Rosey Skinner, Muckleford
I’m writing in response to the article ‘Pause at MAAW’ (Midland Express, January 8).
I am a qualified shelter manager and local laws officer with over 16 years experience in animal welfare. So I believe I need to raise some concerns in regard to the article.
It has been quoted that MAAW has a ‘no kill’ policy, which greatly concerns me, as this is not correct.
MAAW is contracted as the shire’s pound. Unfortunately under the code of practice, this requires the shelter to euthanise animals when necessary. Not only in relation to court orders.
As the legislation stands today in Victoria, a shelter providing a pound service for a council cannot say that they are ‘no kill’.
All shelters work differently on how they operate, depending on what services they are providing and if they are privately operated or council operated.
I currently work at an actual no kill sanctuary, and the amount of dedication it takes over many years to have the status ‘no kill’ is extraordinary to say the least.
The resources required to be able to care for animals for life is enormous as it requires a lot of funding and support.
The local council does not contribute funding to this non-profit organisation which makes it even more difficult.
I’m also concerned about the quote, “animals will be kept for life if that’s what it takes”.
Unfortunately the Castlemaine shelter cannot possibly hold onto animals for life because the size of the facility is not adequate for a sanctuary type environment.
I’m aware the shelter is at capacity with cat and kitten admissions at the moment, which means they are unable to take in any more cats without overloading the shelter.
Also until the new cattery is built, it is still a non-compliant facility with very little space.
The announcement of the purchase of the facility in the near future is fantastic. That will provide stability and the opportunity to increase services for the community.
It is vital our shire has an animal shelter and its own pound with the support it has – most places haven’t – but I don’t want the community to be misled on the facts.
Hopefully MAAW and all shelters can eventually achieve the wonderful status in the future.
We would all love it if all shelters could have the no kill policy and be able to care for all animals.
