Happy Hearts Animal Rescue has found its self inundated by “colonies” of stray animals, and is calling on the community to help address the issue.
Happy Hearts is a charity organisation dedicated to rescuing animals, assisting with microchipping, de-sexing, vaccination and training before rehoming them to trustworthy and responsible homes.
Founder Jade Mendez said the organisation is at capacity for foster carers, and is seeking to raise funds for the organisation to expand, and spread awareness to address the issue at its core.
“The amount of people wanting to surrender their animals at the moment is massive. We’ve stopped our intake because we don’t have enough room,” she said.
Ms Mendez said Happy Hearts currently has 32 cats and two dogs including Panda, the Akita Inu currently looking for a home.
“All of the rescues are inundated with stray cats, usually ones that are owned but not de-sexed having litters upon litters,” she said.
“In the industrial side of Melton there are colonies of cats.”
Ms Mendez said the biggest thing the public can do is “stop the cycle” by keeping animals indoors unless they have a secure enclosure, to prevent strays and protect native wildlife.
Other tips include de-sexing animals, microchipping, vaccinating yearly and regular flea and worm treatment.
However, Ms Mendez also has a larger vision to transform Happy Hearts from a foster organisation into a community centre establishment, that could provide more room for rescues, veterinary services, and engage in programs that house animals for homeless people and refugees.
Ms Mendez is seeking help from anyone who can help realise her dream whether it be donators, grant writers, or council.
“A big thankyou to the community for their support this far…We need your help,” she said.
Details: www.facebook.com/HappyHeartsAnimalRescue/ or www.gofundme.com/f/happy-hearts-fund-raiser
