Burketown residents use boat to rescue dogs left behind when floods devastated community

Burketown residents waded through filthy floodwater to rescue dogs including a mother and seven week-old puppies who were left behind when residents had to be evacuated.

Wading through filthy floodwater, Paula McKinlay cradled a drenched and frightened dog as she made her way to a boat where other animals were huddled after being rescued from homes abandoned by residents evacuated from Burketown.

Ms McKinlay, 57, said her focus on March 10 was on retrieving the animals left behind and she didn’t consider the dangers until she was back in the boat.

“I didn’t even think of crocodiles until it was too late,” she said.

“So I just kept going.”

Paula McKinlay wades through filthy floodwaters with Gunja, one of the dogs left behind when Burketown residents had to be evacuated as the floods surged across the Gulf community. Picture: Supplied

Ms McKinlay, who has three small dogs herself, said when she heard there were animals left behind with no-one to care for them she had to do something.

Now she has 14 animals at home which is above flood level.

“When I heard dogs were left behind, I told a friend and we jumped in his boat with a couple of neighbours and waded knee-deep into houses,” she said.

“In one house there was a mother dog with seven puppies and a random kitten.

“They are now at my home and all doing really well.”

Brave Burketown residents including Chris Moren (left) and Mark Hocking (right) who remained after most residents were evacuated, rescued dogs left behind as the floods surged across the Gulf community. Picture: Supplied

Ms McKinlay said while there was “no way I would leave without my small dogs”, she understood the anguish of those who had left beloved pets behind.

“I fully empathise, because I know they will be worried about them,” she said.

“Between me, my boss Sandra Bettles and the Marshall family, we have them divvied up between us.”

Holding three of the seven puppies form the litter of seven and the mum rescued by Paula McKinlay in Burketown. Picture: Supplied

Ms McKinlay said she was sure those who had to leave their homes must be worrying about their dogs, but wanted to let them know they are safe and well.

“When we thought the floods might get higher I had the roof in town picked out where I was going to take them all,” she said.

“I thought I can’t leave anyone’s dogs behind they are in my care.”

Paula McKinlay rescued this Bull Arab bitch who was in a flooded home with seven puppies and kitten in Burketown after residents had to evacuate as the floods surged across the Gulf community. Picture: Supplied

She said on Wednesday the Royal Flying Doctor Service will land in Burketown, carrying some dog food which have been donated by a supermarket in Mt Isa.

Originally published as Burketown residents use boat to rescue dogs left behind when floods devastated community