'Ace' Ventura delivers new $3.5 million pound
HE'S no pet detective, but Roy Ventura has masterminded delivery of the Coast's new $3.5 million pound.
Mr Ventura and his team, including his site rep Rod Howell, have worked for the best part of 12 months to complete the new Sippy Creek Animal Pound which can house up to 34 dogs and 38 cats at a time.
The new facility was officially unveiled by Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson yesterday, who said it would provide a much more pleasant environment for animals and staff.
The air-conditioned cattery features multi-purpose modules for the feline guests, while the dog kennels also have extended runs.
"It's another great piece of infrastructure for our community," Cr Jamieson said.
More than 200 local tradies were involved in the construction of the self-sufficient pound, which has its own water supply and wastewater systems as well as a sewage treatment process that eliminates the need for a full sewer system on-site.
Five thousand litres of water a day are pumped by the pound's bore to service the facility.
Mr Ventura - who said he'd been been given the nickname Ace, after Jim Carrey's famous pet detective character - said there was also plenty of room for future expansion if required.
Division 5 Councillor Jenny McKay said over 1500 animals made their way through the pound over the past 12 months, but more than half of those found themselves in new homes.
4 Paws Animal Rescue president Julie Penlington said she was very proud to see the upgraded facility.
She said the work was never ending to re-house animals, adding she took more than 20 calls a week from people wishing to surrender their animals.
Ms Penlington urged people to consider the huge commitment of 10-15 years before getting a pet.
The council spends about $1.5 million a year on animal-management services and also relies on the generosity of volunteers at the Sunshine Coast Animal Rescue and other services to manage animals lost, feral or abandoned in the region.
