The Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) has taken on the management of Brisbane City Council’s two animal shelter facilities in Warra and Willawong.

AWLQ CEO Denise Bradley, says her organisation takes pride in its best practice treatment of cats and dogs in their current Rehoming Centres and looks forward to working towards the same outcomes for the Brisbane shelters.

“AWLQ rehome on average 400-500 animals per month, making ours one of the most successful rehoming programs in the country,” Ms Bradley says.

“With such a high rehoming rate, AWLQ is well positioned to improve the outcomes for Brisbane’s strays and look foward to having the community’s support to achieve this goal.

“We look forward to working with Brisbane City Council, local rescue groups and the community to ensure all animals have a safe and loving home to call their own,” says Ms Bradley.

Cr Krista Adams Chairman of the Brisbane Lifestyle Committee said Council is pleased to have awarded the contract to AWLQ for the management of the two Brisbane animal shelters.

“AWLQ has built a strong reputation for being dedicated to providing high quality animal management services, and are also a great value service for residents,” Cr Adams said.

“Council’s priority will continue to be the wellbeing of the animals in its shelters as its broad-reaching responsible pet education programs.”

AWLQ works closely with city and regional councils to provide second chances for unclaimed stray animals. The organisation also takes in surrendered animals directly from owners who are unable or unwilling to care for their pets any longer. Each year, the AWLQ cares for approx 8000 animals in their three rehoming centres in addition to another 8000 animals in the Gold Coast and Ipswich council pounds.

No matter what the breed, age or health condition of the animal, AWLQ will accept it into their care. This willingness to take in every animal that needs their help is what makes AWLQ’s high rehoming rates even more remarkable.

AWLQ has been in operation since 1959 and currently has three Rehoming Centres, located in Ipswich, Beenleigh and on the Gold Coast. They also operate two Community Veterinary Clinics (Gold Coast and Ipswich) that specialise in affordable desexing and other essential vet care services. In 2004 AWLQ established the National Desexing Network (NDN) and has provided subsidised desexing referrals for over 200,000 cats and dogs nationally through this program.