RSPCA NSW has closed it animal shelter in Port Macquarie with the care of companion animals and strays now falling back to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
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The shelter at Karungi Crescent closed its doors for the last time on April 26 leaving just six RSPCA shelters across NSW.
RSPCA NSW did not renew its animal management contract with council at the end of last year.
Council operates the Port Macquarie Animal Shelter and has now put processes in place to work with the RSPCA Port Macquarie, along with other animal welfare groups, including Port Macquarie Animal Welfare Society, to re-home animals.
Council's animal shelter operates from John Fraser Place.
A RSPCA spokesperson said while there will no longer be a physical RSPCA shelter location at Port Macquarie, the organisation has plans to ensure it continues to grow and support companion animals and people within the community.
The RSPCA plans to run pop-up adoption campaigns, education programs, provide foster care network support, and community outreach days in the upcoming months.
"The (council) facility is well-resourced to support companion animals in the Port Macquarie region that are stray, which means that we are able to step up and help where it is now needed most in the region," the spokesperon said in a statement.
"We are placing ourselves in a position where we can support, empower and educate the community within its new animal welfare infrastructure. Improving animal welfare is a joint responsibility between the community and council and we hope our close working relationships with both will continue through our proactive initiatives."
RSPCA NSW praised the work of its Port Macquarie branch team.
"They have done so much to champion our core values for almost 20 years, and we cannot emphasise enough how grateful we are to have such a team. It is through passion and dedication that they have established a wonderful, strong presence in the community to support our animal welfare work.
"This presence, along with our thriving foster care network, will be the backbone of our efforts to promote responsible pet ownership in the region."
The RSPCA's Port Macquarie Op Shop will remain open and all funds raised from the proceeds of the property sale will stay within the community.
"This is a big move for us as an organisation, and the decision was not made lightly, but we believe it is a step in the right direction," the spokesperson said.
"We want to thank each and every person who has supported the shelter, including the Port Macquarie branch, our foster network, our dedicated staff and volunteers and you, our supporters, whose donations have helped to keep the shelter doors open over the years."
For more information on council's animal shelter and pet adoption, click here.
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