A haven for fury fire victims

THE Bendigo RSPCA shelter is available to take in dogs and cats lost and traumatised by the recent fires.Adoptions from the Pipers Road, Bendigo East shelter have been temporarily placed on hold until all animal welfare issues resulting from the fires are under control RSPCA Chief Executive Officer Maria Mercurio said all the cats and dogs at Bendigo had been relocated to Burwood when the enormity of the fire was realised.“We will have a veterinarian available to check out pets for any injuries caused by the fires.”Ms Mercurio said the RSPCA could assist with a rebate to veterinarians who may have treated pets and the owners are unable to pay.“We are also able to help out with a full range of pet accessories such as bowls and leads.“Animal owners should contact us or go to our web site to see the wide range of assistance that is available.”Pet food manufacturer Hills has donated large amounts of dog and cat food that can be sourced by fire victims form the RSPCA shelter.She said it would be difficult to find the owners of some pets even if pets had been micro-chipped.“If the house has burnt down and phone contact has been destroyed we have no way of contacting the owner.“Anyone who is missing a pet should give their nearest shelter a call and in this case it would be Bendigo.”The Bendigo RSPCA shelter can be contacted on 5441 2209.