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Border rules block pet rescue efforts

Briana FioreHarvey-Waroona Reporter
SAFE Bunbury dog coordinator Mel Tarei with the SAFE mascot Winnie and her dog Chaka.
Camera IconSAFE Bunbury dog coordinator Mel Tarei with the SAFE mascot Winnie and her dog Chaka.

People are not the only ones affected by the regional boundary closures, with animals in need of being re-homed also caught up in the new changes.

Volunteers at SAFE branches in WA have said the regional border closures were now affecting rescues and adoptions.

Avon Valley coordinator Freedom Bousbury said animals that needed re-homing and transportation across regions, were struggling to hitch a lift.

“We are conscious that the checkpoints are a new thing for everyone, however sometimes our volunteers are unable to pass,” Mrs Bousbury said. “We are trying to re-home animals to save their lives.” The Avon Valley SAFE branch, a three-hour drive from Bunbury, organised for a rabbit named Belladonna to be re-homed in Brunswick.

A volunteer from Harvey who was already involved in essential travel offered to help. However, not all animal rescue attempts have been as lucky.

Bunbury SAFE dog coordinator Mel Tarei said her branch had decided to only relocate animals within the South West because of the checkpoints.

“We are focusing on local adoptions so now is a great time for South West residents to adopt,” Mrs Tarei said.

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