Second Whistleblower Exposes Alleged Unethical Dog Euthanasia at Port Stephens Pound
A second whistleblower has come forward with serious allegations regarding the kill rate of dogs at the Port Stephens Council pound, intensifying calls for a thorough investigation into its operations. Cathy Davis, who worked at the facility, known as Port Stephens Animal Refuge, for six months last year, claims that some dogs that were euthanised could have been rehomed.
"I saw them kill a perfectly innocent dog because it had been there a bit longer," Ms Davis stated. "I promised all the dogs I'd be a voice for them when I had the chance." Her allegations add to earlier reports from whistleblower Kylie Wilson, who alleged dogs were being "euthanised unnecessarily" at the pound.
Former Workers Detail Disturbing Practices
Former employees have alleged that dogs were euthanised in the pound's feed room and then placed in a freezer, a practice the council has denied. Sue Summons, who managed the council's previous pound at Bobs Farm, condemned this as unethical. "It should be done by a vet, not where they think they'll get fed or where food will be prepared for their mates after they're put in a black bag," she said.
Mrs Summons emphasised that only the most aggressive dogs should be euthanised, noting she had kept dogs for over a year in hopes of rehabilitation. "I had dogs here for in excess of 12 to 18 months sometimes because I knew there was a slight twinkle in their eye that they might be OK," she explained.
Political and Community Response
State MP Emma Hurst of the Animal Justice Party has called for "an immediate and transparent investigation" into the pound's operations. She revealed that her office has received alarming allegations, including claims of unlawful animal killings. In response, Port Stephens Council, which contracts the pound to a private operator at Millers Forest, denied any wrongdoing.
Brock Lamont, the council's strategy and environment section manager, asserted that the council complies with the Companion Animals Act and stated, "Council has not been made aware of any evidence that substantiates the allegations being made." He added that euthanasia is performed by qualified personnel in a clinical environment, not in food preparation areas.
Data and Rescue Group Concerns
State data shows a significant increase in euthanasia rates at the new pound. In 2024-25, 31 dogs were euthanised after being deemed unsuitable for rehoming, compared to only four dogs under similar definitions at the old Bobs Farm pound in 2022-23. Rescue groups have also raised issues, with Chrystie Soames of Diamond In the Ruff Rescue reporting that the pound refused to honour holds on dogs scheduled for transfer to rescue care.
"Despite these confirmed rescue arrangements, the pound advised it will not honour or hold the dogs for the scheduled transports," Ms Soames said. This has fueled further criticism from community members and animal advocates, who demand accountability and reform in the pound's management practices.
