(Photo: DDHHS)
December 10, 2017
A program in Cherbourg aimed at creating a healthier community by improving the health of family pets has been hailed a success by the Darling Downs Public Health Unit (DDPHU).
The program was a joint initiative of the DDPHU alongside Cherbourg Council, the University of Queensland’s School of Veterinary Science, and Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities.
DDPHU senior environmental health officer Amanda Hutchings said supporting pets to be healthy was good for the whole community.
“The program included a school and community group education program community barbecue and series of veterinary treatments,” Ms Hutchings said.
“AMRRIC has developed a really engaging education program that everyone enjoyed. It was so good to combine fun activities for the kids like a colouring-in competition, face painting and a craft activity with some great take-home messages about responsible pet ownership.
“The UQ vet team was busy, setting a cracking pace to desex 62 dogs and four cats, microchip 90 dogs and four cats, vaccinate 50 dogs and four cats, and treat more than 100 dogs with broad spectrum parasite treatments, as well as perform general health checks.
“Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council is encouraging residents to be responsible pet owners by offering free registrations for pets which allows access to the free program.”
Ms Hutchings said the strong co-operation between all of the agencies and the high level of support from the Cherbourg community had been key to the program’s success.
“Children and adults alike really enjoyed the activities and took the opportunity to have their much-loved pets vet checked,” she said.
“By improving local knowledge about how to best care for animals and keep them in good shape we are helping to create healthier, safer and happier communities.”
The animal management program is expected to be rolled out again next year.
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 (Photo: DDHHS) |
(Photo: DDHHS)
