ANIMAL-LOVERS from around the world have chipped in to cover the costs of the vet bills for several dogs injured in Tuesday’s fatal crash at Lake Boga.
National Animal Rescue Groups of Australia put the call out for donations on its Facebook page after news broke that a 4WD towing a trailer carrying 16 dogs, 13 cats and 20 guinea pigs was involved in the crash.
They were all rescue animals on their way to Melbourne to be re-homed.
Two dogs died at the scene and three were taken to Swan Hill Veterinary Clinic with critical injuries, while another three were rounded up by council rangers and volunteers over the next 24 hours.
The cats and guinea pigs, which were in the back of the 4WD, were uninjured.
NARGA founder Jan Bartlett said she was overwhelmed by the generosity of animal-lovers from all over Australia and the world who helped raise $6000 to cover vet bills.
“It’s the first time we’ve fundraised for a disaster like this — usually we fundraise for fire and floods, that sort of thing.
“But because we support rescue groups, when we saw this we jumped into action.”
It was estimated up to 10 animal rescue groups were involved in the recovery of the animals.
Therese Gardner, the organiser of Tuesday’s delivery of dogs, cats and guinea pigs to Melbourne, said she was shocked to hear her driver and animals had been involved in the crash.
“The driver Noel is suffering severe whiplash and shock, but he’s back in Adelaide and doing okay,” she said.
The Melbourne-based volunteer said it was hard to believe more dogs didn’t perish, given the extensive damage to the trailer.
“[The three taken to the vet] have pretty bad head trauma — we’re just taking it hour by hour to see whether they survive or not.”
She said all the animals onboard were from Mildura and Swan Hill.
“We bring them down to Melbourne and rehome them.”
