By Casey Neill
Keysborough’s animal shelter needs homes for more than 100 animals.
The Australian Animal Protection Society (AAPS) is leaving Homeleigh Road and needs to place about 100 cats and 26 dogs before Wednesday 20 June.
All adoption fees will be halved until that date.
“Our current shelter at Keysborough has been acquired by the Education Department,” manager Natasha Marginis explained.
“Although we have purchased a new property to develop, it won’t be ready in time to meet the deadline when we have to vacate.”
AAPS found a temporary location on Bangholme Road in Dandenong South.
“Due to all the council requirements that we need to conform to, we are greatly concerned we may end up with a number of animals and no place to house them,” she said.
Ms Marginis urged foster carers, rescue groups and the general community to step forward with temporary or permanent homes.
She said the management committee, elected 12 months ago, was charged with moving the shelter by 30 June.
“It soon became apparent that the site purchased in Perry Road, Keysborough, would not be ready in time, so the search began for a temporary site,” she said.
“After visiting all manner of properties in the Dandenong area, each with their own logistical problems, we finally found a temporary home that ticked most of the boxes and we rejoiced.
“We expected a few problems in readying this site for animal use, however not the roller coaster ride we’ve endured.”
AAPS is a not-for-profit organisation that receives no government grants and relies solely on donations.
“AAPS have never refused to accept an animal into its care and have worked tirelessly over the last 40 years to give shelter and a future to thousands of animals,” Ms Marginis said.
Call 9798 8415 or email president@aaps.org.au to help.
