We have awarded a grant of $50,000 to Forever Friends Animal Rescue (FFAR) for the relocation, site preparation, and installation of a comprehensive kennel facility that has been kindly offered to them by Stafford Rescue Victoria (SRV).
SRV is an animal rescue charity that specialises in caring for vulnerable Staffies in need. They recently reached out to Forever Friends Animal Rescue to suggest that their kennel facility was moved to FFAR's large property so that it could be used in the most effective way for both rescues, allowing them to save more lives.
The facility includes five Indoor-Outdoor Rehabilitation Pens, measuring 12 x 12.5m in its entirety, and includes water tanks, heating/cooling, a utility room/kitchen, storage and exterior fencing.
FFAR is currently dealing with an increase in demand for its dog rescue services, exacerbated by a higher rate of canine surrenders in the wake of COVID, and receives daily calls for help from pounds, shelters and the public. The relocation of the kennel facility to their property gives them an unprecedented opportunity to meet the demand for additional admission of dogs in need and dramatically increase their capacity by 40 per cent.
The relocation of the SRV facility to FFAR will enable them to save many more lives annually. In addition, as it was built to accommodate Staffies, the facility will provide significantly more spacious accommodation for larger dog breeds, allowing dogs to self-toilet and enjoy outdoor enrichment areas at their leisure, accessed from their own indoor pen.
This project will create a significant impact for FFAR by immediately increasing their capacity so that they can meet rising demand in the short, medium and long-term without compromising their existing operations or incurring brand new kennel construction fees which they cannot afford.
FFAR have observed that in addition to increased post-COVID surrenders, the economic downturn has put pressure on households to meet rising costs, putting additional financial and emotional stress on people and families who are pet owners. Unfortunately, they are seeing increased numbers of forced surrenders, including as a result of family violence problems in the community. Animals are casualties too, and a number suffer from abuse and injury as a result of fractured home environments.
The sooner FFAR are able to accept a dog facing premature euthanasia or needing veterinary treatment or rehabilitation, the sooner they can find a new home and reduce the financial and social burden on councils and the community while ensuring dogs have the safe and secure life they deserve.
Once these new kennels are operational FFAR will be able to save an extra 60 - 120 per year dogs per year depending on the average length of stay.
We are very excited to see this project get up and running to give more dogs the second chance they desperately need.
