Animal welfare on the Central Coast has been given a boost with Council investing $100,000 in upgrading facilities at its animal care facility in Charmhaven.

Council owns the building with the facility being operated by The Society of Companion Animal Rescuers, a not for profit organisation that connects Australian rescue groups with potential adopters in the community. 

Council’s Manager of Building, Certification, Compliance and Health, Mr Jamie Loader said, with the number of animals being abandoned on the Central Coast on the rise, it is important to have a facility that can cope with the demand.

“These improvements not only created safer and more comfortable accommodation for the visiting animals but enhanced amenities for staff and visitors,” Mr Loader said.

“Funding has been used to replace the roof of the main building, upgrade security fencing, install air conditioning units, upgrade the security system and build retaining walls on the property of this facility.

“We understand the importance of this type of facility in our community and recognise the importance of companion animal welfare.”

Spokesperson from the Society of Companion Animal Rescuers, Ms Marilyn Jurlina said this upgrade was making a real difference to their work and thanked Council for making animal welfare a priority.

“We are especially thankful for the new roof, the retaining walls and the concreting,” said Ms Jurlina.

“This work has greatly improved the comfort and safety of all animals, staff, volunteers and visitors to the facility.

“We are grateful to Council for understanding that this significant expenditure was warranted to meet the care needs of the companion animals in our community.

“At the moment we have 65 cats and 35 dogs looking for a home and with this upgrade we are able to cope better with the demand.”

Anyone looking to adopt a pet should contact the facility on 4350 3184 or visit it at Depot Road in Charmhaven. The facility is open 10am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.