Busy times at RSPCA Tasmania

It’s hard to believe that it is almost the end of June – and as usual there has been a lot happening.  As I have acknowledged previously, times are tough in securing funds, but it was very pleasing to see such a fantastic turn out right around the state for the 2012 Million Paws Walk.  This was my first ‘walk’ but all indications suggest that this was one of the most successful hosted in Tasmania pre day online registrations were up by almost 100% on last year, and I’d like to thank all those involved in running the individual ‘walks’ that took place throughout the State and in particular thanks to our Fundraising Manager Jo Meyer.  There are a number of new fundraising initiatives for Tasmania that Jo will be rolling out throughout the year for us to look forward to.  Once again, I cannot highlight enough the role that our volunteers play in assisting us in staging major events – thank you one and all.

 Nationally, we have just launched the Stayz Charity Give and Getaway 50 day auction.  100% of the funds raised will be split between RSPCA and Canteen.  We are promoting the auction on Facebook and twitter and you can check out the daily auctions by going to  http://giveandgetaway.stayz.com.au/

Finally, it was very pleasing that the Deputy Premier and Minister for Primary Industries Bryan Green recently announced the phasing out of battery hen farming in Tasmania and the fast tracking of a planned ban on sow stalls.  Our Executive Team worked very closely with Government for quite some time to achieve this ground breaking result and we can all be proud that Tasmania is leading the way in making such an important commitment to animal welfare.

Ben Sturges

CEO - RSPCA Tasmania

Lots happening at RSPCA Tasmania

It's hard to believe that it is almost April! There has been a lot of activity right around the State with a huge push to find homes for the many kittens and cats  that have arrived at our shelters. Early in the year we had an unusual amount of rabbits that were adopted, but this months response to our plea for help with cats has been quite amazing. A big thank you must go to Lorraine Hamilton with her own promotional activity in the north and a thank you to our friends in media across print, radio and television, that took up the cause on our behalf. We well get close to having re-homed 300 cats and kittens for the month, once again a big thank you to all involved.

This Friday we will officially launch the 2012 Million Paws Walk, its one of our biggest fundraising events which takes place in Tasmania on Sunday 20 May.

With walks happening in Hobart, Launceston, St. Helens and Ulverstone this is a great family day out, so we encourage everyone to get on-line and register and assist us in raising much needed funds. Current tough economic times, means that the fundraising dollar is even tougher to secure, so please get behind this one. Walks will take place in Launceston, St. Helens and Ulverstone, with the launch being conducted in Hobart by the Minister for Local Government Bryan Green.

I'm very pleased with the way our Community Engagement programme is developing. Andrea Carne, RSPCA's Community Engagement Manager has certainly hit the ground running, with her visits to a number of Tasmanian primary schools providing an entertaining and informative representation of the work and importance of RSPCA.

In closing I'd just like you all to encourage family, friends and colleagues to spread the word and join the walk, we want this years event to be the best yet!