The RSPCA has moved a step closer to creating a native wildlife sanctuary at its Katoomba facility, with National Parks giving it a provisional licence.
But the organisation was unable to tell the Gazette how the dual purpose shelter might work or how the native and domestic animals will be kept separate. Repeated requests for information elicited no response.
It is an issue worrying some members of the local RSPCA branch.
Branch vice-president, Bob Kemnitz, said wildlife could be stressed "by the sight, sound or even smell of the dogs". He believed it could mean dogs being kept in a totally enclosed building.
"I am concerned for the dogs which will need to be locked away in the new, totally enclosed kennels proposed for the site, in order to protect the wildlife which would be sharing the site with them."
Ward 1 councillor Kerry Brown said she felt the joint facility sounded "cruel and impractical".
"To avoid stressing wildlife, it means the companion animals would have to be kept permanently enclosed out of sight and sound of the outside world. For dogs this will be particularly stressful. How will they be exercised and how will the barking be managed inside the enclosure? They will be chewing their own paws in no time.
"Dogs could only be kept in such conditions for a few days. So what happens if they are not returned to their owners or adopted quickly? I fear killing them would be the quickest and easiest solution."
The granting of a provisional licence to rehabilitate wildlife is only a first step for the RSPCA. A revamped facility will need development consent, which will be submitted to the Local Planning Panel for determination.
It comes as council and the organisation finalise an agreement for Katoomba to continue to operate as a pound for stray domestic animals.
Councillors at an extraordinary meeting voted to negotiate a new deal with the RSPCA without going to open tender. A report noted that in previous processes in 2008, 2011 and 2016, the RSPCA had been the only valid tenderer.
Crs Brown and Kevin Schreiber voted against the tender exemption but they then supported negotiating a new deal.
"I think it is time we looked further afield," Cr Brown said. "That would include rescue groups, private animal care retreats, vets and also the feasibility of running our own service."
