ANIMAL welfare advocates are rejoicing with the news that the Blacktown pound will be overhauled to provide better conditions and to reduce the number of animals being killed.
Blacktown councillors voted to adopt recommendations made in two reports about pound operations and policy.
Former veterinarian and RSPCA boss Mark Lawrie compiled the reports, which say the desexing of animals given new homes may reduce the number of unwanted offspring returned to the pound.
Dr Lawrie says the tender system, which requires prospective pet-owners to outbid each other, should be changed to a fixed-price system.
He also said pound buildings and animal housings are run-down.
Dr Lawrie's reports said it would cost a lot, but that newer facilities should be built.
Quakers Hill resident and animal-welfare advocate Vicki Goulding (left) welcomed the report's findings, which she said welfare groups had been waiting for for 10 years.
"I'd like the recommendations to have happened a lot sooner, rather than later," Mrs Goulding said.
Blacktown Council adopted the report's recommendations.
The council also called for another report that would outline the cost of the changes and most effective ways of making them.
Cr Allan Green said making the required changes would be a challenge for the council.
He said: "It's going to cost the council a lot of money and there are competing resources, but this is pretty high on the agenda now."
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