Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox announces $20k election commitment for Angel Paws

A much-loved Townsville animal rescue centre is in line for a $20,000 funding boost if the Liberal National Party wins the next federal election.

Louise Holder and Clayton Cook from Angel Paws with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox where the new assessment room would be built. Picture: Nikita McGuire

A much-loved Townsville animal rescue centre is in line for a $20,000 funding boost if the Liberal National Party wins the next federal election.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox announced the commitment on Friday, pledging that an elected LNP government under Peter Dutton would deliver $20,000 to Angel Paws Centre in Stuart to support the expansion of its facilities.

The local not-for-profit, which has been rescuing and rehoming cats and dogs for the past decade, plans to use the funds to build a new arrival care and assessment room.

The purpose-built space will be used to welcome, assess and quarantine incoming animals before they enter the main shelter.

Angel Paws chair Clayton Cook said the funding would be critical to improving health and safety for both animals and volunteers.

“It’s a vital first step to protect the health and wellbeing of our animals, volunteers, and

vet team,” he said.

Louise Holder and Clayton Cook from Angel Paws with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox. Picture: Nikita McGuire

“Ensuring safer transitions, better infection control, and brighter futures for every dog that comes through our doors.”

“It means that things like Parvo and other diseases won’t spread into the general community.”

Mr Cook said funding is “critically important” to ensure the centre can continue running.

“We don’t generate enough funds from the adoption fees,” he said.

“There’s a lot of veterinary care and a lot of expenses that goes into doing what we do, we are rehoming over 1000 animals a year, so it’s a lot of work.”

Angel Paws has seen an increase in the number of animals being surrendered as pet owners face financial pressure and are in desperate need of expansion so they can continue to accept

surrendered animals to prepare them to be adopted and rehomed.

Clayton Cook from Angel Paws with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox. Picture: Nikita McGuire

“The LNP is pleased to commit $20,000 towards the fit-out of an expanded wing of the

centre, if Australia elects Peter Dutton Prime Minister,” Federal Member for Dawson

Andrew Willcox said.

Mr Willcox said the work Angel Paws staff and volunteers carry out for vulnerable animals that have been given up through no fault of their own is “incredible”.

“I’ve visited this facility a couple of times now, it is growing but it is in need of help. It is largely manned by volunteers, and they do an absolutely outstanding job.”

For more information about Angel Paws visit angelpawsinc.com.au

Originally published as Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox announces $20k election commitment for Angel Paws