Lack of support puts animal group at risk

More than 200 cats and dogs could be killed each year if one of Bunbury’s longest-running animal support groups is forced to close its doors.

Members of Bunbury’s Saving Animals From Euthanasia say the lives of animals would be needlessly lost if they could not continue to run.

The group believes it needs to rethink its strategy and employ someone in a part time paid position to coordinate the volunteers and the stray animals.

But their work is under threat due to lack of community support, meaning the hundreds of animals that are rescued each year by the group would be killed.

Co-founder of SAFE Bunbury Nicky Sharwood said the position to coordinate the animals and volunteers would be challenging and rewarding.

‘‘It is a stressful position and paying someone would be the only way forward for the group,’’ Ms Sharwood said.

‘‘We are needing businesses and people in the community to get on board and donate monthly to the group.’’

Ms Sharwood said if SAFE did not receive support they would be forced to shut down.

‘‘I just can’t bear the thought of so many animals being killed,’’ Ms Sharwood said.

‘‘If we shut down it means that 90 per cent of animals saved would die.’’

SAFE volunteer Kate Fox said regular donations were needed to keep the organisation running as more dogs were being sentenced to the pound.

‘‘No SAFE means no dog rescue,’’ Mrs Fox said.

‘‘The maximum time the pound can keep the a dog is four days and if no owner is found it means the dogs will have to be put to sleep.’’

Mrs Fox said the demand of dogs needing new homes was never-ending and the volunteers also offered support to services in Capel, Harvey and Brunswick.

People wanting to rehome an animal can find information on available pets in the Bunbury Herald each Tuesday.

For more information about donating to SAFE call 0434 122 910 or visit www.safe.asn.au.