Dog Rescue Newcastle have secured a permanent location for the construction of a shelter to assist in their re-homing efforts.
The site at Fullerton Cove, will provide a sanctuary for up to 40 dogs where they will be trained and rehabilitated until they are moved into foster care or adopted.
The organisation wants to make the Hunter a no-kill zone by working with dog owners and educating the community to reduce overall animal surrenders and abandonment.
The shelter, once constructed will feature exercise yards, long-term accommodation, community pet pantry, event space, memorial garden, retail store and adoption office.
Jesse Reinhard from Dog Rescue Newcastle says the the new facility will give animals on death row a second chance.
"This will mean animals in death row pounds and on euthanasia lists, both locally and in regional that need more help can be saved.
"We also get a lot of private surrenders that are very urgent due to neglect, abuse or domestic violence.
"One of the biggest issues of running a foster based program is that we need time to assess the dogs and place the dogs so we can have the right carers. This shelter will mean animals can be assessed faster and more families can be supported," Mr Reinhard said.
Over $70,000 has been raised so far which has gone towards the deposit for the mortgage of the property. The organisation says another $300,000 is needed to construct the shelters.
Mr Reinhard says the organisation will have to up the bar on donations in order to get the shelter up and running.
"If there's more dogs coming in, it will mean there is going to be more help needed. We will be reaching out with lots of new programs and campaigns to help get business and the community involved.
"This will be a very inclusive shelter because we believe we can do it together, not just with money but with hands," Mr Reinhard said.
Anyone who would like to donate to the shelter can do so here. People interested in volunteering can apply on their website.
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| Image: Dog Rescue Newcastle |
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| Pictured: Plans for the shelter at Fullerton Cove. Image: Dog Rescue Newcastle |
