![Friends of Kempsey Pound co-founder Marion Crowley and Kempsey resident Debbie Smith. Picture by Mardi Borg Friends of Kempsey Pound co-founder Marion Crowley and Kempsey resident Debbie Smith. Picture by Mardi Borg](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/168477620/99b18b49-584e-4696-82f6-742b97674716.jpg/r0_0_2639_1828_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
A total of 469 animals have been saved and given a second chance so far in 2023 thanks to the combined efforts of Kempsey Shire Council's rangers and Friends of Kempsey Pound (FoKP).
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Of the 469 animals that came into the care of FoKP, 206 of those animals found their forever homes this year, with the other animals still in care, transferred to other organisations or returned to their owners.
No non-dangerous animals were killed by Kempsey Pound this year.
Aaron Bray, Team Leader Rangers, is thankful for the level of support received by FoKP , a group founded by Marion Crowley and made up of many volunteers from around the shire,
"Kempsey Pound is able to be a 'no-kill' pound thanks to the amazing work of Friends of Kempsey Pound and its carers," he said.
FoKP works in the middle stages to find temporary care for all animals that come into the pound.
![Maisey the dog. Picture by Mardi Borg Maisey the dog. Picture by Mardi Borg](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/168477620/50311980-d796-4097-b589-68590f9468f8.jpg/r0_267_3342_2413_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Rescue organisations in the Macleay Valley take the animal to a foster carers until they have all their veterinary work done for people to apply to adopt them.
Ms Crowley said it has been a very successful year.
"It's been very busy, but we have enjoyed working with council to help the animals in need," she said.
This year, along with the 469 animals that were taken into care, Kempsey Shire Council and Friends of Kempsey Pound hosted a series of free parvo days protecting dogs of the shire from the parvo virus, fleas and ticks, and microchipping.
These days saw more than 350 dog owners and more than 590 dogs keen to see their furry friends in the best health possible.
"It was a great turnout," Ms Crowley said.
"A big thank you goes to all of the Friends of Kempsey Pound carers and to the Rangers team for their efforts over this year.
"If you can volunteer or support this organisation, please get in touch with them so they can continue to help the animals of the Kempsey Shire."
![Fred the dog. Picture by Mardi Borg Fred the dog. Picture by Mardi Borg](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/168477620/3750c081-8897-4541-afad-330dc69c5129.jpg/r0_111_3559_2444_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
As the holiday period nears, Kempsey Shire Council communications and engagement manager Giles Hardie said a "classic message" still rings true for the furry animals.
"Adopt don't shop is our message as always," he said. "If you're thinking that you might want an animal in your life, there's a great way to try before you buy.
"If you volunteer with Friends of Kempsey Pound... you can foster an animal. That's not a life-long commitment, rather it's helping an animal in need, and there you can get a sense of that particular animal before you commit."
Of the 469 animals taken into foster care:
- 59 were reunited with their owners
- 206 were adopted
- 136 were transferred to out-of-shire rescue groups
- No animals died
The year isn't over just yet, there is still time to help a pet find its forever home. If you are interested in adopting, please visit Council's animals in care page www.ksc.pub/animals
To volunteer and help Friends of Kempsey Pound, please visit Friends of Kempsey Pound Inc Facebook.