Nearly 20 volunteers rolled out to the Animal Welfare League (AWL) NSW Tamworth branch’s inaugural meeting on Sunday, where AWL NSW CEO Therese Markou urged locals to support the new volunteer-run branch. 

AWL NSW is a registered charity that has been caring for surrendered, neglected and abandoned animals for 60 years.

It is authorised to investigate allegations of animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Sydney-based Ms Markou has a strong connection to Tamworth. She was in a serious motor vehicle accident at Wallabadah in 2003, in which she lost her 11-year-old daughter, Nicole.

Ms Markou said the support she received from the Tamworth community at the time, and the role her pets played in her recovery was something she hoped to see again through support for the branch.

Ms Markou’s two pets, Crystal the cat and Eme the horse, played a significant role as companion animals throughout her recovery.

“I’m really passionate about caring for animals and seeing them go to a good home where they can be loved and nurtured,” she said.

“The role they play with grief, your physical recovery and emotional trauma is significant. 

“I’d be so grateful for the community to get behind this cause and support the welfare of animals in this region, promoting the human-animal bond.”

Tamworth animal rescuer Jennifer Campbell, who is heading up the group as branch president, insists there is a significant need for the group in this region.

It comes after 51 dogs were rescued from a Gunnedah property during two RSPCA raids in March and April, as well another puppy farm being raided by the RSPCA in Uralla just last week following reports of possible welfare issues.

The AWL Tamworth branch is educating pet owners on the importance of de-sexing.

“It will help to stop animal cruelty indirectly by not having animals available to be badly treated,” she said.

“The puppy farms are starting to come to the front. Fortunately, we all care a heap about puppy farms, but we also care a heap about backyard breeding, which we have a lot of in Tamworth.

“You can tell by the numbers that come through the pound (that it’s happening).

“I attend the pound very, very frequently. De-sexing is the main thing and vaccination also.”

Tamworth is now one of 16 AWL branches across the state. To find out more, visit www.awlnsw.com.au.