AWLQ launches Winter Appeal to help save thousands of animals in need

Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) today launched its 2025 Winter Appeal, a vital campaign to raise urgently needed funds to care for thousands of vulnerable animals like Lulu—a two-year-old French Bulldog who came to AWLQ in excruciating pain and in desperate need of lifesaving surgery.

Lulu’s story is a stark reminder of the suffering many animals endure in silence. When she came into AWLQ’s care, her condition was critical. She had severe skin allergies, chronic end-stage external and middle ear disease secondary to untreated infections, and aural haematomas that left her in constant agony, with medical treatment no longer an option. The only way to relieve her pain—and to save her life—was to perform complex, emergency surgery to remove both of her earlobes and the entire internal ear canals.

“This is not a decision we ever take lightly and this type of surgery is determined based on the individual animal and how they will recover. Their welfare is the forefront of our decision making,” said Dr Ali, AWLQ veterinarian, skilled to perform the high-risk, complex three-hour procedure, normally done by specialist surgeons. “But Lulu needed this surgery to have any quality of life and be able to be rehomed. She was in unbearable pain and specialist referral was not an option.”

Thanks to the generosity of the community, and Dr Ali’s surgical ability, Lulu pulled through. She is now recovering, pain-free and she has been adopted by a loving family. But her journey is just one of thousands that the organisation supports every year to give these animals a second chance at life. 

AWLQ receives no government funding for its animal welfare services. Every rescue, surgery, rehabilitation, and rehoming effort is made possible entirely through community donations.

“Without our supporters, we simply couldn’t continue this work,” said Caroline Esera, Marketing and Communications Manager for AWLQ. “Lulu’s story is powerful because it shows what’s possible when people come together to help animals in need. This appeal is our chance to do that again—thousands of times over.”

The 2025 Winter Appeal runs until June 30, giving supporters the opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation before the end of the financial year. Every gift made will go directly toward helping animals who would otherwise have no hope.

“This winter, we’re asking our community to stand with us,” said Ms Esera. “From crisis to care, we’ll always be there. And it’s all thanks to you.”

-ENDS-

For all media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:
Caroline Esera
Marketing & Communications Manager
0431 658 934
[email protected]

About Animal Welfare League Queensland
Founded in 1959, AWLQ has become a trusted leader in animal welfare. We provide a safe haven and second chance for more than 10,000 stray and homeless animals annually. To each of these animals we welcome through our doors, we promise never to euthanise a healthy, sociable, or treatable animal in our care. In addition to our shelter work, we are committed to keeping pets and people together by providing lifesaving support and resources to people in need with companion animals. We are known for our grassroots and innovative community-based animal welfare work, including our community vet clinics, the Getting 2 Zero model, the Golden HeartsTM Seniors’ Support Program, and the National Desexing Network.