This Christmas, Give The Gift Of Hope To Neglected Pets
As the season to be jolly approaches, it’s important to remember the four-legged friends who are often neglected by their families and forced to spend majority of their days in the confined walls of a boarding pen.
Whilst this reality is heartbreaking, it is one that is very real, and true.
Thankfully organisations such as Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated (MPRI) open up their hearts and their homes to accommodate local animals in need, with a range of trained foster carers and volunteers who dedicate their time to make a paw-print sized difference in the lives of those most vulnerable.
Mackay Pet Rescue Inc. is powered by the efforts of over 45 dedicated volunteers and foster carers, including President Zanika Breed, Vice President Ros Lowry, Secretary Janet Ambrose, and Treasurer Renae Gordon. Among these heroes are Robyn Van Rooyan and Leisa Barnett, who also played a crucial role in the establishment of MPRI.
From dogs to cats, silkies to ducks, and even the occasional ‘bin chicken’ or baby crocodile (yes you read that right), the MPRI team is constantly called upon by locals, swiftly attending the scene to save a helpless animal in despair.
They are the silent heroes within the region, known for their fast approach and caring nature, offering a service that is often overlooked and underappreciated.
Janet Ambrose, Secretary of MPRI, shed light on the immense dedication involved in the frontline work of rescuing animals, especially the heartbreaking discovery of very sick animals. Many of these rescues require long-term care to nurse them back to health.
"There’s a tremendous amount of work that goes into this,” Janet said. “We’re all unpaid volunteers juggling regular jobs, families and other responsibilities. We foster in our own homes and rely heavily on community support.
“The high cost of living and rental crisis is really impacting us. People are dumping animals or leaving them behind when they move, and animals are coming into care in pitiful conditions, often withered and close to death."
With the closure of nearby rescues due to a lack of support, MPRI's catchment area has expanded significantly, now covering regions from the Pioneer Valley to Bowen, Moranbah, and Emerald.
To continue their life-saving work, MPRI relies heavily on community donations and government grants - and they’re in need of your support. By building awareness of the real challenges in pet rescue, they hope to inspire businesses, especially those in the mining sector, to sponsor their mission.
“We are constantly rescuing mother cats and kittens from mining camps,” said Janet, “Our carers go out at night with torches, traps, trail cameras and food to catch them… but we are in need of more funding and sponsorship.”
Janet also highlighted the importance of the cat desexing program funded by a $32,000 Gambling Community Benefit Fund. This program will desex 100 cats, preventing an estimated 2,400 kittens from being born next year and reducing the number of animals in need of rescue.
“We’re always looking for foster carers and volunteers in any capacity,” Janet added. “We provide all the supplies and training - people just need to bring their love and willingness to help.”
In future, the rescue team aims to fund a sanctuary for elderly or homeless cats and dogs, specifically helping those whose owners have passed away, those without homes, or when all foster carers reach full capacity.
This holiday season, consider supporting the tireless efforts of Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated and help make a real difference for those without a voice.
To Donate, visit www.mackaypetrescueinc.com.au
