Kindness empties RSPCA SA shelters: More than 550 animals adopted in 9 days – but more available every day
March 29, 2020In a heart-warming response to RSPCA South Australia’s recent plea for help, 555 animals in the organisation’s care found new homes over the past nine days. However, the organisation is encouraging anyone wishing to adopt to keep checking its website as more animals become available each day.
The call for potential adopters went out on Friday 20 March amid fears the federal government would follow the lead of both the UK and New Zealand governments, and force the lockdown of its three animal shelters. RSPCA UK shelters ceased adopting or fostering out animals last Wednesday 25 March, and the organisation is now not admitting animals from the public.
Animal shelters run by SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in New Zealand are also no longer adopting out animals. The organisation is trying to develop a process that enables fostering to continue under that country’s current Alert Level 4. This is the highest level of restrictions enforceable in New Zealand to protect public health.
People responding to RSPCA South Australia’s call for help filled all available adoption appointments in a new online booking system set up to maintain social distancing at the Lonsdale shelter. According to RSPCA South Australia’s CEO Paul Stevenson, there was a sense of common purpose during the “military-like” operation.
“In all my working life, I’ve never seen firsthand such an outpouring of good will, all of it being directed towards animals in need of homes,” Mr Stevenson said.
“Not only was there kindness in droves being shown towards the animals, but also towards our staff and volunteers who have been working very long days.”
Of the 555 animals adopted, more than 80% (453) were cats and kittens. In addition, 81 dogs and puppies, 12 rabbits, 2 guinea pigs, 3 native birds, 2 native reptiles and 2 chickens also found new homes.
However, RSPCA South Australia still has about 460 animals in care. Some are in the homes of volunteer foster carers because they are too young to adopt or they are recovering from illness or injury. But a steady stream of animals will become available over coming days.
Adoption appointment bookings can be made here.
Apart from rehoming animals, the organisation’s focus is also on restoring financial security in the face of a massive financial hit. All nine RSPCA South Australia Op-shops have closed, dog training classes have been suspended and regular donor numbers are dropping as people tighten their budgets.
Meanwhile, animals continue to arrive at the shelters via RSPCA South Australia’s inspectorate and animal ambulance services, many of them in need of extensive veterinary care and rehabilitation.
“While we are celebrating the fantastic result of the past week, we’re mindful of the ongoing, extremely concerning situation we’re facing,” Mr Stevenson said.
“With forecast budget losses of more than $100,000 a week, our priority is finding ways to replace lost income streams until we’re able to restore the commercial enterprises we’ve had to dismantle.”
On Friday, RSPCA South Australia launched a COVID-19 Animal Crisis Appeal, seeking donations to help weather the storm.
“The past week has proven the level of compassion and concern that exists in our community for the impact this distressing situation is having on our most vulnerable animals,” Mr Stevenson said.
“All of us here at RSPCA South Australia are experiencing the same kinds of anxieties as others during this time, but we’ve all been buoyed by the level of support shown so far.
“We retain our commitment to never turn away any animal in need and to continue providing best practice care for all our animals.
“There is no doubt our organisation is facing the biggest challenge in its 144 years of operation in SA but, as long as our community continues to back us, we will survive this time.”