WHEN the puppy-effect wears off, it's the pound that pays the price.
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More than 441 animals were seized between August and December at Tamworth Regional Pound, and while staff do their best to find most a new home - there's not always a happy ending.
Stray and feral cats have become a serious problem, Tamworth Regional Council regulatory services manager Ross Briggs said, as well as owners who fail to realise pets are a lifelong commitment.
"We go over this one every year but people need to think about whether they can afford the animal, whether they can give it the space and time it needs and how it fits into the future of their family," he said.
"For us it means a lot more animals are in the pound and out on the street if people don't consider this is a lifelong commitment."
In just five months, six cats were seized, 135 were brought to the pound and 18 were surrendered by owners.
At least 40 dogs were seized, 201 were brought to the pound and 40 surrendered.
Pound staff have created a Facebook page to help find pets a new family, and 73 per cent were either returned to their owners, sold or released to an organisation.
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Animals that aren't able to be rehomed unfortunately can face euthanasia, Mr Briggs said.
"Pet owners have to look at microchipping, registrations and vaccinations - all the vet bills if something goes wrong and getting them checked every year," he said.
"They need to think about whether they can give that animal the attention and exercise it deserves.
"A lot of the complaints the rangers get are about barking dogs - they are bored, locked up in a small backyard and unable to be exercised everyday - people think throwing a tennis ball in the backyard or walking it once a week is enough."
In five months, 116 animals were unable to be rehomed.
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