The RSPCA has successfully reached its $300,000 fundraising goal in just three days after taking ownership of 250 labradoodles from a now-closed puppy farm.
The “outpouring of support” from people across Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand and even the United States will allow the animal welfare organisation to “expedite” the rescue of the dogs from Tasmanian Labradoodles.
RSPCA chief executive Andrea Dawkins said there were more than 2,600 individual donations, ranging from $2 to more than $1,000.
“We are blown away by everyone’s support, especially at a time when the cost-of-living pressures are so big, it really is incredible,” she said.
“RSPCA Tasmania cannot thank you enough. Your donations mean we can save these labradoodles sooner rather than later, it’s literally life changing for them.”
The “extraordinary generosity” is in addition to the more than 300 Tasmanians who opened their homes to foster or adopt a dog within just 10 hours of the call for help being put out on Pulse.
Before the dogs transition to their new lives, vet checks, behavioural support, vaccinations, de-sexing and ensuring each labradoodle is ideally placed in their forever home must take place.
“We are working through each foster and adoption offer and will be in touch with everyone in the coming days,” Dawkins said.
“We thank everyone for their patience and support, as we take the necessary time to ensure we set these animals up for success in the best environments possible.”
Any funds received over the $300,000 mark will be spent on meeting the labradoodles’ immediate needs and upgrading the RSPCA’s kennel infrastructure.
