‘Voice for the animals’: Regional NSW’s first animal welfare centre opens in Bega
Article featured in Bega District News
By Jimmy Parker
November 7 2024 – 1:52pm
A huggable rescue dog was among the guests as a new companion animal welfare centre was opened in Bega.
As the Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL NSW) cut the ribbon on its new facility, a previously abandoned and now rescued Maltese-Shih Tzu watched on as a testament to the life-changing work the organisation provided.
Animal Welfare League NSW opens first regional hub in NSW on South Coast.
Animal welfare on the Sapphire Coast received a significant boost Thursday, November 7, with the opening of the first centre of its kind in regional NSW.
While Bega was the first implementation of a dedicated centre, plans were in place for it to be followed with hubs in both Glen Innes in the Northern Tablelands and Orange in the Central Tablelands.
With an increased demand for welfare services in the area, particularly post-COVID-19, the AWL NSW decided to open the service in Bega. It will service a region from Ulladulla to the Victorian border.
The centre will help to raise public awareness about animal welfare issues, encourage responsible pet ownership, promote collaboration between AWL NSW and local councils, improve response times to animal welfare complaints, and improve data collection and analysis.
Bega-born resident and AWL Inspector Amanda Shane said her role entailed inspecting every case that’s made to the Animal Welfare League.
Inspector Amanda Shane with rescue dog Norbert. Picture by Jimmy Parker
She said they do not need to be cruelty cases, but could be a concern made by a member of the public.
“We leave every property making sure the animal’s welfare is okay, and in most cases it just a matter of education. They might not have known that it needed a particular treatment for something,” Inspector Shane said.
“We’re really just the voice for the animals and try to teach people the right thing to do.
“Our main aim is that we want to educate people. We don’t want to be removing animals unless we have to.”
AWL NSW chief executive officer Stephen Albin said the new inspectors would play a crucial role in investigating reports of animal cruelty and ensuring those responsible were held accountable.
Dr Michael Holland at the launch. Picture by Jimmy Parker
“Bega is a hotspot, so this is the first one of the centres. It’s probably one of the most important regional areas in our minds for animal welfare, and the branch is performing off its chops,” Mr Albin said.
“The new regional animal centre will also provide much-needed facilities for the care and rehoming of animals.
“We know there is high demand for our services and this centre will give our inspectors and local volunteers the facilities to deliver higher levels of support.”
Member for Bega Michael Holland had the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially open the new centre at 197 Carp Street, Bega, and shared a few words.
“We have a responsibility to our companion animals. They don’t pick us, we pick them. We have to treat them with kindness, respect and dignity,” Dr Holland said.
To report animal cruelty, call (02) 8777 4444 or email inspectors@awlnsw.com.au.