Rodney Stevens
A volunteer at Happy Paws Haven animal shelter got the shock of her life last Wednesday morning when she found 25 kittens and two cats, soaking wet and stuffed in two dog carry cages.
The not-for-profit, no kill animal shelter run by community stalwart Sally Rogers said the estimated cost to house, feed, give parasite control, worm, chip, vaccinate x 2 plus desex the 27 cats and kittens and keep them for one month is over $10,000.
The Eatonsville shelter is at capacity and can’t take any more cats or dogs, so the CV Independent reached out to Ms Rogers to try to help.
“They were drenched in their own urine, all very wet, stuffed in a cat and a dog carry cages,” Happy Paws Haven posted on social media.
“They were in dreadful condition.
“We made up some very big dog crates and bought them inside.
“It was a dreadful shock to us all.
“We have asked the Clarence Valley Pound to help, and they have been great.
“Hopefully we can move some of them on as soon as we get them into reasonable health, hopefully within the next couple of days.”
Happy Paws, which runs on an extremely tight budget, washed the kittens and called out for donations to assist.
“The cost of looking after an additional 27 cats and kittens is huge for anyone,” Happy Paws posted.
“Let alone the space, the cleaning and the care required.
“We don’t get any government funding, we run on the smell of an oily rag.. but this is just too much.”
The kittens are progressing well.
“They are still looking very scared, but a few are beginning to settle enough to play as they realise that they are now safe at our no kill shelter,” Happy Paws posted.
“They have all been washed, cleaned, chipped, and wormed.
“Now they are getting used to their carers, who are doing a simply wonderful job providing not just essential care but love in spadefuls
“And the response from all of you who have read about, shared, donated, sent us your heartfelt wishes, has been tremendous.
“We can’t thank you enough.”
Every donation will help Happy Paws continue its vital work in saving and rehoming dogs and cats and they are always looking for new volunteers to lend a hand.
To donate, you can do by direct deposit to Account Name: Happy Paws Haven Inc, at the Bendigo Bank, BSB 633-000 Account Number: 130786031.
Please put your initial and last name as the reference.
For a tax-deductible receipt email: contact@happypawshaven.com.au.
To call Ms Rogers phone 0419 404 766.