MADDELIN MCCOSKER
Brisbanites looking to adopt a furry friend converged on the Brisbane Showgrounds for the RSPCA’s annual Big Adopt Out on Saturday.
The free event brought together over 30 rescue groups in an attempt to find loving homes for more than 250 animals.
RSPCA Queensland Spokesperson Michael Beatty said the number of adoptions were up on last year.
“This year we are nearly 100 up on last year with 320 animals adopted between RSPCA and the other rescue groups involved,” Mr Beatty said.
Mr Beatty attributed the rise in adoptions to a calmer atmosphere at the event this year.
“There wasn’t a massive influx around midday like last year and was a lot more spread out which perhaps made it a bit easier to look around,” Mr Beatty said.
Volunteer groups came from across the state to be involved in the day.
Gillian Bolton, a volunteer for the RSPCA, was helping out a group from Bundaberg that had rescued 23 dogs from the local pound and brought them to the event.
“The dog home I helped out was Red Collar Rescue,” Mrs Bolton said.
“They drove down with 23 dogs that they had rescued from the pound up there who were literally on death row.
“It was so heartwarming to see so many people looking to adopt a new family member…I was so glad and touched that so many people were willing to give a home to these dogs that had not had the best start to life,
“Out of the 23 taken there from Bundaberg, 18 found homes which is fantastic.”
Mr Beatty said it was volunteers like Gillian that help make these events a success.
“I’d just really like to thank everyone, particularly the volunteers who helped make the event a success,” Mr Beatty said.
Video: RSPCA QLD