A new puppy adoption centre with ‘home-like’ meeting yard and lounge are part of a $2.3 million upgrade at Shenton Park Dogs’ Refuge Home.
The redevelopment project, funded by Lotterywest, will help the five-acre property meet growing demands.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley, Dogs’ Refuge Home general manager Robyn Slater and Member for Maylands Lisa Baker MLA. Credit: Department of Local Government
Decompression kennels for reactive and anxious dogs, a heritage hub and visitors centre and agility training yard are also part of the upgrade.
Dogs’ Refuge Home general manager Robyn Slater said rescue centres were at crisis point.
“It feels like our work we do, rehoming animals, just isn’t enough – it’s a band-aid solution to a much broader community problem, and the only way that we can really resolve that is to get our community to spread the message that companion animals are not disposable, they’re not replaceable,” she said.
“They have to be treated as members of the family.”
She said the Lotterywest funding would not only increase animal welfare but also further opportunities for community education and improve facilities for volunteers.
The first part of the project will see the demolition of old kennels and building to make way for the new agility and enrichment yard, new adoption clinic and birthing room.
“If you have a look inside our existing laundry and kitchen, you’ll be met with a pokey, dingy, moist, cockroach ridden hole that I cannot believe we asked our team to go into every single day,” she said.
“By building these purpose-built spaces, we’re going to be able to invite lots of people... to come in and help us with the laundry with helping prepare the dog’s feed and do things that have a massive impact for our dog’s welfare.”
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley said the refuge cared for more than 1500 dogs a year with demand rising under cost-of-living pressures.
“It’s also a really great time in the lead up to Christmas to remind everyone to adopt, not shop,” she said.
“The dog refuge has been inundated with surrendered puppies and mums about to give birth to beautiful little litters.
“We all know the best type of breed is a rescue.”
The State Government will also contribute $50,000 which will allow the centre to enact the final stage of its masterplan, 15 years in the making, spearheaded by Shenton Dog Refuge president Karen Rhodes.