ANIMAL welfare supporters have welcomed Horsham Rural City Council's decision to use lethal injection to kill unwanted dogs and cats.
At Monday night's council meeting at Natimuk councillors voted against a recommendation by planning and promotion service manager Robin Neilson to continue using the firearm method, instead voting 5-2 in favour of using lethal injection.
The council voted to elect an advisory group to prepare a domestic animal management plan before a public consultation process.
The group will also investigate whether to establish a rehousing program for cats and dogs.
Mr Neilson's report predicted using lethal injection would cost the council $3527 a year.
Mr Neilson said it would cost the council $7 to kill a cat by lethal injection, and depending on the weight of the dog, between $7 and $15 a dog.
In 2007 the council killed 600 cats and 200 dogs.
In April Mr Neilson said a bullet cost council 11 cents.
People for Urban Animal Welfare spokewoman Lydia Ward said the Horsham-based group was happy with the decision.
"We were a little disappointed the council didn't move to start a rehousing program straight away but that's been referred to the advisory committee, so that could be another really good outcome," she said.
Mayor Pam Clarke, Crs Michael Ryan, Alan Pignataro, Iain Sedgman and Iestyn Hosking voted for lethal injection.
Crs Gary Bird and Bernard Gross voted to use the firearm method.
Cr Ryan was the first to oppose Mr Neilson's firearm recommendation.
"Is it economical? Well it's less than $4000, I wouldn't have thought that was overly oppressive to the budget," he said.
"The reality is we have no choice, we have to adopt the Department of Primary Industries' recommendation."
Cr Clarke said she was against the firearm method.
"I believe as a society we have moved on," she said.
Cr Sedgman said the council was required to have a domestic animal plan.
"It comes down to where this community and this council sits on things," he said.
"We see ourselves as a regional centre and I think we need to act like one."
Cr Pignataro said although he was a sporting shooter he didn't believe the council should use a firearm.
Cr Bird was strong in his opinion to continue using firearms.
"I'm amazed people can't see the forest for the trees," he said.
"We do it humanely. No-one can say we're doing it wrong."
Cr Bird said he was an animal lover and responsible pet owner.
Cr Gross said the firearm system had served council well for a long time.
"People who want to get their pet euthanised by injection have that right," he said.
• Mr Neilson said yesterday he would meet veterinarians in the next fortnight to formalise arrangements for euthanising animals by lethal injection.
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