We have awarded a $10,000 Buddy's Grant to Animal Rescue Coffs Harbour to launch a Desexing Program aimed at reducing pet overpopulation and improving animal welfare in the Coffs Harbour Area.
This program will provide free desexing and microchipping to low-income households, promoting responsible pet ownership. The grant is needed to reduce pet overpopulation from unwanted litters and will reduce the number of dogs ending up in local pounds.
In the Coffs Harbour area the dogs that end up in local pounds are usually undesexed and are at risk of euthanasia. Desexing can also reduce roaming and therefore reduce the numbers of lost dogs in the area (who are then at risk of ending up in pounds).
By launching this program ARCH will
(a) Assist dogs needing help: By providing free dog desexing and resources to support the homeless and low-income households to help them care for their dogs. By reducing the number of unwanted litters, they can decrease the number of dogs entering shelters and rescue systems.
(b) Reduce euthanasia rate: By reducing the number of unwanted litters, ARCH can decrease the number of dogs being euthanised in shelters. - Their program can also help reduce the number of dogs being abandoned due to unwanted breeding. Dogs are less likely to escape and wander if desexed and throughout the programme they will also be microchipped, so if lost, will be more able to be reconciled with their family.
(c) Support local community: By providing free desexing services, we can help low-income households care for their dogs and prevent unwanted breeding. This will also support other animal welfare organisations and shelters/pounds by reducing the numbers of dogs being abandoned and surrendered. By running the programme ARCH will be providing education to the community on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
(d) Education and awareness: This desexing program can provide education on the importance of desexing, animal welfare, and responsible pet ownership. They will also liaise with local community groups (such as “Pete’s place” which provides a drop in service for the homeless, many of whom have dogs).
More preventative programs like this around the country will have a positive impact on overpopulation in regional areas. If you are in the Coffs Harbour area and looking to adopt or get involved, you can find out more about Animal Rescue Coffs Harbour HERE.
