Dr Michael Holland, AWL NSW president Linda Geddes and AWL NSW Bega manager Olivia Forge at the opening of the Bega animal care centre. Photo: John Martin.
A new animal welfare centre has opened in Bega to help educate animal owners across the NSW Far South Coast, as well as to quickly respond to any allegation of mistreatment.
Earlier this month, the Animal Welfare League NSW’s (AWL) new regional animal care centre was officially opened in Bega by Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland.
“I understand there is an increasing demand for animal welfare services here on the Sapphire Coast and this centre will make a huge difference in delivering the services we need here in the region,” he said.
An AWL spokesperson said the league had experienced an increased demand for welfare services in the region, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Given the location, there was a lack of coverage for animal welfare inspectorate services,” the spokesperson said.
“The full-time, Bega-based Inspector Amanda Shane will be able to respond quickly to any animal welfare concern.
“Her work will include prosecutions where appropriate, but she will also be in the community educating people about good animal welfare practices.”
AWL NSW Inspector Amanda Shane is a Bega resident who was born in the town. Photo: John Martin.
The Bega-born inspector said her role entailed inspecting every case that was made. These do not need to be cruelty cases, but could be a concern made by a member of the public.
“We leave every property making sure the animal’s welfare is OK, and in most cases it is just a matter of education. They might not have known that it needed a particular treatment for something,” she said.
“We’re really just the voice for the animals and try to teach people the right thing to do.
“Our main aim is that we want to educate people. We don’t want to be removing animals unless we have to.”
The AWL spokesperson said the league was concerned about the lack of services in the region and the ability to respond quickly to animal welfare concerns, not the number of complaints.
“However, one act of animal cruelty is too many,” the spokesperson said.
“The Bega branch of the AWL NSW is particularly active with caring and rehoming pets. The centre will also provide a base for that important work.
“With an inspector based in Bega, AWL NSW will be able to gather important data on animal welfare complaints and issues.”
AWL NSW Inspector Amanda Shane, Dr Michael Holland, AWL NSW president Linda Geddes and AWL NSW CEO Stephen Albin at the Bega centre’s opening. Photo: John Martin.
AWL NSW CEO Stephen Albin said having inspectors and staff on the ground ensured the league could deal with companion animals in need quickly.
“We know there is high demand for our services and this centre will give our inspectors and local volunteers the facilities to deliver higher levels of support,” he said.
Bega’s regional animal care centre is the first of three such centres to open across NSW.
It is funded by the NSW Government, which provided $5.5 million to AWL NSW for animal welfare programs and centres.
The AWL spokesperson said the funding paid for the office in Bega and an inspector. The funding will also fund the two other regional centres and services in Sydney.
The other two animal care centres will be in Glen Innes in the Northern Tablelands and Orange in the Central Tablelands.
They will open in 2025, subject to construction work timetabling.
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