Council steps in as RSPCA withdraws from South Burnett
South Burnett Regional Council will fill the void left by a departing RSPCA, taking over management of the Kingaroy animal shelter and renaming it the South Burnett Animal Management Centre.
South Burnett
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The South Burnett Regional Council has vowed to humanely treat all the animals in its care as it prepares to take over the Kingaroy animal shelter.
The RSPCA made the decision not to renew its lease with the council earlier this year, and the organisation will stop operating in the South Burnett from June 30, 2025.
The shock announcement was posted to Facebook on April 22, and came just weeks before the RSPCA Noosa facility also shut its door on May 31.
The council paid the RSPCA more than $500,000 a year to run the pound, as well as being responsible for major building works on the site, which it owned and still owns.
The facility will be renamed the South Burnett Animal Management Centre, and will be open Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm.
The council will manage the animal housing facilities, process impounded animals, including dangerous dogs, and rehome and adopt unclaimed animals.
Planning and development manager Simon Ginn said the council would need to decide whether to run the facility on its own long term or possibly partner with another organisation in the future.
He said the council would not be euthanising animals, except in exceptional circumstances, and would do its best to ensure all animals were well cared for.
“ …we will certainly take the facility over, ensure absolutely that all animals are fully cared for, no animal is left in any distress and all animals we will do our best to rehome, rehouse and adopt where possible,” Mr Ginn said.
“No euthanasia, unless the animal is clearly very sick or a dangerous animal.”
Councillor Danita Potter reminded residents that the animal rescue organisation “decided not to renew their lease with the council” but thanked the RSPCA for its work in the community over the years.
Mayor Kathy Duff also thanked the RSPCA for its contributions to the community and said she believed the new council run facility was a good alternative.
“This is a big change for our South Burnett Regional Council and it’s unfortunate that the RSPCA have decided to withdraw from their operations in Kingaroy,” she said.
“But I think this is a good alternative.”
Councillor Ros Heit asked the community to be patient with the council as it worked through this new venture.
She assured residents they would be working hard to make sure the facility was well-run and cost effective while making sure animals were treated humanely.
Councillor Deb Dennien said the facility was going to be run “very well” and she looked forward to the positive impacts this would have in the community.
“I’m really delighted with the response we’ve had from our staff and our councillors as to where we can go with this because it’s such an important service in our area,” she said.
“I do have some RSPCA babies myself. It’s absolutely key and we’re going to continue to run this facility.”
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