A recent adoption day held in Kingston highlighted the need for foster carers and loving homes for the abundance of animals, particularly cats and kittens, which have pushed rescue organisations to capacity this year.
The Tasmanian Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (TARS) and Tasmanian Animal Rescue, Rehabilitation and Education Services (TARRES) have been assisting each other this season and Ten Lives Cat Centre recently issued an SOS for foster carers in southern Tasmania due to the large numbers of cats and kittens.
TARS was opened in September 2020 with the goal of reducing animal abandonment through improved access to resources, vet care and education for pet owners.
“So far, we have taken in and rehomed many animals including cats, dogs, chickens, ducks, horses, goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs and mice,” said Jenna, Director of TARS.
“We also advocate for better dog training and handling to reduce dog surrender rates and have guided many pet owners on how to manage their dog’s behaviour before considering rehoming.
“This past weekend we hosted an adoption day and found two of our cats wonderful homes as well as accepting many donations from donors!”
TARS are hoping to increase public awareness of the benefits of adopting over shopping for pets or to consider fostering homeless animals in need.
They would also love to grow their team of volunteers who assist with animal care.
TARRES has been operating state wide since 2017 and primarily deal with wildlife, although they have also been inundated with felines this season.
“Cats are one of the biggest causes of wildlife being injured, killed or suffering disease, so cat management is also a very high priority for us,” said Nat, Director of TARRES.
“We have been filled beyond capacity with cats and kittens this year and thankfully TARS have come to the rescue by assisting us with fostering, adoptions and supplies.
“We can achieve so much more by working along with other rescues.”
TARRES have been trapping stray and feral cats with the aim of reducing harm to wildlife.
Having the cats desexed, microchipped, rehabilitated and socialised, before being adopted out to homes where they will be contained and not allowed to roam is art of breaking the cycle of feral cats.
As a fully not for profit organisation run completely by volunteers, TARRES rely on the generous donations of the public to keep operating.
They are currently in desperate need of a variety of cat and kitten supplies as well as foster carers and, of course, loving homes for their animals.
More information about TARS is available at their website www.tarsrecue.org and about TARRES at https://tarres.org.au/
TARRES also have a 24-hour hotline for wildlife rescue on 03 6165 1432.
Pictured above: Hazel with Oreo the rabbit and Director of TARS, Jenna with Jax the cat at the recent adoption day in Kingston. (PS)
