Hunter Animal Rescue spokeswoman Alisha Forbes said she would like rescue groups to be given the chance to care for and find a new home for animals at the pound.

"We are not generally made aware of animals impounded at RSPCA Rutherford," Ms Forbes said.

Animals that rangers pick up from Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Maitland go to Rutherford pound.

"It would be good to see RSPCA Rutherford utilise rescue groups where possible," Ms Forbes said.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said rescue groups could adopt animals from its pounds once they had "completed the legislated impound period and only if the animal is suitable for adoption".

Dog Rescue Newcastle founder Sue Barker claimed the RSPCA used a "barbaric" method to euthanise animals.

"They inject a needle into their heart," Mrs Barker said.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said "euthanasia through a heart injection is acceptable", but it was not the RSPCA's standard method.

"Intravenous injection is used for euthanasia," she said.

The Herald reported recently that feral and infant animals would be euthanised within seven days at Rutherford pound, under a Lake Macquarie City Council policy.

Ms Forbes acknowledged that most shelters had "too many animals".