The Mount Alexander Animal Welfare group's commitment to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership has been rewarded with a new council contract.
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MAAW will continue to provide pound services to the Mount Alexander Shire after council awarded it a three-year contract at this week's council meeting.
It is a vote of confidence for the community group who formed when the RSPCA announced it was moving its services from Castlemaine to Bendigo.
MAAW treasurer Stephanie Miller said the new contract recognised the group is a fully fledged community organisation.
"It secures our future for three years, with the possibility to extend the contact for two more years," she said.
"It is the first time we have got deal with council in our name, on our conditions and the good thing about it is it recognises we are community organisation who have the support of community.
"The shire has been really encouraging and instrumental in our success. From the mayor to the people running the animal management programs, they have all been supportive and helpful."
MAAW took over lease on the Castlemaine animal shelter in December, 2017, with an option to purchase it within three years.
After just 13 months of fundraising, volunteer work and planning, MAAW officially bought the site in January, nearly two years ahead of schedule.
"Since taking ownership, it hasn't changed an awful lot but gives us that sense of security," Ms Miller said."So it is really good to own it now and the fact we were able to do that much sooner expected is fantastic.
"One of the things I saw when the RSPCA was leaving was it had a big body of volunteers who were wondering what they were going to do. I could see people were going to be a bit lost without that social connection.
"There has been a lot of community interest in the whole project, particularly from animal welfare groups across state. People are noticing what we're doing and are enthusiastic for us to succeed."
Mount Alexander Shire's coordinator of community safety and amenity Jeffry Amy said MAAW had provided exceptional animal care since taking over the service in 2017.
"MAAW has partnered closely with Council and the community and has provided exceptional care for dogs and cats over that time," Mr Amy said.
"They have achieved a very high adoption rate, in part due to their proactive social media campaign and broad support throughout the community.
"The facilities are very well looked after and MAAW plans to expand its cattery.
"We are very fortunate to have so many passionate volunteers with an interest in animal welfare in our community."
Council sought tenders from service providers who were capable of embracing the principles of a zero euthanasia rate for adoptable dogs and cats and who can deliver innovative pound services that improve levels of responsible pet ownership.
The three-year contract is valued at approximately $665,140, and includes the option of two one-year contract extensions.
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