HERE'S a tale that will have tails (and tongues) a-wagging.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Inverell's new, $1.26 million animal shelter has just been unveiled in Burtenshaw Road.
The facility has heated beds, rubber floors and solar passive heating for 12 dogs and 18 cats.
It's been the pet project of Inverell Shire Council for the past two years and has the thumbs up from RSPCA Inverell volunteer branch president Wayne Jones.
"This new shelter is a huge improvement on what was there before and reflects a positive attitude towards animal welfare," Mr Jones said.
The project started in 2022, when New England MP Barnaby Joyce secured $2.8 million in funding under the federal Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
While some of the funding was used for road and infrastructure works, $1.1 million was set aside for a new pound for the town's lost or surrendered furry friends.
Work began on the building in April last year and earlier this month, Mr Joyce opened the new facility with Inverell Mayor Paul Harmon.
The shelter is now the cat's miaow and according to Mr Jones, a long time coming.
"It was awful before, there were just brick stalls with half a roof, concrete floors, no doors and all exposed to the elements," he said.
"Fortunately, we take animal welfare a lot more seriously these days and this new facility is modern and clean."
About eight animals are impounded by council rangers every month, with several reclaimed by a carer and the RSPCA and other rescue groups taking the remainder.
No animals were euthanased at the pound.
Mr Jones said an independent volunteer, Terri Smith, collected and drove unwanted animals to a no-kill shelter in Brisbane. The Masonic Lodge just provided funds to upgrade her van.
"It's good local government has taken a bit more interest in animal welfare," Mr Jones said.
The new facility meets all requirements under the Companion Animals Act for any impounded or surrendered animal from the Inverell district.
