Cats and dogs in NSW are facing "high rates" of euthanasia, with more than 150,000 put down in state pounds over the past five years, the government says.
In an attempt to combat the number of killings, the NSW government announced the state's first Companion Animals Taskforce on Monday.
The taskforce will promote responsible pet ownership and will also investigate animal breeding practices and puppy farms, as well as desexing and micro-chipping.
The announcement comes after NSW council pounds revealed that a total of 32,000 dogs and cats were euthanased in the past year, a spokesman from the Department of Premier and Cabinet told AAP.
"Recent statistics show that, of the animals arriving at NSW pounds each year, about one third of dogs and nearly 70 per cent of cats are euthanased," Don Page, Minister for Local Government, said in a statement.
"These are shocking statistics and the establishment of the taskforce recognises the rights of the tens of thousands of companion animals, and will ensure that their voice is heard in parliament."
The taskforce will include members of the Animal Welfare League NSW, the Australian Veterinary Association, the Cat Protection Society, the RSPCA and the Pet Industry Association, as well as the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Division of Local Government.
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