Hundreds of pet up for adoption at RSPCA’s Big Adopt Out

HOW can you resist this face? Rio the rescue pup with a heartwarming survival tale is one of hundreds of animals available for adoption under one roof this Saturday.

HOW can you resist this face? Rio the rescue pup with a heartwarming survival tale is one of hundreds of animals available for adoption under one roof this Saturday.

The RSPCA’s fifth annual pop up adoption day is being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

RSPCA spokesperson Michael Beatty said the event will bring together more than 400 puppies, kittens, cats and dogs plus for the first time guinea pigs from RSPCA shelters across Queensland.

Rio lost two toes and had two legs broken after being hit by a car but is now a happy healthy pup looking for a home.

“The whole day will be very family orientated. We will have information for pet owners including displays by RSPCA QLD Reptile adoptions, the foster team and School for Dogs,” Mr Beatty said.

Staff and volunteers are hoping to break the record set last year when 432 animals were rehomed on the day, he said.

“This will be the largest variety of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in Queensland in one place at one time,” Mr Beatty said.

Among the animals looking to enter a happy new chapter is blue healer pup Rio.

Digit, renamed Rio, was hit by a car in Rockhampton when she was eight weeks old and suffered extensive injuries, including two broken legs and two lost toes.

Digit - now Rio - in November last year at the RSPCA.

But rather than seek vet care, Rio’sowner left her for days without treatment and allegedly provided potentially fatal human drugs.

RSPCA vets were worried about organ failure from Nurofen and specialist surgery was done after the plucky pup was put on a drip to flush poisoning from her system.

“Three months on and Rio is a happy healthy pup and ready for a new home,” Mr Beatty said.

The person of interest in the pup’s case has been identified and prosecution proceedings will commence soon, he said.

RSPCA rescue pup Steel, a rottweiler-cross, is three months old and will be looking for his forever owner at the adoption day.

Steel, a rottweiler-cross pup, and Flora, a cuddly six-year-old cat, will be among the dogs and mogs available through the adoption day.

Many of the guinea pigs at the event were among 200 rescued from a Brisbane property in October, where they were allegedly kept in a garage for commercial breeding purposes.

All animals up for adoption have been desexed and microchipped.

If you plan to adopt on the day, bring along photo ID and a rental agreement noting pets are allowed, if it is applicable. For more information visit: popupadoption.com.au

Flora will be among hundreds of cats and kitten at the RSPCA adoption event.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: Saturday, January 12

Where: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Merivale St & Glenelg Street, South Brisbane

Time: 9am - 3pm

Getting there: The venue is across the road for South Brisbane train station