TRC closing Animal Management Centre after-hours, drop-off facility from February 28, 2025

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is removing the after-hours, drop-off box facility at Toowoomba’s Anzac Avenue Animal Management Centre effective from Friday, February 28, 2025.

TRC Environmental and Regulatory Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Bill Cahill said the move was approved at Council’s 2024 November Ordinary Meeting.

“Council has followed RSPCA recommendations to decommission the after-hours, drop-off box facility to alleviate animal welfare risks in line with community expectations,’ Cr Cahill said.

“Feedback provided by the community was considered as part of the RSPCA review.

“Council commissioned the RSPCA to conduct a review of the Animal Management Centre’s services, particularly the after-hours, drop-off box facility, in response to public feedback. 

“Council’s Animal Management Centre is open to accept lost or roaming animals that are found by residents between 9am and 4.30pm from Monday to Friday. Residents who find a dog without a Council tag, can choose to hold the animal at home if it is safe to do so, and contact Council on 131 872 during normal business hours to advise that they have privately impounded an animal and request collection.

“Anyone finding a wandering animal with a Council registration tag (with identity details) outside our weekday operating hours is advised to call Council on 131 872 to start the process to find the animal’s owner.

“Alternatively, residents also can access numerous social media sources to publicise a lost animal if it does not have its owner’s contact details on a collar.

“Council will continue to respond to reports of dog attacks and cases where animals present a significant nuisance or risk to the community, including cases where action is required outside business hours.

“It must be remembered that the Animal Management Centre primarily holds animals for short stays, with most animals released to their owners within 24 or 48 hours of impoundment. This is aided where owners have complied with Queensland legislation that requires dogs and cats to be microchipped, and for dogs to be registered with Council. For details visit, www.tr.qld.gov.au/petrego

“Occasional longer-term care of animals is generally linked to cases involving Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal directions or where dogs have been seized.

“Council is taking these measures to ensure the welfare of animals that are housed at the Animal Management Centre, in line with various State legislation.

“Under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, members of the public also have a duty to care for animals which come into their care or which they find roaming.”

Cr Cahill said Council had enhanced its lost pet section on its website to allow easier identification of animals.

For details about the latest changes, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/lostpets