Fundraising idea for furry mates

A BELLBRAE animal lover has made a suggestion to council to try to greatly improve the lives of abandoned and unwanted pets.

Stephen Chara said he raised the idea to add an optional donation of 50 cents or one dollar to shire residents’ pet registration fees to be forwarded to the RSPCA and local animal welfare shelters.

“I thought this could streamline the process of donating,” Mr Chara said.

“If people own pets, they likely care about the services that take care of animals, and this is an easy way for them to assist.

“A donation of 50 cents or one dollar is not much at all for one person, but if you can add it up from all the people who own pets in the shire, it could be tens of thousands of dollars.

While Surf Coast Shire mayor Rose Hodge said the council wouldn’t be able to add donations to other organisations through pet registration fees, they welcomed other ideas to assist animals in need.

“While council would not be in a position to solicit donations for other organisations via rates collection, we encourage anyone with additional ideas on how we can support the work of organisations like the RSPCA to get in touch.”

She added council aims to assist animal welfare organisations wherever possible.

“Council now… offers a year’s free registration for dogs or cats adopted from registered shelters.

“This not only provides pets with loving homes, but also supports shelters through adoption fees.

“We also work with the RSPCA on a range of issues including animal welfare investigations across the shire and enjoy a productive relationship with them.”