As the clock ticked past 5 p.m. on a Friday, Paula Boon’s workday was just beginning. The 54-year-old is not only dedicated to her day job but also helps manage the Mount Isa-based animal rescue organization, Paws, Hoofs, and Claws.
Much of her free time, including lunchtimes, afternoons, and weekends, is spent caring for surrendered animals that the local pound cannot accommodate. Recently, the organization’s network of around 30 carers has been stretched thin due to the overflow at the pound.
“The council reached out to us because they’ve reached full capacity,” Ms. Boon explained. “They’ve asked us to help relocate some of the animals, so we’ve coordinated with rescue groups from down the coast to assist.”
In a bid to alleviate the situation, Ms. Boon and her team have partnered with animal rescue organizations in Brisbane to relocate 114 cats and dogs—more than 2,000 kilometers away to the Queensland capital.
Mount Isa City Council confirmed the pound’s struggle to manage the influx, stating it was caring for 114 animals despite having only 73 permanent cages. Over the past week alone, 41 animals had been taken in, which the council described as “an unusually high number.”
Between October and December last year, the council impounded 188 animals, with 56 unfortunately being euthanized. However, the spokesperson emphasized that close collaboration with foster groups improves outcomes for both the community and the animals.
Ms. Boon hopes the relocation of the animals to Brisbane will provide them with a better chance of being fostered and adopted, thanks to the larger population and more available resources. “We simply don’t have the capacity in a small town to take in 100 animals,” she said. “It’s wonderful that these rescues are stepping in to help.”
Amanda Sykes, the head of Small Paws Animal Rescue Queensland, has been instrumental in moving the animals to Brisbane via plane and car. “It’s a dire situation, and we don’t want to see these animals euthanized,” she said.
However, not all animals passed the temperament test required for adoption. Some had been living in remote areas for too long, which affected their behavior. Despite this, Sykes emphasized the importance of finding loving homes for the many animals in need.
To cover the costs of the move, including release fees, transportation, microchips, and vaccines, Sykes’ organization has raised $5,000 of the estimated $25,000 required. “It’s a huge logistical challenge, but we’re utilizing up to six or seven methods to get them out,” she explained.
Sykes also noted that moving animals from overcrowded regional pounds to cities is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The influx of animals in Mount Isa has been exacerbated by a transient population of temporary workers and the lack of widespread desexing programs.
“We’re working together to get them out of the pound so it can continue its work, and those animals have a better shot at a fresh start,” she said.
The council has acknowledged the problem and invited local animal rescue groups to propose new ideas for desexing programs. In the meantime, the council already offers $250 vouchers for desexing animals adopted from the pound.
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