Lost or found animals - Council Pound

If you find an animal and it does or does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you must contact Council as soon as possible.

Council does not provide an animal collection service after hours however the details of the found animal will be noted and collection arranged for business hours.

Please note:
- It is against the law to keep any animal that you find
- It is important to be cautious when approaching strange animals
- A lost animal may be afraid and attack

The Mount Alexander Shire dog and cat pound is located at the Mt Alexander Animal Welfare (MAAW).

MAAW Castlemaine is a not for profit animal welfare organisation providing high quality animal care and community education on animal welfare. MAAW finds lifelong homes for surrendered and homeless animals through careful rehoming programs.

The MAAW shelter is at 24 Langslow Street (former RSPCA shelter).

All reports of lost and found animals should be directed to the Shelter Manager during business hours on 5472 5277.

Monday to Saturday
10.00am - 2.00pm

Closed on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.

There are no release fees payable if the dog or cat is collected within three days. After that the following fess will apply:

Dogs - $25.40 - Per Day
Cats - $20.30 - Per Day

All animals must be currently registered with Council on their release. Proof of registration must be supplied by the owner. If no proof can be supplied, the animal must be registered at the time of release. The Shelter Manager can accept payment for registrations with the Mount Alexander Shire Council and will issue animal owners with a current registration tag upon payment.
See Dog and Cat Registrations.

MAAW also provides a shelter facility for dogs and cats. If you are considering the purchase of a new pet, contact the Shelter Manager for details of animals available for sale.
All sale animals are sold after a thorough vet check and are desexed and fully immunised.

MAAW is urgently seeking volunteers to assist in all aspects of the shelters day to day activities. If you can spare time to assist with cleaning, dog walking and general duties, please register your details with the Shelter Manager.

All reports of animal cruelty or neglect should be directed to the RSPCA Victoria, via their cruelty report hotline on 92 242 222 or by following the link below. Please note, the Castlemaine MAAW (Previously Castlemaine RSPCA) is a pound and shelter only and does not handle any such complaints.

All reports of lost and found animals should be reported to Councils Local Laws Department by contacting us.