Would you rather Warrnambool's shelter kept lost or stray pets until they found a new home, or have them potentially euthanised after eight days?
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That's the question city councillors will look to ask pet owners after the rise of pet registrations angered the community.
The council says the cost of pet registrations has risen due to a 300 per cent increase in the cost of running the city pound, as a result of the RSPCA seeking full costs for its services.
A petition was started by a city resident, gaining more than 1000 signatures, urging the council to reconsider the fees.
However councillors said the RSPCA costs - previously the council's contribution was about $112,000 each year, but for the 2019-2020 financial year, it will be more than $360,000 - should be reviewed in years to come to gauge community opinion on ditching the RSPCA.
Cr Kylie Gaston said there was a conversation to be had with the community about their ethical views.
"A $16 increase in a year is most definitely significant," she said.
"It is true the RSPCA provide a higher level of service than what is required under the domestic animal act. Animals are kept until they are re-homed. It's a successful model, but comes at a higher cost. At other pounds in our neighbouring councils the animals are kept for only eight days before being euthanised."
She said the RSPCA contract was coming up again in a year's time and wanted the community to have a say on what type of service they wanted.
"It's not just a cost issue - it poses philosophical questions," she said.
Cr David Owen said the arrangement the city council had with the RSPCA was "much more humane" than other council pounds.
"After eight days in other places they destroy them," he said.
Cr Rob Anderson said a review in coming years could look at other providers. Mayor Tony Herbert said the council chose not to euthanise, but it came at a financial cost.
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