RSPCA South Australia is ringing alarm bells as evidence the coronavirus crisis could significantly affect its animal care operations begins to emerge.
Due to escalating issues with staffing numbers, the organisation is calling on the South Australian community to help by adopting one or more of the animals currently in its care.
Adoption fees have been reduced (see below) but, for the first time, RSPCA South Australia is requiring people interested in adopting an animal to book online before visiting the shelter. This new safety measure is in response to government recommendations about social distancing. It will enable staff to manage the flow of people into the shelter, thereby protecting adopters and staff by reducing the risk of spreading the virus.
The new online booking system and reduced adoption fees apply from today and will continue indefinitely at this stage.
The reduced fees apply to all animals available to adopt from RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter,RSPCA PetVille at Hillcrest and affiliated Petbarn stores.
RSPCA South Australia CEO Paul Stevenson said the organisation had no choice but to raise a red flag and call for community support to get through the current crisis. The coronavirus pandemic is already responsible for closing down animal shelters in the United States, as increasing numbers of people are told to stay home.
“It would be naïve and irresponsible for us to think we’re immune to serious impacts from this pandemic,”Mr Stevenson said.
Worrying indications that the organisation’s capacity to care for animals was already under serious threat include:
- A reducing number of volunteers able to assist its operations
- A reduction in adoptions
- A drop-off in financial donations, with last month’s mail appeal falling more than 60% below target. (RSPCA South Australia is totally dependent on donations to fund its animal care and rescue work.)
- This week’s decision to change its main annual fundraiser, the Million Paws Walk in May, into an online event instead, resulting in further anticipated financial loss
Before the coronavirus outbreak, RSPCA South Australia was already struggling to care for high numbers of animals in care, mainly kittens. In the past three weeks, the number of kittens arriving has been 16% higher than last year with over 400 now in care. Meanwhile, kitten adoptions are down by 11% compared to the same period last year.
With some volunteers now opting to stay home rather than risk contracting the virus, staff and remaining volunteers caring for animals are under increasing strain.
“This virus is impacting on multiple fronts, leaving us with more animals and less people and funds to care for them,” Mr Stevenson said.
“Everyone has different personal circumstances to consider at this time, so it’s totally understandable that some of our wonderful volunteers can’t continue to help us, but there’s no doubt this situation is starting to take a toll on those remaining to take care of the animals.
“We desperately need to reduce the number of animals in our care.
“I cannot stress enough that our animal operations are at a critical point – to anyone who has been thinking about giving an animal in need a home, please act now.”
Reduced Adoption fees
Cats (over 6 months old) – $29
Kittens and Dogs – $99
Appointments can be booked HERE.
If you cannot adopt an animal at this time, please become a regular donor to support RSPCA’s rescue and care of animals during this crisis.
RELATED ARTICLES
- SA COVID-19 cases surge by 50% in just a week, prompting health officials to issue warningThe state has witnessed a startling 50% increase in COVID-19 cases in just one week, coinciding with the onset of end-of-year celebrations.
- Fifth dose rollout starts as SAHMRI shows unvaccinated face higher risks from COVIDNew SAHMRI analysis of SA COVID data released today shows people who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 face much higher risks as fifth booster rolls out.
- Fifth Covid-19 vaccine to be rolled out across Australia later this monthThe Federal Government has confirmed that a fifth dose of the Covid-19 vaccination will be rolled out across the country later this month.
- Australia announces COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers from ChinaFrom 12:01am on Thursday 5 January 2023, travellers will be required to undertake a COVID-19 test within the 48hrs prior to travel and show evidence of a negative test result when travelling to Australia.
- Free masks to support South Aussies this ChristmasUp to 10,000 masks a day packaged in Christmas-themed wrappers are expected to be handed out over coming weeks.
- Major changes made to COVID-19 testing in new national management planMajor changes to COVID-19 testing have been announced today with Australians requiring a referral to obtain a PCR test from January 1st.
- Face masks reintroduced at two SA schools amid COVID-19 surgeTeachers and adults at two SA schools have been advised to wear masks for two weeks following outbreaks in a year 5/6 class and a disability unit.
- Get five free rapid antigen tests to manage current COVID-19 waveSouth Australians are now able to access five free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) from selected collection sites around the state.
- Dr Nicola Spurrier reveals latest Covid safety advice ahead of Christmas seasonAs Covid numbers begin to rise, SAs Chief Health Officer has offered some sound advice as the busy social season approaches.
- More age groups now eligible to get fourth COVID-19 boosterATAGI has found this next generation vaccine triggers a modest improvement in the immune response against both strains.
More News
