By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A “kitten tsunami” is approaching Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) as it launches a Christmas appeal today (Friday).
“Not only is Christmas the season of giving, it’s the season when our community’s cats start to multiply at quite an alarming rate,” said GAWS chief Adrian Buckley.
“Spring is the breeding season and we really notice it here at GAWS. We’ve had several litters of tiny kittens dropped off to us in just the last couple of weeks and it’s not going to slow down during summer.”
The unfunded animal shelter relies on donations and fundraisers to look after the community’s lost and unwanted animals.
The team of volunteers and staff encourages people to consider GAWS as a charity of choice.
Mr Buckley suggested making a donation to GAWS as a Christmas gift instead of buying meaningless token gifts.
“It’s better than wasting $10 or $20 on a bargain-store item, particularly for Kris Kringles, because it helps feed and care for an animal waiting for a new home.
“The simplest way to donate is to go to the website gawsgiving.org.au and click on the Christmas Appeal tab.”
Mr Buckely said GAWS had a chief objective of reducing stress on the animals as much as possible.
Cats were particularly prone to high stress rates in shelter situations, he said.
GAWS staff and volunteers did an “amazing job” and without exception all demonstrated genuine passion and love for animals, Mr Buckley said.
“It’s very rewarding for them to see the community pitching in and helping with fundraising.”
