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The Canberra Times
RSPCA ACT media release - 9 August 2013
“RSPCA welcomes the ACT Government’s strong support for the relocation of our ageing animal welfare facility and the construction of a new purpose built animal welfare centre,” said Sue Gage, President, RSPCA ACT. “This funding demonstrates the value both RSPCA ACT and the ACT Government have for animal welfare outcomes and the new facility will provide first class care for domestic animals and wildlife in the ACT, staff and for our important volunteers.”
CEO Michael Linke said, “Our current site in Weston, although much loved over the last sixty years, is not able to fully support the increasing demand for our services. The new purpose built animal care centre will enable RSPCA ACT and the ACT Government to deliver animal welfare and regulatory services in a safer, more efficient and responsive working environment. Staff, volunteers, animals and our community will reap the benefits from the new centre as it will allow both organisations to respond to the needs of the growing community.” Mr Linke said; “Both staff and volunteers at RSPCA and Domestic Animal Services have been looking forward to this announcement over a number of years and have worked together on it. It is fortunate the Land Development Agency (LDA) agreed to fund the project through an agreement that will see our current site become part of the new Molonglo Valley residential development.”
Mr Linke is very positive about the potential of the new centre as it will become a one-stop shop for animal welfare and regulatory issues involving domestic animals. “The new centre will include services currently undertaken by Domestic Animal Services such as securing and caring for dogs that are lost, seized and surrendered. I look forward to continuing our long-standing and valued relationship with Domestic Animal Services, the ACT Government and the Canberra community. We have a history of working together to improve animal welfare outcomes and the new shelter presents an exciting new chapter for both RSPCA ACT and government,” he said.
Mrs Gage thanked the ACT government for the agreement on the capital funding saying that “RSPCA ACT strongly appreciates the government’s on-going commitment to RSPCA and animal welfare in the ACT”.
