Call To Paws For Kurri Pound!

[DMA]

OK the Cessnock Council Agenda has just been published & the issue about the future of Kurri pound is on it. After Council has denied us the right to have a second speaker, after our presentation to council voicing other options & concerns about the contract with the RSPCA based at Rutherford, it has all come down to this meeting at 6.30pm on Wednesday 15 June 2011 at the Cessnock Council Chambers (enter via Cumberland Street).

Since the 18 May 2011, Council hasn't even adjusted their report to the Councillors in response to my presentation challenging a lot of what was in it. It is just so arrogent yet typical of the Council's approach to this matter. See this link for their agenda report: http://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/resources/file/Agendas/2011/OC_15062011_AGN.pdf

Nonetheless these are the facts:

There has been no community consultation which is in violation of Section 8 of the Local Government Act.

There has been no tender called which is in violation of Section 55 of the Local Government Act.

There is a viable & local boarding kennel operator who has challenged council to allow them to tender for the contract.

Their quote of $2.2 million for a new pound is grossly overflated where figures around $600 000 seem far more realistic.

The RSPCA contract, worth over $2 million, is considered "somewhat high" by an official from the Division of Local Govt.

The RSPCA will be ensured an monopoly throughout the Hunter Valley, which is in violation of the Trade Practices Act/Competition and Consumers Act.

The RSPCA at Rutherford currently refuses to allow rescue groups access to impounded animals regardless of their status under a Clause 16d.

Plus there's so much more stuff, like in the poster above, where I don't know where to start nor end...

Please we need you to be at this Council meeting at 6.30pm on Wednesday 15 June 2011 at the Cessnock Council Chambers...

[DMA]

Written legal option was delivered to council today stressing the need to drop this resolution before council & rethink their plans: either tender or build their own pound.

Nevertheless we need everyone who can make it turn up at the Council meeting at 6.30pm to impress upon the Councillors that a large number of people are not happy with this affair. So if you can spare a few hours on Wednesday 15 June please come to the Cessnock Council Chambers (enter via Cumberland St) as your support will be greatly appreciated, not only by myself, but also all the dogs & cats of Kurri pound!