Published on Tuesday, 1 November 2022 at 12:34:00 PM
Abandoned animals will have more chance of finding a home thanks to a partnership between the Town of Port Hedland and Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE Inc) animal rescue organisation.
At the Town’s October monthly Council meeting, councillors voted to partner with SAFE on a year-long agreement worth $95,000.
The funding will allow SAFE, a volunteer group, to fund a full-time equivalent position to help support rehoming companion animals impounded by the Town of Port Hedland, as well as contributing to ongoing costs for animals in SAFE’s care.
Mayor Peter Carter said the agreement would solidify the Town’s ongoing relationship with SAFE Hedland.
“Everyone wants the best outcome for companion animals who are surrendered or impounded, “ Mayor Carter said.
Mayor Carter said the formal arrangement would ensure the Town could provide rehomable impounded companion animals the best chance at adoption.
“Providing this funding will help SAFE find loving homes for more companion animals by enabling the organisation to recruit staff to complement the terrific work done by volunteers,” he said.
SAFE Founder and Chairperson Sue Hedley, OAM, said the organisation had an excellent team of volunteers, but it was vulnerable to the transient nature of Hedland with people coming and going.
“Having paid, secure positions will have a positive impact on SAFE Hedland’s future,” Ms Hedley said.
Ms Hedley said the organisation was elated to have much-needed formal support from the Town of Port Hedland.
“For 20 years the SAFE volunteers in Port Hedland have done a remarkable job, so to be able to provide added support through the funding will make a huge difference,” Ms Hedley said.
Ms Hedley said the funding would help SAFE broaden its reach in finding foster homes for abandoned companion animals in Hedland, and provide more opportunities to establish itself in the community.
“Getting the word out about SAFE and inspiring people to agree to open their homes to foster animals requires people power, and this is one of the things that this funding will help provide.
“SAFE greatly appreciates this funding and the opportunities it will provide and we will focus on effective co-ordination and communication as we continue to improve outcomes for homeless animals.”
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