Gold Coast, Qld, December 9, 2013 — The Animal Welfare League Qld has rehomed 92% of their 192 shelter animals in one weekend, in what was the charity’s most successful adoption drive in their 50 year history.
Record crowds of over 1000 pet lovers swarmed the three Rehoming Centres over the weekend, in response to AWLQ’s call to action to help them empty the shelters by close of business on Sunday.
Adoption fees were drastically reduced as an incentive for people to adopt and give a homeless dog or cat a family for Christmas.
A total of 177 dogs and cats found new homes with only a handful of animals left ‘un-adopted’ at closing on Sunday afternoon. AWLQ’s Ipswich shelter was completely emptied, whilst the Gold Coast and Beenleigh shelters had 16 animals remaining between them.
AWLQ spokesperson Brooke Whitney says she expects to see the remaining animals adopted in the next couple of days.
“It was an incredible achievement and one that would not be possible without the support of the South East Qld community as well as staff and volunteers working together to give a second chance to companion animals,” Ms Whitney says.
“When you arrive at the shelter you are usually met with dogs barking – this morning it was silence, and while it won’t last long with more animals arriving today it was a great moment.” Ms Whitney says.
AWLQ expects the shelter should have up to 40 new furry residents by this weekend and urges those who missed out on adopting during the Drive to visit again.
“We have animals arriving daily through the pounds, from foster care and on private surrender lists. Whilst the weekend has given us a bit of breathing room, there will always be animals needing our help and needing homes”.
About Animal Welfare League Qld
Established in 1959, Animal Welfare League Qld (AWLQ) cares for over 10,000 strayed and abandoned animals annually from across South East Queensland. AWLQ receives no Government funding for their welfare work, relying predominantly on the community for support. They operate three Rehoming Centres; Gold Coast, Beenleigh and Ipswich, as well as two Community Vet Clinics on the Gold Coast and in Ipswich.
