The shelter takes in around 250 animals each month across the Dubbo Regional Council area with council calling on residents to adopt from the shelter if they are looking for a new pet. 

"In many cases they may not have come from the most loving environment. They may however end up in a shelter through no fault of their owners, but do deserve a second chance at life," a Dubbo Regional Council spokesperson said. 

"Buying from social media sites or other avenues from people that have allowed their pets to breed unnecessarily, encourages this irresponsible pet ownership to continue.

The benefits to adopting can include less ongoing costs as the animal is already vet checked, vaccinated, desexed, microchipped and lifetime registered when adopted from the council shelter.

Only cats and dogs are accepted. 

"Irresponsible pet ownership is the primary reason for animals ending up in our care although there can be circumstances where an animal escapes despite the owner’s best efforts," the spokesperson said.

The NSW Companion Animals Act requires council to hold animals for seven days if not identified, and 14 days if identified (microchipped or owner known).

Following this time the animal becomes the property of council. Animals are assessed and those suitable for rehoming will either be offered for adoption by council or offered to rescue groups.

Those that are unsuitable will be humanely euthanised. These include aggressive, feral and sick or injured animals.

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