Latrobe City Council is currently investigating allegations of animal cruelty within the Grounded Paws Animal Rescue group. Council takes these allegations seriously and has been gathering information over the past three days to prepare a detailed report for the RSPCA, the agency responsible for managing and responding to cases of this nature.
Council officers are in the process of assessing the current state of the facility, and once this is completed, a decision will be made regarding the management of the existing agreement with Grounded Paws Animal Rescue that currently allows them to house, care for and rehome stray pets.
Under this agreement, Council has transferred 24 cats and eight dogs to Grounded Paws Animal Rescue during this calendar year, though no transfers have occurred in the past 14 days. It is important to note that Council does not provide financial payments to Grounded Paws Animal Rescue under the agreement for accepting animals.
Council's records indicate there have been no reports or concerns raised by the community regarding the welfare of animals during or following the adoption process during this period.
Latrobe City Council will continue to work closely with and support the RSPCA as this investigation progresses.
