No-Kill Shelter & Veterinary School
In light of the news of the soon to be closure of Renbury Shelter in Sydney (please read "End of an era" http://www.renbury.com.au/about-us/) and the recent and horrifying display of neglect and abuse from the Wagga Wagga Pound (http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/cats-found-in-freezer-at-wagga-wagga-city-council-animal-shelter-20160330-gnuqdn) it's become evident to me that there is something missing.
The healing power of animals is like no other- many of us depend on the companionship of our friends of feathers, fur, scales, fins or skin.
I'm Belinda (Bel) Sherriff, I'm 26 years old, I grew up in the tropical region of Northern Queensland and I'm currently residing in Sydney, NSW.
From a really young age I've always known that I would one day begin my studies in animal care and go on for the rest of my existense alongside them.
I started with my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through Tafe NSW with plans to study Veterinary Science at University in 2017.
Along the way I wish to add selected holistic animal care practises and natural animal nutrition onto my list of successful and greatly beneficial skills.
The definition of a no-kill shelter is simply that, there will be no euthanasia of healthy or treatable animals simply due to a lack of space.
It will be an organization benefiting the entirety of Australia, a teaching veterinary hospital with on site accommodation for students, that will also be open to the public for treatment of their animals as well as a safe haven for the homeless, the forgotten and the abused.
A large focus for the shelter will be on natural nutrition, trying to make the shelter as self sufficient as possible with vegetable gardens and rainwater tanks.
Teaming up with farmers, growers, and makers to supply nutritious supplies to the animals.
It would be amazing to put Australia in the light by bringing awareness, understanding, and education about animal welfare.
I'm currently looking at land in the hinterland of Byron Bay. Close to town where locals, out-of-towners and tourists alike are welcome to visit.
THE NO-KILL SHELTER
A no-kill animal shelter that takes in all animals (including native wildlife) to rehome after all health and behavioural checks and a meticulous background check into the future home/farm life the animal will have, or released back into the wild.
The property will have separate sections and spaces to keep the animals incredibly safe and appropriately secure (e.g. snakes in appropriate enclosures).
I would love to meet with a major Australian Airline that could safely transport animals from across the country to the shelter safely for a discounted price.
THE TEACHING ANIMAL HOSPITAL
A no-kill shelter with an Animal Hospital that offers Veterinarian students, Veterinary nursing students, Animal studies students, etc. to learn and grow within an environment that is like no other.
Veterinarians and behavioralists runnning workshops on training, seperation anxiety, noise sensitivies, etc.,
Workshops by Veterinarians with certificates in holistic health and nutrition, along with staff and volunteers to provide education for those adopting, volunteering and/or fostering.
A 24/7 animal hospital also welcome to the public and their companions.
THE ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation on the property will be simple yet warm, comfortable, safe and welcoming. Provided for volunteers, students, staff and support on site if necessary.
THE PROPERTY
Will be over a few acres to comfortably fit the shelter, the animal hospital and the cafe and shop. With room to grow.
THE CAFÉ AND SHOP
Local and seasonal produce to support local farmers, growers and makers. A café where the scraps are recycled for food for the animals, put through pulp machines for the gardens on the property, and a cafe and shop where profits will go to supporting the animals within the shelter.
Please get in contact with me via this page if you would like to help in any way. Money helps of course but there may be other ways you can help!
Advertising, PR, marketing, ideas for fund raising, interviews, joining forces, etc.
Angel/silent investors always welcome, and those with business knowledge to impart.
