Starved, neglected, euthanised: Explosive claims of neglect at Animal Aid animal refuge
An injured kitten left for dead, cats being euthanised for being “timid” and concerns of overcrowding are among a litany of explosive allegations made against one of Victoria’s largest animal refuges.
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An injured kitten left for dead, cats being euthanised for being “timid” and concerns of overcrowding are among a litany of explosive allegations made against one of Victoria’s largest animal refuges.
Not-for-profit charity Animal Aid has “disgusted” animal welfare volunteers for allegedly failing to comply with strict codes of practice outlined for shelters and pounds as it is believed cost cutting is biting.
And there are fears the problem could worsen as the charity’s Coldstream site prepares to take on a sixth council contract next month.
In a report sent to the board of Animal Aid earlier this week – and leaked to the Herald Sun – serious claims have been levelled against interim management.
One shocking claim included in the report alleges an Animal Aid staff member moved a kitten at their cattery in Coldstream without noticing it had suffered a serious head injury.
The following day, a staff member allegedly found the struggling kitten and called management for urgent veterinary assistance, however, the kitten died before it ever saw a vet.
Other claims in the report include cats being euthanised despite some animals being desexed, vaccinated and microchipped.
The report alleges cats were being euthanised for “behavioural” reasons, despite video evidence and push back from staff suggesting they could be rehabilitated.
The report also alleges current practices go against Animal Aid’s own mission statement, which ensures animals are given a second chance, with euthanasia being a last resort.
More than half a dozen sources close to the organisation, speaking on the provision of anonymity, said growing frustration with the treatment of both animals and staff at the cattery had prompted the leak of the damning report.
For over 70 years, Animal Aid has provided refuge, rehabilitation and veterinary care for cats and dogs, having rehomed 1,481 cats this year.
Financial statements filed with the Australian Charities and Non-for-profits Commission show the organisation was running at a $322,774 net deficit as of January this year.
Sources claim the financial strain on Animal Aid has weighed heavily on management, who has allegedly looked to reduce costs at the expense of overall animal care.
Animal Aid’s pound facility in Coldstream is already contracted with five councils, including Yarra Ranges Shire Council, Maroondah City Council, Shire of Murrundindi, Knox City Council and City of Whitehorse.
One source said there were fears overcrowding at the cattery would get worse as the organisation is set to take on the City of Monash contract in August.
“The answer isn’t just to take on more cats,” they said.
They added the emotional and physical toll of the job was already hard enough, let alone the pressure to stay quiet, with staff now “too frightened” to speak out about their concerns.
“Working in an animal shelter is one of the hardest jobs in the world … you see what people do to cats, and people do worse things to cats than dogs,” they said.
“I think people assume you just play with kittens all day … the things you’d see, you would never sleep.”
Photos obtained by the Herald Sun show cats living in cramped cages and pens without adequate food and water, with bowls seen overturned or empty.
Sickening images also show cats in bedding soaked with faeces and urine.
The report alleged that on some occasions cats were only fed one tablespoon of wet food per day.
In a statement to the Herald Sun, an Animal Aid spokeswoman said the allegations were untrue.
“Our CEO and Board are aware of the allegations and we always take genuine concerns seriously,” she said.
Their statement denied all allegations related to unnecessary euthanasia, underfeeding and cost cutting.
She also said the cats had access to “appropriate bedding”, adding animals under their care were monitored daily.
The Animal Aid board and senior leadership have thrown their full support behind management.
Animal Aid volunteer foster carers speak out
Volunteer foster carers, who take on cats in need of rehabilitation from Animal Aid, have also sounded the alarm over new procedures enforced in recent weeks.
Former Animal Aid foster carer Rebecca Davies, 72, said she was “disgusted” by the recent changes she was forced to abide by.
Ms Davies had volunteered with Animal Aid since 2019, having only recently walked away after she was allegedly told to return two cats, Miguel and Sarah, that she had been caring for.
Only a few weeks ago, Ms Davies claims she was told to return the cats to Animal Aid, citing occupational health and safety concerns.
She was also told people interested in fostering the cats couldn’t go to her house for an interested party ‘meet and greet’, something that had previously been standard practice.
Fearing the cats would be euthanised if she returned them, Ms Davies said it was in the best interests of Miguel and Sarah to adopt them and keep facilitating their rehabilitation.
“I resisted the temptation to use expletives, and I refused to return them,” she said.
“I did the best thing for the cats and adopted them, then walked away.
“I’m disgusted, absolutely disgusted, I won’t have anything to do with them anymore.”
Another foster carer, who wished to remain anonymous, claims they were told volatile kittens would have two-weeks to be rehabilitated otherwise it would be considered “failed” and returned to the cattery.
They claimed management were more focused on creating a “pristine petting zoo” rather than focusing on rehabilitating cats.
They said the toll of trying to rehabilitate a cat in the space of two weeks was too stressful, as making a cat comfortable around people takes months at a time depending on the cat.
“There’s an emotional toll in foster caring – even when they are healthy you hope they find a good home, you invest,” they said.
Having stepped away from volunteering at the cattery, the foster carer alleged staff were sacred, having their jobs threatened if they complained about the management of the cats.
“It’s hard to see these good hearted people suffering in this way,” they said.
Councils set to probe Animal Aid
A Knox City Council spokesman confirmed Animal Aid was contracted to provide pound services for the council.
In light of the report, the spokesman said: “council was not aware of the allegations against Animal Aid.”
“We have requested a response from Animal Aid to understand the situation in greater detail.”
Shire of Murrindindi said they had not received any formal advice or “substantiated complaints” regarding allegations made against Animal Aid.
A spokesperson said: “Council will make contact with Animal Aid to seek clarification and confirm that the services provided under our agreement continue to meet expected standards.”
A Yarra Ranges Shire Council spokeswoman said Animal Aid’s model was to rehome all adoptable animals, but declined to comment on the report currently before the board.
Whitehorse City Council confirmed they supported Animal Aid and would continue to work with them, adding they would follow up the allegations.
The City of Monash was contacted for comment.
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