New run yards for Animal Aid

Animal Aid digital media coordinator Jessica Walley and an eight-year-old German Shorthair Pointer enjoying their time at the new run yard. (Supplied)

By Dongyun Kwon

A local animal welfare organisation has constructed three new run yards to boost dog enrichment and welfare.

The new run yards have been in use since early August.

The secure environments enable dogs to enjoy unsupervised time ensuring they can relax and unwind away from their kennels, which is immensely beneficial for their overall well-being.

Animal Aid chief executive officer Mark Menze said the idea of run yards is to get the dogs out of their kennels.

“Being able to put them [the dogs] in a larger open space and letting them have some time to stretch, relax and destress is really beneficial for them,” he said.

“Ultimately, what that means is that they move through the adoption process quicker, which means we can help more animals because it’s creating space.”

This development not only offers an improved experience for the dogs but also gifts the dedicated volunteers and staff more flexibility.

Animal Aid received the Animal Welfare Grant 2023 from Animal Welfare Victoria for this construction.

“We are deeply grateful to the Victorian Government for making our vision of new run yards a reality,’ Mr Menze said.

“At Animal Aid, we are always looking for opportunities to make our animals’ lives better.

“Our volunteers and staff are now better equipped to provide exceptional care, fostering a happier, healthier environment for everyone.”