In order to provide necessary practical training for the next generation of veterinarians, Logan City Council has entered into a partnership agreement with the University of Queensland.
The agreement with the University's School of Veterinary Science, will result in a percentage of unclaimed animals, which end up at Council's Animal Management Centre and are destined to be euthanised, being transported to the University to assist fourth and fifth year Veterinary Science students with their studies.
Heath and Regulatory Committee Chairperson, Councillor Phil Pidgeon, said Council had a long-standing arrangement with the University and that the supply of animals to the School of Veterinary Science had a number of significant benefits.
"It is a sad fact, but Council is forced to euthanise hundreds of unclaimed animals each year, at significant cost to our ratepayers," he said.
"By supplying these animals to UQ, we are able to assist the next generation of vets by giving them practical experience with the animals and save our ratepayers thousands of dollars."
Councillor Pidgeon said the University had an Animal Ethics Committee and the animals were treated humanely at all times.
"The animals are transported to UQ in a purpose built air-conditioned animal trailer and students were supervised by qualified staff at all times when dealing with the animals," he said.
Contrary to popular belief, Councillor Pidgeon said some of the animals supplied to UQ were re-homed through the University's adoption program - a total of 354 over the past five years.
"The sad alternative is that these animals would otherwise have been euthanised by Council as unwanted pets because we could not find homes for them," he said.
Councillor Aidan McLindon and Councillor Darren Power visited the Veterinary Science Faculty late year and were impressed with the professionalism of the staff and students.
Councillor Power said the animals were kept in large enclosures, provided special recreational areas and are exercised daily by specialist volunteer carers.
"The animals appear to be very happy in this environment," he said.
The partnership agreement between Council and the University of Queensland is valid until June 2013.