Animal shelter paws ahead of the rest

Townsville City Council has detailed the improvements made to the Animal Shelter – such as refurbishing kennels, building new exercise enclosures and establishing a vet clinic – at the Community Health and Environment Committee meeting today.

Council took over management of the shelter in April last year and began offering an adoption program in December.

Since then the shelter has been refurbished and Council has introduced a number of programs to promote responsible pet ownership and provide animals with the best chance of being adopted.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said Council had been working hard to ensure the Animal Shelter runs effectively and provides the best care to the animals there.

“Since taking over the shelter, Council has refurbished the kennels and office, built new exercise enclosures, upgraded the entry road and established a vet clinic,” Cr Hill said.

“We are the first Local Government in Queensland to have an on-site vet clinic and have hired a veterinarian and vet nurse – we also work with James Cook University to provide practical experience to vet students.

“The clinic is equipped for basic surgery which allows us to provide the best care to animals that come into the shelter – including desexing animals and treating injuries or illness.

The shelter has held several successful adoption programs including open weekends and special events like Howl-o-ween, Meowvember and Black Cat Friday.

Community Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said Council’s changes to the shelter helps promote responsible pet ownership.

“The reclaim rate at the shelter for dogs is over 50% and all adopted animals are desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and registered or approved,” Cr Greaney said.

“Our shelter is one that families and residents can visit just to play with the animals for the day – we are very proud of the environment there.”

“Council also works with several rehoming groups to ensure that all of our animals have the best chance of going to their new family.”

Council also recently started a Townsville City Animals Facebook page where residents can get information on the shelter and Council initiatives.

Cr Hill said Council has a number of community programs running from the shelter.

“Council is working with the Queensland Correctional Services to walk and play with the animals daily which is great to socialise them,” Cr Hill said.

“They also resurface dog beds with shade cloth, and the Rollingstone District Association’s Troopies group come out to the shelter and read to the animals.”

For more information, or to like the Townsville City Animals Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/TownsvilleCityAnimals/