Media Releases 2012

Generous donations help homeless animals

9 Jan 2012

Thanks to the generosity of Central Coast pet lovers, Council’s Animal Care Facility is overflowing with food, toys, beds and blankets for homeless dogs and cats.

More than $1000 worth of gifts and $140 in gift vouchers were donated after PETstock in Erina set up a wishing tree during December, where customers were encouraged to donate Christmas gifts for abandoned animals at the Animal Care Facility.

Council’s Animal Care Facility Coordinator, Craig Pagett and Trainee Emily Jones, picked up the gifts last week and said they were overwhelmed by how much people had donated.

“We could barely fit it in the car!” Craig said.

“We are so grateful for everything that has been donated for abandoned animals at the centre. We can use the toys, leads and treats now and also provide starter packs that will include high quality food and blankets for everyone who adopts a pet.”

Mr Pagett said the gift cards would be used to buy automatic water dispensers and scratching poles in the new cattery, which was built with money donated from the Paws and Claws for a Cause walk last year.

Each year, the Animal Care Facility experiences an increase in the number of abandoned and surrendered animals throughout December and January.

“We find that people go away and leave their pets behind so they escape and end up at the Animal Care Facility. We also experience an increase in abandoned animals a couple of months after Christmas when puppies and kittens that were given as gifts are no longer a novelty.”

Mr Pagett added that as well as PETStock, the Scouts had donated food packages, several special needs organisations had been a great help with walking and grooming pets and residents had donated blankets and food throughout the year.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped us over the past year. All the volunteer dog walkers and everyone who has donated food, blankets and toys for the animals have made a huge difference to the wellbeing of the animals at the centre.”

For more information on pet adoption, volunteer dog walking and responsible pet ownership education, call Council’s Animal Care Facility on 4350 3184 or visit www.wyong.nsw.gov.au/petgallery.  

Media contact: Communications Officer, Annette Young, 4350 5191 or 0437 872 388.