styn said these figures were a timely reminder for dog owners to ensure their backyards were secure to prevent their furry friends escaping.

During stormy weather in the first few weeks of July more than 25 posts were made on the Facebook lost and found pets page, many of which involved dogs fleeing during the storms.

RSPCA WA urged owners to update their pet’s ID tag and microchip, secure gates and fences in the lead-up to bad weather and try to bring their pets indoors during a storm.

Mr Van Styn said the City wanted to raise awareness about the positive outcomes seen with most animals in the management facility.

“Unfortunately some animals are not microchipped or registered. In that instance we work with our partners to get these loving creatures a place to call home — sometimes in Geraldton and other times in Perth or other parts of our State,” he said.

“The AMF is a fantastic new facility and our rangers are all animal lovers. If your dog does end up there, it’s in one of the safest places for it to be.”

The facility opened in 2019 and is next to Geraldton Dog Rescue’s premises. All dogs over three months must be microchipped, registered and wear a collar with a registration tag.