SAFE urges 'no pet' Christmas

SAFE Busselton has rehomed hundreds of unwanted, dumped, relinquished and abused animals in the past year.

President Lynda McKilligin said while numbers were down slightly, they hoped it was a sign that new cat and dog laws were starting to have an impact in the South West.

Ms McKilligin said the group was still inundated with animals needing new homes, with more than 35 cats and dogs on the books.

The group will take a break over the Christmas period and will not advertise or rehome any kittens until they are 12 weeks old and have had all their vet checks and been de-sexed.

“We are actively doing our bit to avoid the impulse purchase of kittens at Christmas,” she said.

“Pet owners need to ensure their dogs and cats are de-sexed, micro-chipped and registered with the Shire so that if their beloved family member wanders off and ends up in the pound that they can easily be identified and returned to the owner.”

Ms McKilligin advised that if a pet became lost during the festive season, owners should contact the rangers and the pound because SAFE will not accept lost animals.

She thanked the community, volunteer animal foster carers and the hardworking committee for their help in 2014, and invited members to a get-together at Rivendell on Sunday, January 18.

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