Animal foster agencies benefit from Council donation
Three local animal foster agencies have shared in a generous donation of $15,000 from Livingstone Shire Council, as part of Council’s ongoing funding support toward these important services.
Councillor Andrea Friend, Portfolio holder of Water, Waste Management and the Environment, joined representatives from Capricorn Animal Aid, RSPCA and Four Paws Adoption and Education Inc. today to present each organisation with a $5,000 cheque and to thank them for helping to give animals a second chance at a happy life.
“We are very pleased to be able to donate to a cause that plays an important and valuable role within our community,” Cr Friend said.
“Without ongoing support, these incredible not-for-profit charities wouldn’t be able to continue dedicating their time to help reduce the number of unwanted, stray and abandoned cats and dogs within Livingstone Shire.
“Thousands of animals are cared for by dedicated foster carers each year and as that number grows, it’s an important reminder that being a pet owner is a big responsibility.
“All pet owners should ensure their pets are desexed, wormed, vaccinated, microchipped and registered.
“If you’re thinking of bringing a new pet into your home, give foster care a go or choose the adoption option, whilst receiving support from the agency to help settle your new friend in.
“Council’s Local Laws team works closely with these volunteer-run agencies, which are crucial to finding animals a new loving home when they are not able to be reunited with their former owners.
President of Four Paws Adoption and Education Inc., Michael Dwan, said this year our dedicated volunteers have provided short-term direct care for 60 cats and dogs, as well as rehabilitated those same animals that were orphaned, sick or injured.
“We have been working closely with Livingstone Shire Council to rehome animals that unfortunately find their way to the pound and aren’t able to be reunited with their owners,” Mr Dwan said.
“Currently, we have 5 cats in care so this donation will go towards their care and the vet costs for the ongoing medical treatment of these animals.
“The biggest issue our agency faces is the need for more members of the community to take on the role of committee members and volunteers to help foster the animals in our care and to assist in fundraising events.
“We rely on the generosity of the local community to keep the charity running so we are extremely grateful for this financial contribution from Council, which goes a long way to finding suitable, loving and forever homes for displaced pets.”
For more information on these agencies and how to become a foster carer, please visit:
Four Paws Adoption and Education
Capricorn Animal Aid
RSPCA
For more information on animals and pets in Livingstone, click here.