Don't let Molly have a ruff winter
ANIMAL shelters in Ipswich are desperate for blankets and winter woollies to help their homeless furry friends combat the chill sweeping the region.
Animal Welfare League Ipswich shelter manager Nicole Cannon said many of its in-house pets were sleeping on cold concrete floors because they did not have enough blankets.
"We have to cut up old blankets to make them go a bit further and often get sheets which aren't good enough because they're too thin," Ms Cannon said.
"We've been scavenging op shops and trying to get stuff from other shelters because we're so desperate.
"We need blankets and towels rather than sheets because, when they're in dog pens, as soon as they get damp they're not thick enough for the cold.
"Even if they're stained or old it doesn't matter."
RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said the charity was in desperate need of blankets as it had to supply necessities to foster families as well. "We need to regularly replace blankets after we've used them with animals that have infections," Mr Beatty said.
"The blankets have to be disposed of if they have diseases.
"We have been combating the problems of disease as the new pens are made of better materials and have more adequate drainage.
"But we really need doonas, sheets, towels. Anything could get put to use.
"Please donate directly to the shelter at Wacol seven days a week."
Ms Cannon said the AWL shelter homed more than 100 dogs needing adopting, and there were about 20 to 30 available now.
Others are waiting to be health or temperament tested and foster carers are in desperate need in the meantime.
"We have limited adoption space because a lot of cats and kittens come in underweight and can't be adopted or desexed until eight weeks or so," she said.
To donate to the shelter phone 3202 4688 or visit it at Hooper St, West Ipswich. The RSPCA is at 139 Wacol Station Rd, Wacol. Phone 3426 9999.
