Just on $5,000 was raised for homeless animals at a recent fundraising event held at Bay Road Brewery, Gosford.
Local pet rescue charity Peggy’s Promise teamed up with musician and community activist Jake Cassar to hold the event.
“We are celebrating 10 years of rescue on the Central Coast,” Peggy’s Promise spokesperson Jessica Nash said.
“We save hundreds of dogs and cats a year from rural pounds, vet clinics, private surrenders and we pull strays off the street that have nowhere to call home.”
Through their programs, Peggy’s Promise works actively to help stop the overbreeding cycle and to educate people on backyard breeding.
“Something really needs to be done at a government level to curb the truly shocking statistics of tens of thousands of dogs and cats being euthanised each year,” Nash said.
“Stricter policies need to be in place and people need to be held more accountable with their pets.
“While there is already a ban on backyard breeding, it is nearly impossible for that to be effectively enforced, so more stringent legislations need to be in place.”
Dr Alexander Hamilton from Purpose Veterinary who supports the rescue group commended Peggy’s Promise on their achievements.
Many businesses such as Tracey Adele Artist also donated to the large raffle draw on the day which had a huge sell-out of raffle tickets.
Cassar held a health food challenge throughout the month of February with all donations contributing to the $5,000 goal.
Having reached the goal, all proceeds will go to rescue supplies and vet bills such as desexing and health checks.
“I know I speak on behalf of all the volunteers at Peggy’s when I express how grateful we are to be part of such a generous and caring community,” Nash said.
“Dogs and cats give society so much happiness and joy.
“They deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.
“To even play a small role in bringing about the much-needed change for our beloved dogs and cats is truly a privilege.”