Waggin Tails Animal Rescue aim to save more than 100 cats and dogs from certain death

A Geelong-based pet adoption group have called on the community to help them save innocent pets from their fate in a North Queensland pound.

Belinda Nixon and Beck Kastelein with border collie Jack and mixed breed Nala. Waggin Tails Animal Rescue founder Beck Kastelein is aiming to save more than 50 dogs from being put down in a Queensland pound. Picture: Alan Barber

A Geelong pet adoption group has embarked on an ambitious mission to save more than 100 animals from “death row.”

Waggin Tails Animal Rescue is aiming to transport about 50 dogs and 60 cats to over two state borders from a rural North Queensland pound to Geelong, where they are scheduled to be put down.

However, founder Beck Kastelein says time is running out.

“One of the dogs was euthanized this [Monday] morning,” she said.

“I messaged the pound saying we can take that dog and they told us it wasn’t available.”

So far, Waggin Tails have secured transport for 11 dogs at a cost of $600 each.

However, it is an uphill battle, with the pound having received a further 17 dogs since then.

“As we are saving them, more are coming in at a faster rate … the more that end up in the pound the more likely they are going to euthanise them,” Ms Kastelein said.

“The pound don’t want to do that but there is limited space so they have no choice.”

Ms Kastelein has called on the community to support her organisation race against the clock.

“It’s early days at the moment, but a lot of foster carers have stepped up and taken extra dogs,” she said.

“If people are in a position to foster an animal, even short term, it’s a great help … the more foster carers, the more animals we save.”

A GoFundMe page has been started to help cover transport prices.

“Small donations of $5 to $10 can also get these animals to safety — it really helps.”

“They’re small steps but any little thing gives hope to these poor dogs and cats.”

Currently, $992 has been raised out of the $3000 target.

In 2023, Waggin Tails were forced to turn away surrendered pets due to high vet bills and low adoption rates.

Ms Kastelein said she would “cross that bridge when we get to it.”

“At the moment, we are taking on what we can handle and aren’t going to put ourselves in that position,” she said.

“Donations and people putting their hands up helps us to keep going.”

The pet adoption group heard about the situation through a volunteer who works in the Queensland pound.

Originally published as Waggin Tails Animal Rescue aim to save more than 100 cats and dogs from certain death