A plan to secure the financial future of RSPCA Tasmania is “on track”, state chief executive Andrew Byrne says.
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The animal welfare organisation has been cutting costs as it works to double-down on its core values of protection, education and advocacy.
Dr Byrne said RSPCA had transformed from a “much bigger, more clumsy, costly model to one which is becoming more sustainable”.
“We were in a desperate financial situation at the middle of the year,” he said.
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RSPCA Tasmania has bolstered its bottom line by selling its animal care centre in Hobart and renegotiating the terms of running a pound for Launceston City Council.
Dr Byrne said the organisation had also become much more frugal.
“I congratulate all RSPCA Tasmania staff and volunteers for remaining positive and hardworking in the face of significant organisation change,” he said.
“The work of our team is highly valuable, and their commitment and dedication to Tasmanian animals is highly commendable.”
RSPCA Tasmania provided an update of its financial position at its annual general meeting in Hobart on Saturday.
It also updated stakeholders on plans to expand inspectorate services and establish a centralised care facility to maximise capacity.
A temporary central shelter has been set up at an RSPCA centre at Spreyton but Dr Byrne said a long-term solution would likely be located in the north.
“We need to build a shelter of excellence,” he said.
“… We’re expecting it will probably take a couple of years before we can find another facility.”
RSPCA Tasmania achieved an animal reclaim and re-home rate of 81 per cent this year.
It also helped almost 7000 animals statewide through its animal care centres and inspectors and received more than 2000 calls to its animal cruelty hotline.