RSPCA in hunt for adoption premises

The RSPCA had failed to negotiate a multimillion- dollar ratepayer- funded investment to upgrade the facilities and cover reported losses incurred through service delivery in recent years.

The deteriorating relationship between the two parties was ultimately salvaged with a last- minute agreement.

Mr Townend said the new facility would have more of a retail focus.

“It’s not going to be a noisy, smelly place. People will be able to look at the animals on the internet and then come into the centre to adopt, much like a Pet Barn,” he said. “There may also be an op- shop on- site to help fund the operations.”

It comes as RSPCA Queensland received $ 879,000 in the 2018- 19 State Budget to upgrade its facilities in North Queensland, including Cairns and Townsville.

Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said the Government would continue to support organisations such as the RSPCA.

“There are still ongoing discussions on the specific detail of where the funds are to be spent by the RSPCA,” he said.

“An announcement on the finalisation of this detail is expected in the near future.”

The Bulletin understands RSPCA also received a significant sum of money in the deal they brokered with the council earlier this year.

RSPCA Queensland’s welfare inspectors have continued to work in Townsville uninterrupted by the pound talk.

Mr Townend said the RSPCA was co- ordinating its efforts from a rented office space in Townsville.

“We have a 12- month lease … it’s from there that we’re organising support for foster carers,” he said.

Meanwhile the council has assumed operation of the pound facility at Bohle, working to care for and rehome stray and abandoned animals.