NICOLA Jones was sick of the negative image of young people and animal cruelty, so she decided to do something about it.
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Miss Jones, 20, formed For the Animals about two months ago, a volunteer group dedicated to helping Border animal rescue centres.
A group has grown quickly and now has more than 40 members aged 18-25.
“The things you read are all about young people getting drunk and into fights, not really doing anything constructive,” Miss Jones, of Albury, said yesterday.
“I thought it was about time we did something.”
The recent killing of pups in Albury and the killing and dragging of a kangaroo in Wodonga left Miss Jones feeling “disappointed” with human behaviour.
“It just makes me more determined to make a difference,” she said.
Miss Jones and others volunteer weekly at the Albury Cat Rescue.
“They do such an important, amazing job,” Miss Jones said.
“And a group of us are about to begin volunteering at Wodonga Dog Rescue, cleaning, walking the dogs and just giving all the rescue cats and dogs — as well as the pound animals — some much needed TLC.”
Albury Cat rescue manager Eva Cameron said For the Animals volunteers were a wonderful help.
“It’s really good to see how concerned they are about animal welfare,” she said.
“They’re doing such a great job.
“They’re just really lovely young people to know. It it gives you a bit of faith again in the human race and for the future of rescue animals.”
The group held its first dog wash recently when 15 members met at an Albury Dog Rescue carer’s house and washed her dogs — and a few more from other carers.
The day was a success and the group plans to make it a monthly event.
Members also volunteer at the Albury Dog Rescue and pound.
Miss Jones, a psychology student at La Trobe University, hopes to specialise in animal behavioural psychology.
“I’ve always loved animals,” she said.
“I hope this gives the Albury-Wodonga community some hope that there are young people who are out there doing things in regards to animal welfare.”
The group is organising fund-raising for things that each group needs the most, such as worming equipment at the pound and cat food at the cat rescue.
Those interested in volunteering can contact the group via Facebook at For the Animals.
Insp John Wadsworth, of Albury, said investigations were continuing into the killing of two beagle pups last month.
