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Community

15 April, 2021

New Paws and Claws in Douglas

A STATE-OF-THE-ART $1.5 million rescue and boarding facility for dogs and cats will begin construction in Port Douglas in the coming weeks, after years of fundraising efforts by the Homeless Animal Society and Boarding Kennels Inc.


New Paws and Claws in Douglas - feature photo

In September 2016 the charity lost its first “Paws and Claws” facility due to redevelopment, leaving the region’s lost and abandoned dogs and cats with nowhere to go.

Now, after years of hurdles being thrown at the organisation and many failed attempts at securing a new property, the committee recently agreed to enter into contract with their builder to construct the long-awaited new home.

When completed, it will be able to house 38 dogs for rescue and boarding and will have the ability to hold cat communities as well.

“We are so happy that all the hard work from the committee and the support from the community is now paying off,” said Society president Michael Kerr.

“Without the support that we have received from the State Government, Federal Government, Cairns Animal Welfare and the very generous local input we would never have reached this goal.”

Having been required to borrow the last $250,000, the association is now looking forward to opening the facility in the second half of 2021.

The Society, which continues to fundraise via its charity shop in Mossman and various fundraising events, thanked the Douglas community for its patience and continuing contributions.

“At times we didn’t know if we were ever going to get there, we were knocked back from so many properties and then faced a hefty legal bill securing the current site,” said Mr Kerr.

“A lot of work has gone into this project to ensure that it will be nothing like the previous property and obviously comply with the conditions that have been placed on it.

“The association is extremely grateful for the support that it continues to receive and it is clear that the love for the organisation and the animals that it will care for is abundant.”

However this is just the start of the journey for rescuing the region’s abandoned animals, so tax deductable donations can be made at www.pawsandclaws.org.au

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