Lasting homes will have to wait

AN animal rescue group has been left devastated after being told dogs in need of adoption were barred from this year’s Cairns Show.

North Queensland Animal Rescue was informed by the Cairns Show Association last month it was no longer welcome to bring any of its rescue dogs to the Cairns showgrounds.

The non-profit organisation has been bringing rescue dogs to the show for the past two years.

However association secretary/manager Ian MollerNielsen said there were health and safety concerns about allowing dogs this year.

“We told them that they could have a stall here, we just didn’t want their dogs in here,” he said.

“All their dogs have to have a health declaration.

“Also, they can’t guarantee the safety, and also what those dogs can or can’t do.

“Can you imagine people who want to adopt a dog, that actually want to take it there and then, and we don’t actually have dogs (at the show)?

“The only people who are allowed to have dogs are the people over in the dog obedience (display) and the other ones are in the animal nursery.”

Animal rescue co-ordinator Jess Grinter said the organisation relied upon the show to help find permanent homes and foster carers for pets.

“The show has been a great fundraiser for us in the past,” she said.

“We all enjoy going there because we enjoy meeting heaps of people.

“Lots of people who have adopted dogs find us and show us photos.

“It’s just a fun event and we make sure we choose the right dogs to go.”

She said the organisation would seek permission from the association to return to the show next year with dogs.