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  4. RSPCA at capacity as dog adoptions…

31 January 2013

Kennels at the RSPCA’s Lonsdale shelter are at capacity as it reopens its dog adoption facilities to the public.

RSPCA (SA) Executive Manager of Animal Operations, Kerriann Campbell, said the temporary closure

of dog adoptions has seen a backlog of dogs and puppies looking for a new home.

“We are at capacity,” she said.

The RSPCA is currently caring for more than 110 dogs and puppies at its Lonsdale shelter, with more

than 40 of those ready to be adopted.

“This is always a busy time of year for us but having dog adoptions closed, albeit temporarily, has

added to the strain,” said Ms Campbell.

“We are making use of our robust foster care and animal rescue networks to manage our dogs as

they go through the adoption process and we are determined to find them the loving forever homes

they deserve.

“A pet is a lifetime commitment and such a decision should never be impulsive, but we would urge

anyone thinking about adopting to consider the RSPCA.”

Dog adoptions at the Lonsdale shelter were put on hold in mid-January when parvovirus was

detected.

“Immediate and stringent protocols saw the virus isolated and contained quickly,” said Ms Campbell.

“We remained vigilant through the quarantine period and are confident the risk has passed."

Parvovirus does not affect humans but can be fatal for dogs that are not vaccinated.

“With the quarantine period behind us we are now looking forward to once again showing off our

adoption dogs to the public,” said Ms Campbell.

Dogs available for adoption at the RSPCA are vet checked, vaccinated, and behaviour assessed to

ensure they will make great pets.

The RSPCA Lonsdale shelter is open to the public seven days a week.

The Family Fun Day and Grand Opening of the revamped Lonsdale Adoption and Pet

Accommodation centre, previously scheduled for Sunday 20 January, was postponed when dog

adoptions were closed temporarily.

The event has been rescheduled for Sunday 3 March and more details will be announced closer to

the date.

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