After more than 20 years being contracted to the RSPCA, the City of Greater Bendigo is again operating and providing its own pound and animal shelter services for the Greater Bendigo region.
While the service is now operating under a new name - the Bendigo Animal Relief Centre or BARC for short it still continues to operate from 20 Piper Lane with the same 5441 2209 phone number.
City of Greater Bendigo Manager Safe and Healthy Environments Manager Caroline Grylls said as far as the general public are concerned they shouldn't notice any change with the service other than the new name and the bright new signage that has been installed on the building.
"Even though it's been a mammoth effort by City staff to bring the service back in house, as far as the community are concerned it is still very much business as usual at the facility," Ms Grylls said.
"It's an exciting time for the staff working at BARC as we continue to settle into running the new service.
"BARC is committed to providing a safe and caring temporary home for lost pets and helping members of the community to find their new best fur friends.
"Residents can rest assured that BARC will continue to reunite pets and owners, find life-long homes for dogs and cats that need one and provide housing and veterinary care to lost or injured animals.
"BARC is also keen to work with the community to educate owners on the simple steps they need to take to ensure responsible pet ownership. We also intend to continue our excellent working relationship with RSPCA Victoria.
"I encourage anyone who is looking for a new best friend to visit BARC in Piper Lane to inspect the cats and dogs that are available for adoption.
"Residents can also visit our website at www.bendigoanimalreliefcentre.com.au follow us on facebook or check out our featured animals in the Bendigo Weekly.
"We are also continuing to develop a sponsorship program to encourage support and donations of food and other equipment for BARC and we welcome any enquiries about this from local businesses or individuals. BARC will gratefully accept any donations of money, food, clean towels and blankets to help provide additional comfort to the animals in our care."
BARC is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 12 noon on Sundays.
