The RSPCA animal shelter at Tuggerah unexpectedly closed last week after making the “difficult decision to step away from a retail model as it was no longer a cost-effective way to deliver our mission of helping animals in need”.
A spokesperson said the RSPCA was an organisation heavily reliant upon the generosity of the public and as people struggled financially in the current economic landscape, there had been a decline in donations while the demand for support services was increasing.
“A decision was made to close the Tuggerah centre indefinitely,” she said.
The closure came without warning for the nine staff members at the Tuggerah shopfront and one worker, who wants to remain anonymous, said the first they knew of it was via email or text messages on Wednesday, April 26.
The RSPCA spokesperson said they “consulted” with staff the next day, but the worker says they were “sacked on the spot”, ordered to hand in their keys, alarms were changed, workers were rushed to finish their animal care and told to leave the building.
The worker said the whole situation was handled terribly.
“This was not an easy decision for our organisation and we understand that this news may be difficult for some people to hear,” the RSPCA spokesperson said.
“We are currently in consultation with every employee from the centre, working with them to identify opportunities for continued employment at other locations within our organisation.
“All animals that were located at Tuggerah Care Centre have been transferred out to various RSPCA shelters across NSW where they are awaiting their forever homes.”
Closure of the Tuggerah animal shelter, coupled with the Somersby centre closing to the public in November 2020, has raised questions about RSPCA services on the Central Coast.
The Somersby centre is now a dedicated rehabilitation centre for the long-term care and treatment of canines who need extra time, help and attention to overcome anxiety and behavioural issues so they can be ready to find forever homes.
“While we can no longer operate this retail and adoption storefront, our rescue, rehabilitation, inspectorate, outreach, adoption by appointment and all other services currently carried out in the Central Coast community will not change,” the RSPCA spokesperson said.
Sue Murray