Emotions boil over on RSPCA

THE emotions of sections of the community have been running high in the aftermath of the announcement that Townsville City Council and the RSPCA are parting ways.

But it’s important to note that this change will bring Townsville into line with a lot of other local governments.

The existing system in Townsville, where the RSPCA is involved in animal management services, is not the norm when it comes to pounds.

The RSPCA has even said it wants to focus on animal cruelty issues, in what is essentially a return to its core purpose.

The split between Townsville City Council and the RSPCA is not surprising when you take this into consideration.

RSPCA has previously asked for an investment from council to upgrade facilities at the shelter and cover losses they’ve incurred in recent years.

Running the city’s animal management services is a big job and it’s one that the RSPCA has said took a financial toll, increasing its operating costs.

If you have a look closely at the news surrounding RSPCA pounds across Australia over the past 12 months, Townsville certainly is not the only location to walk this path.

Similar changes have taken place at cities and towns across the country.

The strong outpouring of concern we have seen over the past few days is a mark of how much the community cares about animals and their welfare. It is obviously an issue close to the hearts of many people. If managed correctly, the transition should not mean any loss in the services provided to the community, just a change in who provides them.

The change will have to be monitored and done well, because our community simply wouldn’t stand for anything less.

Hopefully the RSPCA finds a new location for its own adoption centre in the near future. It is clear that there is a great deal of community support for the organisation and it would be great to see it have a continued animal adoption service in the city.