HAS the relocation of the Paws and Claws animal shelter reached its tipping point?

Despite years of dialogue between the Homeless Animal Society and Boarding Kennels Inc, the Douglas Animal Welfare Group Inc and the Douglas Shire Council in an attempt to find a new home for the shelter, it was confirmed today it would be ceasing its current operations next month.

The owner of the Lot 1 Captain Cook Highway block has ordered Paws and Claws vacate the premises from September 30, potentially leaving more than 30 animals homeless.

“The committee has been aware for many years that the owner of this block has had an approved development application and the application had to be activated prior to its expiration,” said Michael Kerr, Paws and Claws president and Douglas Shire councillor.

“The Committee has been actively searching for a new property on which to operate…but until recently has been unable to locate a suitable block of land for this desperately needed service.”

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Paws and Claws plans to build a new premises but is yet to announce with certainty where the new site would be located. Kerr said council has been working alongside his committee in identifying a new site, which they hoped would’ve been ready before needing to vacate their present home.

“I and the committee are deeply saddened that out shire will be without an animal refuge between September 30 and when the new shelter is built,” Kerr said.

“The shelter will no longer be accepting bookings for boarding of dogs from just prior to this date and forward bookings are being notified that they will need to make other arrangements.”

Despite the challenges, the shelter will operate a basic service during its time in limbo. It will continue to assist with fostering and re-homing as many dogs and cats as possible and be taking calls on its regular number. Food bins at the two shopping centres in Port Douglas will assist in feeding the animals, while fundraising for vet bills, medications and other costs would continue.

Kerr urged anyone willing to foster or adopt one of their 12 dogs and 21 cats to contact the shelter on 07 4098 5721. Newsport hopes by highlighting this issue it will assist in this process and also advance plans for the shelter’s relocation.