The RSPCA has been forced to apologize to some pet owners in Victoria.
They were told their animal remains would be disposed of to make way for a larger facility on the Mornington Peninsula.
Melisa Quigley had her beloved Jack Russell, JR, buried at the RSPCA’s Pearcedale site pet cemetery 18 years ago.
But a few weeks ago, the organization wrote to him to explain his remains, and that of the 800 pets buried there, they would move to make way for a larger facility.
Melisa Quigley had her beloved Jack Russell, JR, buried at the RSPCA’s Pearcedale site pet cemetery 18 years ago. (new)
He was told that the remains would be moved to a new monument or memorial at the site.
But the pain is still raw and he doesn’t want JR’s remains to be moved.
“If it happened to humans in a cemetery something would be done,” he said.
“If you’re a true animal lover, you wouldn’t want this to happen to your pet either.”
Quigley said she was blindsided by the letter she received about the plan and hadn’t been able to get a proper response.
Dr Liz Walker from the RSCPA said the organization had done everything it could to contact everyone and was happy to speak to pet owners.
The RSPCA says work will not start until at least the middle of next year, and not before all landlords affected by the decision have been properly spoken to. (new)
“We know it’s difficult, a lot of people are upset, but the vast majority understand,” he said.
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The RSPCA says work will not start until at least the middle of next year, and not before all landlords affected by the decision have been properly spoken to.