Money woes hit dog homes

The Dogs' Homes of Tasmania, operated by the Tasmanian Canine Defence League, have hit struggle street. They have always relied heavily on public support, holding regular dog-food donation drives.

SOARING power bills and an increasing demand for its services have left the Dogs' Homes of Tasmania struggling to survive.

President John Gray today announced an organisational restructure was needed to secure the body's future in tough economic times.

"Expenses are increasing at the same time as the income stream is decreasing," he said in a statement.

"The stark reality is we have to restructure and reduce expenditure to survive.

"Like the dogs in our care, the organisation itself now needs white knights to come to the rescue and enable our proud history of caring for Tasmania's lost and abandoned dogs to carry on."

Dogs' Homes of Tasmania operates animal shelters in Hobart, Burnie and Devonport, providing stray dog facilities for nine local councils.

The organisation's power bills have almost quadrupled in the past two years, with wage pressure, water charges and reduced interest on investments also taking a toll.

Mr Gray and Dogs' Homes CEO Robert Broadway are in talks with staff today about cost-cutting measures statewide.

The State Government has also been contacted in a bid to secure funding assistance to enable the Dogs' Homes to remain solvent and re-group.

Kembang Trotoar