Two Western Plains councils confirmed they've seen an increase in residents surrendering their animals at the same time as a report release aimed at tackling the number of furry friends in the pound system.

The parliamentary report was published on 18 October and found cost of living, puppy farming and backyard breeding were key issues driving companion animals into NSW pounds.

The report also found that many council pounds are "sub-standard" and operating over capacity.

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said the service in his shire is so far managing the increase.

"Year on year we have seen an increase in the number of surrendered and captured animals across the Brewarrina Shire. This is putting pressure on our staff and resources but by no means are we struggling to keep up," Mr Kirby said.

"Dogs by far are our most commonly reported surrendered and captured animal, however stray and wild cats are also increasing."

Mr Kirby also said the shire last week hosted members of the RSPCA in Brewarrina to deal with overpopulation.

The RSPCA visit. IMAGE: Brewarrina Shire Council 

Over three days, the travelling team helped 207 animals belonging to 90 people.

Fifty-six animals were desexed, 152 were vaccinated, 127 microchipped and 175 were provided with parasite prevention and pet food.

"The community response was amazing. It was also a great opportunity for the attending RSPCA Inspectors and vets to work with our team and give them advice and provide training," Mr Kirby said.

Narromine Shire Council's General Manager Jane Redden also said there's been an increase in surrenders, especially of puppy litters.

"The number of animals brought in weekly varies. For the 2023/24 financial year, there were 107 dogs, and 20 cats surrendered," Ms Redden said.

"We communicate with various rescue organisations that assist with rehoming suitable animals."

Ms Redden said the shire's pound has a maximum capacity for ten cats and 20 dogs, although it may vary with the dog size. 

She also said the pound is currently closed due to a recent parvovirus outbreak.

The report from the cross-partisan Portfolio Committee No. 8 made 24 recommendations.

One recommendation was for the NSW government to provide local councils and rescue and rehoming organisations with grants for large-scale desexing programs, with a specific focus on disadvantaged communities and areas with large homeless cat populations. 

It also recommended that the government investigate providing financial support to lower-income earners for feeding, training, microchipping and desexing companion animals.

Others include developing an enforceable code of conduct for NSW pounds, a public campaign urging people to "adopt, don't shop," and mandatory desexing and vaccination in pounds before animals are adopted.

"The committee found that a large number of animals are still being killed in NSW pounds, which is completely unacceptable. The recommendations in the report will go a long way towards getting to zero euthanasia in pounds," committee Chair Emma Hurst said.