Local animal foster agencies benefit from ongoing support from Council donations
Development and Environment Standing Committee Co-Chairs, Deputy Mayor Pat Eastwood and Councillor Wade Rothery, joined representatives from Capricorn Animal Aid and RSPCA Rockhampton 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.
“Council is proud to be able to donate to an important cause that plays a vital and valuable role within our community,” Cr Eastwood 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.
Councillor Wade Rothery emphasised that 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,” Cr Rothery said.
Capricorn Animal Aid Vice-President Dana Meyer, said over the previous year their dedicated volunteers have rehomed over 500 cats and dogs, as well as providing care, and vet work to 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,” Ms Meyer said.
“Currently, we have over 100 cats and dogs being looked after by our wonderful volunteers so this donation will go towards their care and the vet costs for the ongoing medical treatment of these animals.
“The biggest issue our organisation faces is the need for more animals to be desexed, which would reduce the number of pets needing to be rehomed.
“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.”
RSPCA Rockhampton’s Animal Care Coordinator Paul Hagen said this funding support would go a long way in assisting the local organisation to find homes for animals, provide care, as well as raise awareness around animal welfare to the wider community.
“We have also unfortunately experienced a decline in our Foster Care Base,” Mr Hagen said.
“In previous years we have had over 40 foster carers and we are currently down to less than 20 foster carers to provide a safe home while our animals await their new journey.
“RSPCA supplies all foster carers food, training and vet treatments.
“If anyone is interested in becoming a foster carer to give these vulnerable animals a loving home before they find their forever home, they would be making a huge difference to the lives of these animals, as well as providing much-needed support to the organisation.”
If you would like to volunteer or sign up to be a foster carer, please contact rockhamptonfostercare@rspcaqld.org.au
For more information on these agencies and how to become a foster carer, please visit:
RSPCA Rockhampton
For more information on animals and pets in Livingstone, click here.