Hume council’s first animal shelter will open this weekend.
A $50,000 grant from the former state government enabled Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) founder Marisa Debattista to build the Adrian Road shelter at Campbellfield.
The new shelter can hold 10 rescued dogs and 30 rescued cats, and will enable Ms Debattista to expand SCAR’s network of volunteers.
It took Hume council about seven months to negotiate the necessary bureaucratic loopholes before issuing SCAR a planning permit.
Ms Debattista, 30, said the shelter, the first in Hume, was a dream come true.
“We didn’t think this would be possible,” she said.
“It’s a life or death difference for cats and dogs that have been abandoned.”
The veterinary nurse started the charity from her Westmeadows home in 2009. Using social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, she built up a dedicated network of volunteers and foster carers, who provide shelter for animals until they are found permanent homes.
Since SCAR’s inception, more than 7000 animals have been rescued and 400 cats and dogs are living with about 150 volunteers.
Upper house MP Craig Ondarchie congratulated Ms Debattista and her team of volunteers for “bringing this incredible project to fruition”.
“Pets have such a positive effect on those around them … the shelter affords pets the opportunity to live in dignity in an equally loving environment,” he said.
The shelter opens on Sunday at 1/30-34 Adrian Road, Campbellfield.
More details are at www.secondchanceanimalrescue.com.au.
