There is always plenty of exciting things going on at RSPCA Tasmania, here are some highlights!

I am pleased to announce that we have just re-opened our vet clinic at Mornington.  With our new vet Joanne Lonergan joining the team in June, we can now keep on top of our shelter work as well as carrying out public work.

This service is aimed out low income earners, concession card and health care card holders.

The main services available are health checks and vaccinations, micro chipping and desexing.  As I pointed out in a recent media statement, it’s recommended that health checks and vaccinations take place prior to surgery if the animal has not been seen by a vet recently.

The reopening of the clinic should also relieve some of the pressure on the Hobart Community Veterinary Clinic at Lenah Valley.

We are currently advertising a new position, RSPCA Tasmania Manager – Community Engagement.  I see this as being a very important role in assisting us in delivering a wide range of educational programmes and activities to various community groups on a state wide basis, to promote and educate the public on responsible pet ownership and RSPCA activities including low cost desexing.

RSPCA awareness week is not far away and concludes with one of our major fundraisers ‘Happy Tails Day which is Friday October 7^th.  We are always looking for volunteers, so if you can assist us on this day please give us a call on 6244 3033.

Welcome to my first blog as Chief Executive Officer of RSPCA Tasmania

The aim of my blog is to provide a regular update of activities from around the State.

Three months into the job and I can’t help wondering where the time has gone!  As a long time member and supporter of RSPCA Tasmania, I’m not just passionate about my dogs – I’m passionate about all aspects of animal welfare, and although there is much to do, I am enjoying the daily challenges of my role.

It was very encouraging to see such a strong turnout at our recent rally on the lawns of Parliament House,   supporting the RSPCA led national push to ban live exports. While we were disappointed with the outcome of the vote in the house RSPCA will continue to apply pressure over this appalling trade. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my team, our volunteers and guest speakers for their contribution on the day.

Volunteers are an integral part of the role we play in improving the welfare of animals. We value the assistance provided by our volunteers tremendously. There are a number of volunteer roles available with RSPCA Tasmania and we would welcome the opportunity to talk with those interested in helping.

We have a number of fundraising and awareness events planned during the next few months, details are available on this website.  One of our important fundraisers is Happy Tails which takes place nationally on 7 October. Events such as Happy Tails help with the significant work which RSPCA undertake in Tasmania.

Another area that is an important part of our development is the role of educating and engaging the community with our work which is something I look forward to expanding on in future blogs.

In closing, it’s easy to keep in touch with what’s happening at RSPCA Tasmania, follow us on facebook, subscribe to our newsletter or visit our website.  I look forward to providing information updates - feel free to respond to me personally by commenting on this blog.