Reports in recent months that some roaming dogs could not be collected by the council’s ranger due to lack of space at the town pound seem to have been confirmed.
The shire’s pound was full at the start of September as Coonamble Shire Council weighs their options for increasing capacity to keep pace with the number of unwanted or uncontained animals in the townships.
The current facility has eight pens, although demand fluctuates according to a Council spokesperson.
“The biggest challenge is just the number of dogs that are processed through impounding facilities across NSW.
“There are more dogs than rescue and rehoming organisations can handle, “ the spokesperson said.
“We are investigating the best options for Coonamble like whether a new pound can be accommodated at the existing site or whether we use a new site.
“The first step is to identify the location as this will determine the type and scope of construction.
“At the same time we are also investigating funding opportunities.
“We are aiming to be shovel ready to take advantage of any grant opportunities.”
The spokesperson said they are considering potential new pound locations but could not provide further details for now.
Council currently has one ranger and is recruiting for another.
At the moment, the closest non-government rehoming organisation to Coonamble is in Dubbo, but Coonamble Shire will send animals much further afield in an effort to find a home and avoid euthanasia.
In October 2024, a NSW parliamentary report found that many council pounds were “sub-standard” and operating over capacity.
It also found cost-of-living, puppy farming, backyard breeding and a lack of animal-friendly rentals were key issues driving animals into NSW pounds.
On 3 September 2025 The NSW government announced that they will put up $1.5 million each year for the next four years to boost rehoming organisations, including charities.
The Companion Animal Welfare and Rehoming Grant program will give between $10,000 and $100,000 per organisation but is not available to councils.
In February, there were about 110 government-approved rehoming organisations in NSW.
“The more organisations we can support, the better the outcomes will be for animals that want nothing more than a loving home,” Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said.
“These organisations do incredible and often thankless work in our community, helping thousands of animals find loving homes each year.”
“We recognise they are under increased pressure and need a helping hand.”
According to the ranger report for Council’s September meeting, there were 11 dogs and two cats in the pound as at 26 August.
Three animals were there from the previous month, six new arrivals had been abandoned and three were surrendered.
Two animals were released to owners, two were euthanised and three were released to rehoming organisations.
Council is also working with North West Vets to offer free de-sexing for pet owners across the district.