CITY of Ballarat staff thanked the community following abundant donations to the Animal Shelter over the festive period.<\/p>\n
As a result, the shelter\u2019s storage area is now full and staff cannot accept any more donations.<\/p>\n
Community members who have products they wish to donate are advised to contact other local, not for profit organisations including the Soup Bus or Ballarat Foundation.<\/p>\n
Mayor Cr Des Hudson thanked the community for their contribution.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt really demonstrates the generosity of the Ballarat community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo know that we\u2019ve reached capacity and really can\u2019t take any more donations is really humbling.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ballarat Animal Shelter coordinator Clare Douglas-Haynes said the end of last year saw a huge increase in surrendered dogs and these donations will be used to help care for them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn October, November, December we did see the biggest influx of dog surrenders that we\u2019ve ever seen,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were at capacity probably four or five times which means we couldn\u2019t accept any other dogs which isn\u2019t a good position to be in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Douglas-Haynes said one of the causes of this increase is costs associated with having a pet.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe strain of living and the cost of living has really impacted families not being able to care for their animals,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s pretty heartbreaking for them to bring in their pet when they don\u2019t have any other option.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CITY of Ballarat staff thanked the community following abundant donations to the Animal Shelter over the festive period. As a result, the shelter\u2019s storage area is now full and staff cannot accept any more donations. Community members who have products they wish to donate are advised to contact other local, not for profit organisations including […]<\/p>\n