Kingaroy RSPCA announces closure after two decades

A South Burnett animal welfare group which has helped find homes for thousands of animals across two decades has made a shocking decision on its future.

A long-standing and integral part of animal rescue operations in the South Burnett has announced it will close its doors later this year. Photo credit: Kingaroy RSPCA

A longstanding and integral part of animal rescue operations in the South Burnett has announced it will close its doors later this year after 20 years of helping find animals new homes.

The Kingaroy RSPCA revealed it would shut up shop when its lease finishes on June 30, 2025 in a post on their official Facebook page.

“After two decades serving the animals of Kingaroy through the local council pound facilities, RSPCA Queensland has made the difficult decision to relinquish its lease of the South Burnett Regional Council facilities on June 30, 2025,” the post read.

“Your generosity and compassion have helped us rehome 6924 animals and reunite 2507 lost animals with their owners.”

In its announcement the RSPCA said it would still provide support for at-risk animals in the region, and continue advocacy efforts for animal welfare improvements, community outreach programs, and promoting responsible pet ownership through initiatives like Operation Wanted.

An RSPCA spokeswoman did not elaborate Friday on why the organisation chose not to renew the lease.

“Without divulging confidential contractual arrangements, we take our responsibility to invest every dollar donated to the RSPCA with care and strategic intent,” the spokeswoman said.

During its 20-year tenure, the organisation helped rehome 6,924 animals and reunited 2,507 lost animals with their owners. Photo credit: RSPCA Kingaroy / Google Maps

“As the animal welfare landscape continues to shift across Queensland, we remain committed to adapting our strategies to ensure we respond effectively to emerging challenges and opportunities.”

Any animals currently on site will be transferred to other RSPCA Animal Care Centres, including Gympie, Toowoomba, Dakabin, Wacol and Bundaberg, before the facility closes in June.

This included South Burnett Regional Council pound animals suitable for adoption.

The premises is owned by the South Burnett Regional Council, and it is understood they pay the RSPCA to run the South Burnett Animal (Cats & Dogs) Housing Facility.

The Council leases the facility to the charity at a “peppercorn” rate which typically refers to an amount significantly less than the property’s value.

A statement released by the South Burnett Regional Council said animal housing facilities and processing impounded animals would continue after July 1, 2025.

“(The) council respects the RSPCA’s decision and wishes them the very best going forward with their services and will work with them for a smooth transition,” the statement said.

“(The) council in its negotiations over the past year with the RSPCA and internal review of operations has looked at a variety of models to maintain an effective pound service and balance cost increases in the provision of the service.”

A statement released by the South Burnett Regional Council said animal housing facilities and processing impounded animals would continue after July 1, 2025, and the Council acknowledged the long relationship with the RSPCA. Photo credit: Kingaroy RSPCA

In a Facebook comment on the announcement post, South Burnett Regional Councillor Deb Dennien said it was the RSPCA’s decision to close the facility and that the council was working on a plan to deal with all the “lost or unwanted animals”.

“The RSPCA advised us they were closing the facility. They didn’t renew the lease and didn’t give a reason,” she wrote.

Mayor Kathy Duff told South Burnett Online the South Burnett Regional Council will announce interim arrangements at the May 21 council meeting.

Dozens of people posted stories and photos of the animals they had adopted from the Kingaroy RSPCA over the years, with many thanking the charity and volunteers for bringing theirs pet into their lives.

“Over 15 years ago we adopted this bloke who was called ‘Rupert’ at the time and became Bru for our family. Thank you from the Howell family. He’s still with us,” Tracey shared.

“Oh no. Got our best girl from you many years ago. She has passed now but still talk about her most days,” Dianne wrote.

Other commenters were critical of the decision, concerned with the future of animals in the South Burnett and questioned the reason behind the closure.

“Without a shelter, the RSPCA is leaving this region in the lurch and innocent animal lives will be lost, so much for ‘commitment to protecting animals’” Maria wrote.

Commenters on social media were critical of the decision, concerned with the future of animals in the South Burnett and questioned the reason behind the closure. Photo credit: RSPCA Kingaroy / Google Maps

“This is devastating … hate to even think of the flow on effects this will mean for animals around the area in need,” Sabina said.

“I’m absolutely disgusted by the decision to close this RSPCA as well as Noosa. Why has this been allowed to happen? It’s not just disappointing — it’s devastating,” Cheyne shared.

News of the closure follows in the wake of the decision for RSPCA Noosa to shut its doors on May 31, 2025 after operating for more than 30 years.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said there had been a “significant decline in the need for the service, with the RSPCA (Noosa) receiving very few new impounded animals through its doors each month”.

RSPCA Queensland interim chief executive Kyle Sprott said having so few roaming animals in the region was a great reflection of the animal welfare improvements that had been made in the region with council partnership since 1993.

According to a RSPCA spokeswoman, there are no plans to open new facilities in the South Burnett or Sunshine Coast regions.