Community & Business
9 December, 2021
Animal refuge enjoys new digs
THE Mareeba Animal Refuge has enjoyed nearly three months in their new state-of-the-art facility already putting it to good use.
The new refuge was funded through the State Government’s Works for Queensland program, providing around $1 million for the new facility.
It contains 16 kennels not including the pound’s eight sperate kennels, two exercise yards, an expanded cattery with 30 boxes, a new office and, most importantly, room for expansion.
The old refuge was originally established in 1978 – nearly half a century ago while the current managers, Friends of the Animals Inc took over in 2007.
On 23 August this year, Mareeba Animal Refuge manager Jennifer Walsh and her team were officially handed over the keys to the newly built facility.
They were even given the opportunity to sign a 10 year lease. The new facility is seen as quite an improvement on the old, dilapidated facility with improved functions and controls.
“It was old (the old facility), it broke just about every building code under the sun and the main drawback was the sewerage effluent system,” she said.
“Council was out here doing band aid fixes on it continually.
“It was not good as far as infection control was concerned, especially if there was an outbreak it was a disaster.”
While the facility is newer and cleaner, it can only house 16 dogs while the old facility could have around 25 dogs.
Although the current capacity for dogs is smaller, the new facility has room and plans for expansion as more money become available.
“They only had so much money to build this facility but it’s been designed so that as the money becomes available, we can expand,” Jennifer said.
“There is big potential for development and upgrades.
“The new facility is much more presentable. It presents a better face to the public. This facility is much more user friendly and accessible to people coming through.”
Since 1 May till 3 December, the refuge has managed to rehome 118 dogs and 129 cats, close to their annual averages.
On average, the refuge rehomes around 200 dogs and 110 cats so while the adoption numbers for dogs are lower, cats are above average.
Although the refuge may have new facilities there is one thing that they cannot secure through a grant, volunteers.
There has been a massive decrease in dog walkers with a spike in dog numbers. The refuge in encouging all volunteers to step up and take the lead, including supervised children.
Volunteers help walk the dogs as well as cleaning and socialising with the cats and kittens in the refuge.
If you would like to lend a helping hand, contact the refuge on 4092 3060 to register your interest.
