Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Adopt A Pet And Change A Life

Media    Release

Media release

7 March 2018

Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali is encouraging animal lovers to adopt a pet from the Council’s Animal Holding Facility.

Now the cat breeding season is well under way, Mayor Bali said there were a number of cats and kittens needing homes.

“The number of cats coming into the AHF always increases at this time of year because their main breeding season runs from November to March,” he said.

“We have about 20 cats and kittens ready for adoption right now, and there are more waiting in the wings to take their place.

“I urge people thinking of getting a pet to seriously consider adopting from our Animal Holding Facility.”

As well as cats and kittens, a litter of puppies is also ready for adoption.

“Those choosing to take the step and adopt a four-legged friend will be spoilt for choice with the wide range of pets currently up for adoption,” Mayor Bali said.

“But before coming in, we want you to be prepared to take care of the animal you decide to take home.”

Mayor Bali said choosing to adopt a pet from the AHF is the ideal way to bring a furry friend into the family.

“Not only will you get that fantastic feeling of knowing you have given an animal a new lease of life, but adopting a pet from the AHF will cost less than purchasing one from a pet shop or a breeder.

“All animals for adoption at the AHF are available at very reasonable rates and all come with the complete package: they’re desexed, vaccinated, vet health checked, microchipped and lifetime registered.

“In addition, many come already trained and used to living with families, so you know you’ll get a happy, healthy pet.”

Michelle Davis adopted a cat from the AHF recently and said she was thrilled with her decision.

“We adopted ‘Tom’ after seeing his photo on the Facebook page and falling in love with him,” she said.

“We changed his name to Archibald Francis, aka Archie, and he is such a little cutie!

“From the minute we brought him home he was so confident and sure of himself. He didn’t waste any time walking around our house and sussing out his spots.

“He’s doing wonderfully and he is a very happy cat.”

Blacktown City Council - Media Release - Pet Perks For Pensioners Pay Off

MEDIA RELEASE

8 August 2017

Blacktown City Council has helped hundreds of struggling residents take better care of their pets following a generous program of pet discounts.

Council offered pensioners and low-income owners free pet microchipping and low-cost cat and dog desexing throughout July.

“Thanks to the program, 944 cats and 248 dogs were desexed and microchipped,” Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali said.

“Research shows desexing pets decreases the chances of developing certain types of cancers and infections, while microchipping means lost pets can be easily reunited with their owners.

“Overall, pets will live longer and happier lives thanks to this work.”

The program was a joint initiative of Council, the Office of Local Government and the Animal Welfare League designed to help struggling families and pensioners look after their pets.

Mayor Bali thanked the AWL volunteers and vets who took part in the program.

“The AWL is in urgent need of more support and I encourage people to donate so that volunteers can continue their important work, especially coming into cat breeding season in the next few months,” he said.

Dr David Burrell and vet nurse Kimberley Eurell-Newell taking part in the desexing program.