RSPCA still concerned after examining Moorook Animal Shelter over animal welfare notices

MORBROOK Animal Shelter has improved conditions for animals in its care, but RSPCA inspectors say they still have concerns.

RSPCA (SA) chief Inspector Simon Richards said that inspectors visited the not-for profit  Riverland shelter on Thursday, to ensure conditions had improved.

“Whilst animal welfare Inspectors recognise some work has been carried out to improve the shelter, inspectors remain concerned about the health and welfare of some of the animals on the property,” he said.

“The Inspectorate will address these concerns with the proprietor of the shelter.”

Mr Richards said the inspectors had been accompanied by a behaviorist and and independent veterinarian. No animals had been removed from the premises.

“Five dogs surrendered by the shelter in March remain in our care and their treatment is

 continuing,” he said.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure the best outcome for them.

“As is the case with any investigation, animal welfare inspectors will now give careful and
considered thought to the information at hand, to determine the most appropriate course of
action from here.”

Earlier, supporters of the shelter were concerned that inspectors had returned to the site unannounced and forced entry.

Inspectors had been due to return since animal welfare notices handed down in early March expired late last month.

The notices, which required some kennels to have concrete floors poured, some fences be mended and for animals to have 30 minutes exercise each day, expired on April 24.

Shelter supporters claim that the inspectors forced entry to the property late yesterday morning, deliberately timing their inspection for when shelter operator Lola McLachlan was off site.

Spokesman Mark Aldridge made a dash to the shelter from Adelaide.

“I don’t know how they can possibly do this,” he said.

RSPCA inspectors first raided the shelter on March 6 when they also seized eight dogs and a kitten “on veterinary and behavioural advice”.

Three of the dogs and the kitten were euthanased “as a result of ongoing medical conditions, which were causing continued unmanageable suffering”.

Shelter supporters say the euthanased dogs were happy and healthy at the no-kill shelter and fear inspectors will seize more animals.