In the last year, Tamworth Regional Council Pound put down 199 feral cats and one dog, and planning and compliance manager Ross Briggs said all feral cats have to be euthanised.

"We had in the last year or so a lot more feral and stray cats brought in, and we can't do anything with those - they can't be trained, they're too wild and too dangerous to handle," he said.

"Particularly with cats you get a lot of unwanted litters, because unless you have a cat desexed or keep it inside, the ability for it to become pregnant is too easy with strays and other roaming cats."

It seems cats weren't the only problem, with 37 of 264 reported dog attacks deemed legitimate.

But, it's not all bad news, of more than 800 animals brought to the pound by members of the public, 61 were sold to new homes and 418 to other rescue organisations.

Another 243 were reclaimed by their owner, likely after getting lost or escaping the house.

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Mr Briggs said it's great to see so many animals finding their furr-ever families, and reminded those considering a cuddly critter as a Christmas gift to consider looking at the pound first.

"The animal control officers' hard work in rehoming these animals means that people get reunited with their animals, they can find suitable owners for pets that might not be wanted," he said.

"So coming into Christmas when people start thinking about getting a pup or kitten for the family, it's a good idea to have a look and see what's at the pound.

"There's always an opportunity to find a home for an unwanted animal, they do a great job keeping in touch with those rescue groups and making it happen."

Tamworth Regional Council also runs free micro-chipping days for pets, keep an eye on the pound Facebook page for information.

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