After two decades of dedicated service, the RSPCA Kingaroy facility has closed its doors.
This marks a significant transition for animal welfare in our beloved South Burnett region.
The South Burnett Regional Council has now stepped up, establishing the new South Burnett Animal Management Centre (AMC) at the very same location, ensuring the continuity of vital animal services for our community.
RSPCA Kingaroy’s Departure: A Contractual Shift, Not a Decline in Need
The RSPCA’s decision not to renew its lease, which ceased operations on June 30, 2025, stemmed primarily from an inability to reach a new agreement with the Council over pound management fees. This is a crucial distinction from other RSPCA closures, such as the Noosa shelter, which was attributed to a significant decline in animals needing care.
In Kingaroy, the closure was a strategic business choice by RSPCA Queensland, focusing on financial viability and alignment with broader organizational goals, rather than a reduction in local animal welfare demand.
For two decades, the RSPCA Kingaroy facility had been a cornerstone of animal care, hosting the Council’s “Animal Housing Facility” for a fee. When new terms for this arrangement could not be agreed upon, the difficult decision was made to relinquish the lease. Mayor Kathy Duff acknowledged the long and positive working relationship that had existed between the Council and RSPCA, respecting their decision.
Key Dates in the Transition:
- April 22, 2025: Public announcement of the RSPCA Kingaroy closure.
- May 2025: Council resolved to officially accept the lease surrender.
- June 30, 2025: RSPCA Kingaroy ceased its operations.
- July 1, 2025: The new South Burnett Animal Management Centre (AMC) commenced its operations.
- July 3, 2025: The South Burnett AMC officially opened its doors to the community.
Introducing the South Burnett Animal Management Centre
The South Burnett Regional Council has swiftly taken over animal management responsibilities, establishing the South Burnett Animal Management Centre (AMC) at the former RSPCA site on 43 Warren Truss Drive, Kingaroy.
Crucially, the Council resolved to accept the “gifting of RSPCA capital improvements” undertaken on the site, integrating these assets into the Council’s building registry. This indicates that while the RSPCA left a functional facility, the Council is now addressing existing infrastructure needs, including making “dangerous dog enclosures safe and functional”.
Mayor Kathy Duff has assured the community that the Council has “experienced staff” to ensure a “smooth transition” to the new model. The AMC is currently undergoing rebranding and “much needed renovations to revitalise the animal care facility”.
Services Offered by the New Centre:
The South Burnett Animal Management Centre is committed to providing essential animal welfare services, which include:
- Operation of the animal housing facilities.
- Processing impounded animals, including dangerous dogs.
- Rehoming of unclaimed, suitably behaved animals.
- Adoption of unclaimed, suitably behaved animals.
The Council has also stated its intention to explore “all avenues of operation to ensure that we get the best possible outcomes for the animals,” including “talking to other service providers and organisations who work with animals”.
Planned Enhancements and Future Focus:
Beyond core services, the Council has outlined plans for expanding the facility’s offerings over a trial 6-month period. This proactive approach aims to build upon previous services by incorporating:
- Free microchip days.
- Community outreach programs.
- Education and safety programs focused on dogs and responsible pet awareness.
Mayor Duff emphasized that a major focus for future operations will be “providing a cost effective but good quality service to ensure that animals are properly cared for and appropriately homed”. The centre will operate Monday to Friday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with potential changes based on community needs. This strategic shift towards preventative measures could lead to improved long-term outcomes for animals in the region by addressing root causes of animal welfare issues.
Community Concerns and the Path Forward
The closure has unfortunately been met with strong negative reactions from the community, described as “outrageous” and “disgraceful”. A significant concern is the fear that “more animals will have nowhere to go and euthanasia will be the only option”. There are also fears of the streets becoming “overrun” with feral cats, given that the RSPCA facility had been capturing at least 20 weekly. The long drive to alternative RSPCA shelters in Gympie or Toowoomba is seen as a significant barrier, potentially leading to increased animal dumping.
“The community’s anxieties suggest a belief that the Council may not be able to replicate the RSPCA’s perceived level of care and reach.”
These sentiments highlight a critical challenge for the new AMC in building public confidence and demonstrating effective animal management. The Council must overcome this skepticism and show that its approach will not compromise animal welfare standards, especially given the implied prior infrastructure deficiencies it is addressing.
Despite these challenges, the transition presents opportunities for direct Council control to better integrate animal management with broader municipal services like permits and registrations.
The Council’s stated intention to collaborate with other local animal welfare groups, such as the South Burnett Educational Wildlife Support Group Inc. (SBEWSG), is a positive step towards a more robust and collaborative network. While these smaller groups are invaluable, the AMC will bear the primary responsibility for high-volume impoundment and rehoming.
RSPCA Kingaroy’s Enduring Legacy
The RSPCA Kingaroy facility leaves behind a substantial legacy. Over two decades, it proudly rehomed 6,924 animals and reunited 2,507 lost animals with their owners. This translates to finding “furever homes for more than 350 animals a year”. These impressive figures underscore the tangible positive impact RSPCA Kingaroy had, reinforcing the community’s profound sense of loss.
Conclusion: A Call for Community Support and Collaboration
The transition of animal welfare services in South Burnett, while challenging, presents an opportunity to redefine and strengthen animal care for both animals and residents. The success of the South Burnett Animal Management Centre will hinge on the Council’s commitment to its stated goals, its ability to adapt to community needs, and the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.
Call to Action:
We encourage all South Burnett residents to engage constructively with the new South Burnett Animal Management Centre. Attend their planned free microchip days, participate in community outreach programs, and provide feedback to help shape its services.
For those passionate about animal welfare, consider volunteering your time or resources to the AMC or other local animal welfare groups like the South Burnett Educational Wildlife Support Group Inc. Together, we can ensure the best possible outcomes for animals in our region. Stay informed by visiting the South Burnett Regional Council’s website for updates on the AMC’s progress, animal intake, and rehoming rates.
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