The centre is currently operating at a loss of about $25,000 a month. 

Tasmania chief executive Dr Andrew Byrne said the RSPCA was working with City of Launceston to find a solution.

“We never saw the Launceston centre as something that would close, but we did see it as a money drain,” he said. 

“It is now very realistic that those animal management services enjoyed by the community in and around Launceston, could finish by August,” he said. 

In March The Examiner revealed that the RSPCA would close its Hobart centre, as part of plans to divest a number of “non-core practices”.

The centre officially closed on June 1, with agreements between the RSPCA and welfare groups Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and 10 Lives, to assist in re-homing any animals under its care. 

Currently, there are 67 dogs, 173 cats and 39 other animals at the Mowbray centre. 

Two full-time employees, 10 part-time and up to 15 volunteers also make up the animal care centre and veterinary staff. 

Its services are partly funded by the City of Launceston, together with the associated fees and charges from impounded dogs and money received from the re-homing of cats and dogs. 

City of Launceston general manager Michael Stretton said temporary measures had been put in place to continue services provided by the shelter, for the next three months.

Council have also engaged consulting firm KPMG to determine a sustainable solution for the provision of dog and cat management in the state’s North.  

“Financially, it’s simply not sustainable the way things are for the RSPCA at Mowbray and we accept that,” he said. 

“As a council, we are obliged to run a dog and pound service and regardless, that will continue irrespective of what decision the RSPCA ultimately makes as a board.”

Mr Stretton said the centre’s closure was a regional issue and any financial burden for animal services shouldn’t be carried solely by Launceston ratepayers. 

“Everyone wants the same thing and that is what’s best for animals in Northern Tasmania,” he said.