The heartbreaking deaths of seven newborn puppies in June at a rural NSW pound spurred the formation of a volunteer network to help improve conditions for surrendered animals in rural animal shelters. 

At the time, Sydney resident Lisa Parry was a member of the Rural NSW Critical Pound Pledges Group on social media where individuals pledge cash donations to rescue and rehome pound animals.  

“We saw a post about these puppies, five days old, eyes not even open, all in a pile in the dirt. They weren’t even put on a blanket. Within 12 hours, everyone raised about $800 and transport was found for them to leave the pound the next morning. Before they could get onto the transport, however, six of the seven puppies had died.” 

Ms Parry said several things contributed to their deaths, including their very distressed mother not having milk to feed them, the conditions at the council-run facility which did not have a dedicated ranger, and the very cold weather. The mother and surviving pup were transported to an animal rescue group, but the puppy died enroute.  

That distressing incident, and inspired by the work of the now-retired Winter Warmers volunteer group, spurred Ms Parry and colleagues to start an initiative to collect and distribute bedding and other items for rural pound animals. Ms Parry and Viv McElhenny are the founders of "Warm Paws", who have a small team of volunteers working with them. 

Within two weeks of starting the Warm Paws group to supply donations to rural pounds, more than 100 people had joined. In its first four weeks, the group managed to distribute donated items to 20 rural pounds that reached out for support.  

“We’ve got people who have volunteered their garages for storage and as a drop point for donations, and the transport itself is all free, donated. We’re not necessarily able to pick where we want stuff to go at this point. We’re reliant on where the transport is going,” Ms Parry said. 

Transport of donated items to rural pounds is currently provided by individuals travelling between locations on an ad hoc basis, plus dedicated support from Sydney-based pet transporter Transpaws. Pounds also distribute items between themselves. 

PHOTO: Dogs recently rescued from central west NSW. Photo: Transpaws. 

“Transpaws goes to rural pounds to take animals out to rescue groups. Michele tells us what pounds she’s going to and will take things to them for us,” a grateful Ms Parry said. 

Transpaws proprietor Michele Kavanagh said: “I go to a lot of areas, anywhere I have animals to pick up. I take blankets and bedding out to rural pounds and bring dogs back.” 

Ms Kavanagh has collected animals from rural pounds in Cobar, Narromine, Dunedoo, Young, Walgett, Condobolin, Coonamble, Narrabri, Gunnedah and Orange and transported them to animal rescue groups in NSW and interstate.  

“The condition of some of the dogs in these pounds is heartbreaking. I follow up on a lot of those I deliver to rescues," Ms Kavanagh said.  

The Warm Paws group is keen to build the volunteer transport and distribution network to reach more rural pounds. 

“Our next step is to look for [more] transport – companies willing to donate a backload for us when going to rural areas,” Ms Parry said. 

PHOTO: Some of the destinations that will receive donations coordinated by Warm Paws. 

Working with what they’ve got: rangers, pounds and rescue groups 

Anonymity is important in the animal rescue space. Rural pounds are not named when animals are identified for rescue on social media pledge pages, in part to protect the rangers, the pound operators and the animal rescue groups who may be subject to abuse. 

“No one will ever name that pound,” Ms Parry said of the distressing incident that led to the formation of Warm Paws. However, she wants Western Plains App readers to know that resourcing is a major issue facing rural pounds, which do the best they can with what they have. 

“Our experience has been that the majority of rangers go above and beyond to do the best they can for the animals’ warmth, wellbeing etc with very little resources.

"People tend to blame rangers for all the bad [stuff] when often it’s actually just that they have no choice [and limited resources]. When we call rangers to introduce Warm Paws, they are overwhelmed with gratitude.” 

The Warm Paws group hopes that when communities realise the challenges facing rural pounds, they will step up and support those pounds more. 

The purpose and work of animal rescue groups is also often misunderstood, Ms Kavanagh said. 

“People abuse [rescue groups] for not taking more animals when they, too, are struggling and at capacity trying to do their very best.” 

PHOTO: Items bagged and ready for transport to rural NSW pounds. 

NSW Upper House investigates rural pounds 

The NSW Upper House is currently investigating NSW pounds, including the adequacy of resourcing and facilities, and operational challenges.  

Inquiry chair, Hon Emma Hurst MLC, said: “Every year, thousands of animals enter the pound system in NSW. Some may be there for weeks or months, while others may never make it out alive. Ensuring the welfare of these animals is paramount and the committee will examine housing, bedding, feeding, exercise, enrichment, veterinary treatment, vaccination and desexing of these animals.” 

The inquiry will also investigate euthanasia rates and practices in pounds, any changes that should be implemented by the State Government, and the relationship between NSW pounds and animal rescue organisations. 

“The adequacy of laws currently governing pounds, to determine how these laws may be strengthened to ensure better outcomes for all animals, [will also be examined],” Ms Hurst said. Submissions close on August 18. 

The Warm Paws group has made its submission to the inquiry as it continues to support animals in rural NSW pounds 

PHOTO: More donated items collected by Warm Paws for distribution to rural NSW pounds.