Rodney Stevens
An animal sanctuary that has rescued more than 3000 animals in almost 20 years from around the Clarence Valley has been nominated for an Awards Australia Connecting Community Award.
Established in 2006, Happy Paws Haven was opened at Eatonsville in the Clarence Valley by Sally Rogers, when a need for a companion animal rescue and rehoming shelter was identified and since then they have rescued more than 3000 animals and rehomed more than 200 animals each year.
What makes Happy Paws different from other rescue groups is the organisation is a no-kill shelter, that relies on adoptions, donations and volunteers, and commits to every animal in its care until they can find the right home for them, no matter how long that takes.
The nomination for the Connecting Community Award says, ‘Happy Paws Haven has an excellent reputation within the local community and many parts of Australia for our ongoing commitment and care of ensuring the animals are healthy and happy, while waiting to be adopted into a forever, loving home.’
The award recognises grassroots, ‘real life’ initiatives led by local community groups or not-for-profits that demonstrate genuine involvement, long-term value and add to the life of their community.
These initiatives foster a strong sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing the way people connect in their community.
The submission for the award shows Happy Paws Haven demonstrates its value to the community by using local tradespeople and businesses, plus they take pressure off the council pound by taking surrendered and abandoned animals and housing them as long as is required.
“Our commitment to our community means that we welcome school groups, TAFE, NDIS clients, special needs kids, youngsters wanting work experience, with the goal of teaching them how to care for and respect animals as sentient beings,” the award nomination said.
“Education is very important as we strive to teach people to understand the need to de-sex, immunise and microchip their pets.
“We have also worked with Indigenous groups who have requested help with animal concerns in their community.”
Happy Paws Haven considers it to be an essential part of the community that values both human and non-human life.
“The impacts of animals on our lives cannot be overestimated,” the nomination says.
“We wish to develop a facility that will not only be sustainable but will carry us well into the future, providing ongoing care to our animals and education to those who love them.”
Award nominations close on August 24 and the winners will be announced on Saturday, November 25, at the 2023 Community Achievement Awards Gala Presentation Dinner in Sydney.