As New South Wales residents head to the polls to vote for their local council representative, a candidate for the City of Sydney believes there’s much more to be done in the field of animal welfare, especially in the council that often gets the most attention.
Patrice Pandeleos, Owner and Managing Director at Seven Communications, writes for Animal Friendly Life about why she believes it’s crucial to address the obvious gaps in our local animal welfare policies.
Op-ed by Patrice Pandeleos
Clover Moore, the longest-serving Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney, has held office since 2004, guiding our city through significant transformations. However, one critical area remains woefully neglected–animal welfare. Despite the progress made in various sectors, the City of Sydney Council has failed to provide the necessary infrastructure and support for animal welfare services. With the upcoming council elections, it’s time to put animal welfare squarely on the agendas.
As a candidate for the City of Sydney Council, I believe it’s crucial to address the obvious gaps in our local animal welfare policies. The current state of affairs leaves much to be desired, and we must take concrete steps to ensure that our city provides compassionate and effective care for its animals.
The need for a local no-kill shelter
One of the most significant issues facing Sydney’s pet owners is the lack of a dedicated no-kill shelter within our city. Currently, the City of Sydney relies on the Sutherland Shire’s pound to house lost and stray animals. While this facility is adequate, its location presents a substantial barrier for Sydney residents. The long journey to retrieve a lost pet or adopt a new one is inconvenient, especially without direct public transportation.
This reliance on an external facility not only inconveniences pet owners but also points towards a broader issue–the City of Sydney’s failure to invest in local infrastructure that directly benefits its residents. By not establishing a local shelter, we place excessive strain on smaller councils and charities already struggling to manage the increasing number of animals in need. Our city should be a leader, not a laggard, in animal welfare.
(image: Seven Communications)
Veterinary subsidies: why it’s a necessity, not a luxury
Another critical inadequacy is the lack of veterinary subsidies for financially constrained pet owners. Currently, residents facing financial difficulties are often directed to charities for assistance, placing an enormous financial burden on these organisations and stretching their already limited resources. This reliance on charitable support not only overwhelms these groups but also results in delayed or insufficient care for many animals in need. The absence of council-funded subsidies means that pets often go without essential veterinary care, leading to preventable suffering and exacerbating health issues that could have been managed with timely intervention. This gap in support underscores a pressing need for local government involvement to ensure all pets, regardless of their owner’s financial situation, have access to the care they deserve.
We should be establishing a council-funded subsidy program to assist pet owners with veterinary costs. This could include a voucher system, or a sliding scale fee structure based on income, ensuring that all residents, particularly those experiencing financial hardship, can afford necessary care for their pets. Such a program would not only alleviate the burden on charities but also promote a healthier, more compassionate community.
Implementing animal welfare outreach programs
The City of Sydney also lacks regular animal welfare outreach services or community programs, leaving a significant gap in the support system for both pets and their owners. Without dedicated initiatives to educate the community on responsible pet ownership, residents may be unaware of best practices, leading to preventable issues such as overpopulation, abandonment, or inadequate care. Additionally, the absence of essential services like microchipping and vaccination drives, means that many pets are left vulnerable to illness and the risk of getting lost. This not only affects the animals but also creates broader public health concerns. By failing to proactively engage with residents through these programs, we are missing vital opportunities to foster a more compassionate and informed community, where the well-being of animals is prioritised and integrated into our lives.
The development and funding of animal welfare outreach programs needs to be a priority, to allow us to promote responsible pet ownership and community engagement. These programs could include free or low-cost services such as microchipping, spay and neuter clinics, and pet care educational workshops. By promoting a stronger sense of community responsibility, we can ensure better outcomes for both animals and residents.
Building stronger partnerships
Partnerships with local animal welfare organisations are essential to enhance the Council’s capacity to provide comprehensive animal welfare services. Collaborating on joint initiatives such as adoption events, fostering programs, and educational campaigns will leverage the expertise and resources of established organisations, allowing us to reach more people and make a more significant impact.
An Animal Welfare Advisory Committee should be established to provide guidance and oversight on council policies and initiatives. This committee, composed of representatives from animal welfare organisations, veterinarians, and community members, would ensure that diverse perspectives inform council decisions, leading to more effective and humane outcomes.
Moral obligations for better animal welfare policies
Under New South Wales law, animal management and welfare are recognised as core functions of local councils. The Companion Animals Act 1998 and the Local Government Act 1993 outline councils’ responsibilities to manage companion animals, enforce laws, and provide community services that address public health and safety—including animal welfare. Despite this clear legal framework, the City of Sydney has not lived up to its obligations.
As Australia’s wealthiest council, the City of Sydney should be a national leader in delivering animal welfare improvements. Our city has the resources and the responsibility to provide better facilities and programs that support the well-being of animals and the broader community.
As I run for the City of Sydney Council, I will be committed to putting animal welfare at the forefront of our agenda. It’s time for our city to stop passing the buck and start taking responsibility for the animals in our care. By establishing a local no-kill shelter, introducing veterinary subsidies, implementing outreach programs, and forming strategic partnerships, we can create a compassionate, forward-thinking city that truly values the well-being of all its residents—both human and animal.
The upcoming elections present an opportunity for change. I urge animal-loving voters to support these critical initiatives and help us build a city that leads the way in animal welfare. Together, we can make Sydney a model of compassion and care for all.