Strays have no place to call home
Published on 20 August, 2008
Stray animals in Mackay have no place to call home. About 40,000 dogs in Queensland rely on the RSPCA each year.
By student reporter Emilie-Jain Palmer.
From rodents to birds, these charity shelters don't discriminate. There are many animals at these shelters awaiting adoption.
RSPCA is a community, non-profit organisation in Queensland. There are nine shelters and sixteen inspectors throughout Queensland. An ongoing education program is on the go which includes a mobile unit that travels through the state.
On Sunday 6th July, a family fun day was held to raise awareness and money towards a new RSPCA animal shelter. There were prizes for best dressed dogs or the sloppiest tongue. This fundraiser was a successful day for all involved.
Ms Kim Seckold attended the RSPCA function on Sunday. All animals large and small participated in the walk around the Mackay gooseponds. Kim said it was "such a great day out, plenty of activities and all of it was for such good cause". Ms Seckold's dog won the award "best dressed pet".
When Mackay receives its long awaited shelter, it will be possible for loving families to adopt these pets into their home. An online database is available to search for the perfect animal before arriving at the shelter. Each animal is meticulously cared for with all vaccinations and medications needed. Looking after these animals comes at a price.
RSPCA has an annual budget of eighteen million dollars. The government contributes one hundred and seventy-seven thousand dollars each year. All other funding is reliant on donations from the public. This means the RSPCA is an independent charity that is dependant on community support to survive. The RSPCA care for younger animals until they reach adulthood. This is when they can adopt them into families.
Mr Michael Beety from the RSPCA says that "...when an adult dog comes into the RSPCA, they undergo a veterinary check and then a behavioural test". Once each adult dog passes this behavioural test and veterinary check they will never be put down and will remain with the RSPCA until a home is found.
Shelters are safe havens for animals that have no carers or families to live with. However, Mr Beety said that the RSPCA are now trying to replace shelters with shop fronts. "..In Rockhampton, there is actually a shop front that the animals come into on a daily basis and each evening they go home to a foster carers home", Michael described. This is clearly much better solution for the animals.
To adopt a pet, perspective families can visit their website, www.rspcaqld.org.au, to see photographs of every animal that is available throughout Queensland. Shelters are scattered from Cairns, Townsville, Bundaberg, Noosa and Kingaroy.
If you find an injured wildlife or domestic animal, please contact the state-wide line on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625). If the wildlife is injured the RSPCA "..will be able to contact the nearest carer to come along and take care of that animal", Michael Beety said. If the animal is domestic, the RSPCA can direct them to the nearest veterinary or call the local animal ambulance depending on the location. If there is an emergency, always contact the local police station.