A refuge that has supported more than 33,000 animals since the early 1990s has announced its “bittersweet” closure.
The site, which is the only shelter in the Noosa region, is set to close due to a “significant decline” in the number of animals in need.
On May 31, RSPCA Noosa will relinquish its lease for a site on the corner of Hollett Road and Eumundi-Noosa Road back to Noosa Council.
After a long-standing partnership, the decision was made to not renew the RSPCA’s pound contract with the council due to an 85 per cent reduction in impounded animals.
Recently the shelter has been averaging four impounded animals every month, compared to 26 animals per month 10 years ago.
RSPCA Queensland interim CEO Kylie Sprott said while it was sad to see the facility close, the decrease in demand presented a win for animal welfare in the Noosa community.
“Having so few roaming animals in the region is a great reflection of the animal welfare improvements that have been made in the region with our council partnership since 1993,” she said.
“Our joint education efforts with council across the years have meant more animals are staying in their forever homes and we have a region of more responsible pet owners, which is something Noosa residents can be proud of.
“We congratulate the local community for taking such good care of their pets and thank the numerous dedicated RSPCA Queensland staff and volunteers who have run the local pound service over the past three decades.”
Opening in 1993, shelter staff and volunteers have helped hundreds of animals through adoption, fostering and education, plus assisted other RSPCA locations with animal capacity and inspector welfare services in the area.
Since records were digitised in 2002, the Noosa site has received 33,039 incoming animals, adopted out 17,216 animals, placed 9684 animals in care from other RSPCA locations and helped reunite 4326 lost animals.
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Over the past three decades, the RSPCA Noosa team held fundraising events, raising $53,335 since 2020 alone from donation boxes, shelter events, garage sales and raffles.
Noosa’s RSPCA Cupcake Day and Million Paws Walk have raised $31,814 and $38,236 respectively since 2020, and Noosa ranked in the top three Cupcake Day national fundraisers for five consecutive years.
Despite the closure, RSPCA inspectors will continue to investigate cruelty complaints and support at-risk animals in Noosa and surrounding areas, ensuring ongoing education and intervention for those in need.
Noosa Council’s director of development and regulation Richard MacGillivray has confirmed the council it is exploring alternative animal impoundment options.
“Council thanks RSPCA Queensland for its enduring commitment to the Noosa community and we are pleased to continue working together to keep promoting responsible pet ownership.
“Until Council has finalised its new pound arrangements it’s too early to say how the site may be used in future.
“However, any proposed new use of the site would need to be assessed against Council’s Strategic Land Activation Policy to ensure it supports Council’s strategic goals and benefits the local community.”
