On 25 February 2016 Renbury Farm Animal Shelter put to sleep over 20 healthy cats and kittens. This is the catalyst and symbol of an organisation that is not only eroding the confidence of the community, but sacrificing the welfare and lives of innocent animals. There have been reports of animal neglect, mistreatment and very poor customer service, for instance a dog being left locked in a car in extreme weather conditions only a few days ago. The funds provided to Renbury Farm Animal Shelter are derived from the council rates of the residents of Fairfield, Bankstown, Camden and Liverpool (TAXPAYERS), and as such we demand an independent audit to review the following aspects of Renbury Farm Animal Shelter operations. We are demanding a high level of transparency, which is a requirement of any government enterprise within a democratic society. Animals deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and the community demand this for all animals, whether homeless, surrendered, lost or owned.

1. Staff training - ensuring ALL staff members have a baseline standard of training and demonstrate the capacity to have empathy towards animals. There should be a transparent level of engagement with the community (including animal welfare/rescue groups) that is courteous and polite at all times.

2. Hygiene and cleanliness standards need to be audited and revised. There have been reports of animals transferring sicknesses to one another due to poor hygiene practices, for instance, cages not being appropriately disinfected.

3. Transparency of financial positioning - accountability structures for how, when and why money is being spent should be made available to the public to promote confidence in Renbury Farm practices

4. The promotion of community engagement, particularly with animal welfare groups.

5. Veterinary care - the auditing process needs to focus on the medical needs of animals who end up at Renbury to ensure animals receive appropriate medical attention and are assessed for behavioural issues by a professional with the appropriate credentials. Adherence to appropriate animal welfare laws is fundamental to ensuring the welfare of all animals and we need to see that this is actually being considered for ALL animals. A qualified vet should be on staff EVERY DAY to provide health assessments for incoming animals, and check the status of sick/injured animals.

6. Appropriate and accurate information on when and why animals will be euthanised to ensure all avenues for rescue or adoption have been exhausted BEFORE an animal is needlessly euthanised. In most cases animals can be saved, however because accurate information is not being communicated to the people who can help, often the offer of assistance comes too late. Update: This includes Rescue Groups being permitted to visit the facility at any time, unannounced, to check on the welfare of the animals.

7. The setting up of CCTV cameras and other modes of surveillance to ensure animals are being cared for and treated humanely while in care at Renbury. This is a cost effective option and allows residents to check on the welfare of animals for themselves.

We request that all of the aspects discussed above, in addition to others which may present themselves at a later date, are thoroughly examined by an independent and suitability qualified assessment body, with a focus on the welfare and rights of animals. An animal shelter is NOT a money making enterprise, and we are fed up with seeing healthy animals destroyed in body and spirit for financial gain and greed. ALL LIVES ARE PRECIOUS.

UPDATE: Please send personal stories of experiences with Renbury that you would like attached to this petition and shared with the four Mayors to renburywitnesses@gmail.com - Please be rest assured that your name and contact details will be kept confidential at all times.

Your help will save lives.

UPDATE 10/03/2016: The animal cruelty concerns are NOT limited to cats & kittens. Please read one story (of many) regarding a dog left in Renbury's care (Warning: You may find the content distressing): http://geniestory.weebly.com/

Another story involving a mummy cat "Angel" - being illegally KILLED can be found here: http://savingpets.com.au/2014/10/renbury-orphans-kittens-blocks-rescue-access/