About us.
Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria is an animal shelter with a vision of a future where all animals are safe, respected, loved and protected.
Saving animals since 1966
Since opening our doors in Wonga Park in 1966, we have saved thousands of lives and continue to go above and beyond to provide shelter, treatment and loving forever homes for cats and dogs in our care.
Vision
An Australia where all animals are safe, respected and protected.
Mission
Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria advocates for animal care, protection and welfare by creating a safe, compassionate and respected environment for all animals.
250
Over 250 animals find their forever homes at Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria each year
90%
Almost 90% of pet owners say their pets have a very positive impact on their lives. AMA 2020 (Animal Medicines Australia)
60%
Our core values
For our animals we:
- Believe every animal deserves the best in life
Provide high quality care for abandoned, lost, neglected, injured, maltreated or sick animals
Advocate for the rights and welfare of all animals
Work with our community to help find loving homes for at-risk animals
Notify authorities of any acts of animal cruelty or neglect we find
Believe every person can make a difference
Encourage and educate the community on responsible pet ownership
For our people we:
- Are fair, ethical and inclusive in all that we do
Raise and manage our resources efficiently, providing accountability and transparency to our members
Ensure all staff, volunteers, members and supporters are dedicated and compassionate animal welfare ambassadors
Uphold a safe environment for our staff, members, volunteers and animals in our care
Strategic direction
Six strategic directions lead us towards our mission and vision.
These strategic directions provide the short, medium and long term goals of our organisation and form our strategic approach to improve the welfare of animals over the next ten years and beyond.
Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria, intends to be a strong, active and respected advocate, a strong voice and presence for all the animals in need.
Outcomes
- Actively support and fight for the rights, values and welfare of all animals
- To lead social change to advance animal welfare outcomes
- Intensify the standing of Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria as a trusted and effective advocate for animal welfare
Measure of Outcomes
- Blue Cross Animals of Victoria is recognised by the community, government bodies and concerned animal lovers as a principled active advocate of animal welfare as a whole.
- Ethics held by Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria integrated into the wider community
- Government policies that reflect, support and sustain the growing animal welfare issues
Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria, intents to actively improve and provide animal aid and welfare to all in need
Outcomes
- To rescue, care and help heal all animals, whether sick, injured, strayed, lost or in need of shelter, food or veterinary treatment or attention.
- Administrate quality care to animals abandoned, lost, neglected, injured, maltreated and or ailing
- The finding of suitable homes for unwanted, strayed or lost animals
- Bring to notice of the Police or other proper authorities any acts of cruelty or neglect of animals, to investigate all complaints thereof, and relieve the distress of the animal, and promote the prosecution of offenders where necessary.
Measure of Outcomes
- Creation of a safe, compassionate and respected environment for all animals
- Exceptional awareness, comprehension and the implementation of animal welfare issues and practices
- Positive changes to animal welfare by individuals, communities and government bodies.
Organisational sustainability to guarantee Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria continues to function efficaciously into the future. It is our commitment to ensure we continue essentially for the animals, also our members, supporters and staff.
Outcomes
- To be fair and ethical in all that we do
- Raise and manage our resources with efficiency, transparency and accountability to our members
- Uphold and ensure a sustainable financial model to fulfil the vision
- Ensure our team of staff, volunteers, members and others are filled with compassion and dedication to our vision and values
- Uphold a safe environment for all our staff, members, clients, volunteers and residents
- Ensure our team of staff, volunteers, members and others are filled with compassion and dedication to our vision and values
Measure of Outcomes
- We are fair and ethical in all that we do
- Diverse funding base
- Effectively and efficiently manage relationships with all associated with the Society
- Respected Society as an employer, animal welfare Advocate and a positive humanity culture
Extensive social, conventional and cultural changes required by the conduct of individuals and humanity to animal rights and welfare. Persuade the attitudes and modify the behaviour through awareness, Education and actions.
Outcomes
- Raise awareness, promote animal welfare issues and best practices
- Support and encourage responsible pet ownership
- Demonstrate animal awareness and the rewards this brings
- Education in relation to humane treatment of animals
Measure of Outcomes
- Amplified understanding and actions of animal welfare through behavioural changes in individuals and the community at large
- Sustainable benchmark in relation to humane treatment of animals
Greater understanding of our environment currently and over time will assist us to provide appropriate and effective Advocacy and leadership.
Outcomes
- Actively support and fight for the rights, values & welfare of all animals
- Intensify status of Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria as foremost in animal welfare and care
- Uphold significant standing in the community to ensure the longevity of our vision
Measure of Outcomes
- Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria is established as the foremost, dependable leader and trusted advocate of animal welfare
Alliances and cooperation is key when dealing in with such delicate and complicated obstructions and issues. Identifying potential occasions where relationships unite to achieve the common goal. Building the foundations with shared knowledge, resources and manpower, to further the common goal.
Outcomes
- Discover Create and cultivate relationships and partnerships with those who have the resources, expertise and the passion of Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria
- Lead by example, so when current and future possible endeavours present Blue Cross
- Animals Society of Victoria is the essential partner
Measure of Outcomes
- Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria success as a leader and trusted advocate of animal welfare.
Excerpts from our history
We have been doing some research into the history of Blue Cross Animals Society of Victoria and have come across some interesting topics from our very earliest committee meetings.
Things have changed since these meetings which happened over 50 years ago. However we are still committed to fighting for causes concerning cruelty to animals and their welfare in society.
The society desires to follow as closely as possible in the footsteps of the Blue Cross in England. After considerable discussion, it was decided that the President and Secretary should meet with Mr Griffin and present the following information:
Our aim will be
- Rescue and treatment of animals in need
- Finding of suitable homes for unwanted animals
- Bringing to the notice of proper authorities any instances of cruelty to animals
- Raising funds for the benefit of animals in general.
- Establishment in this country of a society similar to the Blue Cross in England
Other fund raising
- Mrs Lynch referred to the Motor Show, and suggested a table and tin for collection of funds. She also mentioned the possibility of having the same collecting facilities at the Trade Fair, the Toy Fair and the Boat and Caravan Show. Mrs Rowe agreed to write and ask for permission for the Society to have a table and tin at these places.
- Mrs Edwards suggested that each member who attends society meetings should bring one shilling, towards a Winning Hankie Raffle.
- Mrs Lynch suggested a party in a house awaiting demolition. As a fund raising venture she suggested a party on a ship, with a charge of 10/- a head.
- Mrs Ayton suggested a “Paddy Market”, but those present were not in favour.
Registration of pet shops.
Mrs Lynch reported on a letter received on the subject of cruelty to animals in Pet Shops, and made reference to the treatment of cockatoos. It was felt that Pet Shops should be required to be registered. The subject will be taken up at a subsequent meeting.
Letter of Thanks.
It was decided to send a letter of thanks to Miss Jones of 3KZ for her wonderful help over the year. Through her good offices, we were able to place 192 dogs, 62 cats and kittens, 3 bantams, several goats and other animals. Thanks are due to her also for her splendid assistance at the time of the bushfires in facilitating the supplying of food and clothing to the areas where they were needed.
Fundraising at railway stations
The Asst. Secretary brought up the replies received from the Railways Department giving us permission to collect at Railway Stations in order to raise funds. Mr Rylah’s reply to Mr Galbally’s request for an investigation into the Melbourne Lost Dogs Home and pointed out the no reply had been received from the Public Trustee regarding our rental of the Alma Banks kennels.
Whipping of racing horses.
This subject, which is currently in the newspapers, was brought up by the President and the meeting decided that a letter should be sent to Mr John Galbally pointing out the Society’s view on the cruel whipping of these animals, and to enlist his services in an effort to place the matter before the appropriate authorities.
Letters to Councils.
The Societies Legal Advisor put before the meeting a draft letter to three Councils, namely Box Hill, Moorabbin and Oakleigh, in which the Society requests donations of money or land to assist in its work of caring for the stray and unwanted animals. The Asst. Secretary agreed to write the necessary letters.
Lethalization of Dogs and Cats (TRUTH MAGAZINE).
Mrs Edwards, Mentone, sent into the meeting details of an article in the “Truth” magazine where Malvern Council was offering to put to sleep dogs or cats at 10 cents each in their gas machine at Tooronga. This was discussed by members and it was proposed that Mrs Rowe telephone the Lort Smith Animal Hospital to see if they would contact the Truth stating that animals needing p.t.s could be taken to the hospital and put to sleep with injections.
Legacy Raffle of Puppies.
Miss Ayton brought to the notice of the meeting that raffling of puppies by Ringwood Branch of Legacy was taking place. This was discussed, and the Secretary agreed to write to the Ringwood Branch of Legacy protesting.
Carlton brewery cats
One of the members put before the meeting the problem with the brewery cats. This was discussed fully, and Mrs Lynch agreed to telephone Mr Fogarty to discuss the subject with a view to the cats being left undisturbed until Autumn when it would be easier to collect them without any fear of leaving behind small kittens.
Patron of the Society
It was decided by members some time ago that a Patron of the Society was essential, and Mr Lawrence proposed the Secretary write to Lady Casey asking her to become Patron of the Blue Cross. It was also decided that the President should insert in the newspaper an advertisement asking for new members which was passed by the committee.
Keilor Ranger
Miss Moyes brought to the notice of the meeting that the Keilor Ranger was using a female as a decoy to attract male dogs into the Council wagon. Mr Lawrence agreed to write to the Council deploring this practice and warning them.