But much of these concerns will hopefully be addressed with an independent review currently underway.

A Wingecarribee Shire Council spokesperson said an official report was expected to be back before the council by the end of the month.

The good news is that the council-owned and run shelter, has officially been deemed a minimal euthanasia facility. The council adopted the Alternatives to Euthanasia policy in 2015.

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The council spokesperson said it was the plan for the shelter to maintain its role as a minimal euthanasia facility.

According to statistics from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 a total of 184 dogs entered the shelter, 43 were sold, 123 were released to their owners, 10 were transferred to animal welfare organisations and 15 were euthanised.

The total number of cats entering the shelter in the same period was 180 with 102 cats sold, 15 cats released to their owners and 76 cats euthanised.

The council spokesperson noted that the explanation for the difference between animals arriving and leaving is due to the fact that it was not unusual for strays to come in pregnant.

The charity Friends of Wingecarribee Animal Shelter (FOWAS) has provided ongoing support for the animals in the shelter with the aim of ensuring comfort, health and greater chance of finding a forever home.

The charity's funding support goes towards equipment such as beds and toys, a trainer, food and treats, and medical attention where necessary.

However, the location and ease of access to the shelter, currently located within the grounds of the Wingecarribee Resource Recovery Centre, have continued to be matters of concern. Anyone currently wishing to visit the shelter must access it through the RRC. There is no separate entrance.

Staff health and safety concerns as well as statutory compliance issues were also more recently raised by the council's interim administrator Viv May.

Land at 1 Bowman Road, Moss Vale, was purchased on May 25 by the council for $1.4million (excluding GST) for the purpose of establishing a new shelter.

The council has also allocated $350,000 for planning in its 2021/22 budget, and $3,450,000 in its 2022/23 budget to construct a new shelter.

It is understood the independent review, currently underway, will deal with the council's statutory obligations in regards to the facility and future improvements.

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