Protesters gathered outside council chambers on Monday to chant “shame, Wagga, shame”, “dogs and cats off death row” and “better pound management”.

Gabby Blencowe, who cleaned the shelter after school for a year in 2011, saw “a ranger belt a cat and give it a bloody mouth”.

“They would regularly lie to people, claiming not to recognise photos of missing pets, when they had put the same animal down hours earlier,” Ms Blencowe said.

“They assumed old cattle dogs had fallen off a truck and would put them down after just two days, not waiting the full week like they should have.

“The friendliest cats would be marked feral and killed, just because they hissed when stressed.”

Member of the NSW Legislative Council Mark Pearson from the Animal Justice Party called for criminal charges.

“Whoever threw a kitten against the wall and chucked it in the freezer must face court, the animals deserve justice,” Mr Pearson said.

“This is a blight on Wagga council and the RSPCA, who have not investigated this properly.”

Council commissioned an independent review from veterinary specialist Jacob Michelson, who determined animal handling and housing needed immediate attention.

At the council meeting inside, where councillors approved $70,000 worth of improvements to the shelter, councillor Kevin Poynter claimed the “problem demonstrates failure in leadership of this council”.

Councillor Greg Conkey said Wagga had “a large number of irresponsible pet owners”.

“On average two dogs per day are dumped and a cat is dumped every three days,” Cr Conkey said.

“Animal shelters are depressing places, but when you’re dealing with so many animals there’s no alternative.

“I agree this new shelter has potential to become world class and I implore the (council) general manager to organise an open day.”