Leading animal welfare organisation, Animal Aid, is urging Victorians to dig deep to support Animal Aid’s important mission in taking unclaimed dogs and cats from ‘pound only’ facilities, giving companion animals a greater chance to find a new home.

Each year, thousands of stray and surrendered companion animals around Victoria wind up at Council Pounds with no adoption services where the likelihood to be reclaimed is minimal.

Animal Aid is determined to assist proactive Councils that have ‘Pound only’ operations in taking their unclaimed cats and dogs and giving them a second chance to find them a new home, including investing the time and resources to go and pick up the dog or cat from the pound operations.

For many people, the ‘dog pound’ mentality creates a bleak picture and has many negative connotations associated to it.  With Animal Aid as an exception, there are dozens of pound operations in Victoria that do not have an adoption service facility.  This means that after the eight day statutory holding period, the fate of any unclaimed pets will be a very final one.

According to Animal Aid General Manager, Nell Thompson, it is the generosity and support of thousands of Victorians who will assist with Animal Aid’s desperate mission in helping unclaimed cats and dogs.

“Having three strays myself, I personally know, that given the chance, many of these beautiful and loving creatures make excellent companions,” she said.

“But if no one gives them the opportunity, their lives get lost in the system.”

“At Animal Aid, we are determined to minimise this grave predicament.”

To donate to Animal Aid, visit www.animalaid.org.au or contact Debra Boland on 9739 0300 for more information.