Discussions on proposed animal shelter continue behind the scenes

21 June, 2013Posted in: Community, Development
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Councillor Larry Whipper, Chair of Council’s Companion Animals Working Group, has reassured that progress on the new Wingecarribee Animal Shelter remains on track.

“The new facility is not in doubt,” Councillor Whipper said. “Its progress is however taking longer than anticipated and I fully understand the frustration.”

In 2010 Wingecarribee Shire Council reported that a donor had come forward offering assistance to build a new animal shelter.

“Council is in continual dialogue with the benefactor,” Councillor Whipper said. “Recent talks have proven especially productive.”

“Some of these discussions have centred on allocation of funding for the new facility and the purchase and title of the proposed land, which much of the benefactor’s donation would go towards.

“As you can appreciate, the proposal is quite complex and the donation not insignificant,” Councillor Whipper added. “The benefactor has also asked that his details remain anonymous, a selfless request we intend to uphold.”

“The Companion Animals Working Group believes the construction of a new and larger shelter would not only provide the animals with a more comfortable stay, but help reduce the numbers of homeless animals that are euthanazed.

“We believe that this project will ultimately assist in re-homing countless animals across the Shire and help us continue to improve our already low euthanasia rate,” Councillor Whipper said.

“The Working Group continues to advocate for this facility and pending ongoing discussions with the benefactor, hope to have a final report to Council by the year’s end.”