To: RSPCA, City of Gold Coast and other applicable authorities

INVESTIGATE COMMUNITY REPORTS OF ALLEGED ANIMAL CRUELTY, ANIMAL ENDANGERMENT AND/OR ANIMAL NEGLECT AT ELITE K9 NERANG (308 Gilston Road, Nerang, Qld, 4211)

As a wildlife scientist, animal lover and resident of the Gold Coast hinterland and surrounds, I hold significant concerns over the welfare of dogs being housed at Elite K9 Nerang after members of the community contacted me with reports of alleged animal neglect. Members of the community describe 'horrible sounds' coming from the facility, including what 'sounds like dogs fighting and dogs crying' at all hours of the day and night, persisting for weeks on end. Others who have attended the facility describe dogs cowering in corners of cages appearing terrified and other manners of unsuitable and inhumane treatment of dogs boarded at the facility, including larger and more aggressive dogs housed with smaller, timid dogs, where fighting is occurring.

Recently, a dog died at the Elite K9 Nerang facility, and in what has made shocking national news, other dogs have died in recent months and weeks at other Elite K9 facilities around the country. 

A report from A Current Affair describes one Sydney family who took their dog to an Elite K9 facility in New South Wales, only to have their dog die on the premises.

Carlie Rose, a Gold Coast resident whose dog Meela died at the Elite K9 Nerang facility said she has contacted the RSPCA and the local council but no investigation has been carried out. Her concerns have not been heard. On social media, Carlie said: 'My darling pup passed away at the facility after only being there 8 days and we are now awaiting autopsy results. However in the mean time this facility has been in the news with MANY cases of dogs passing or falling seriously ill.' Carlie was unaware prior to taking her dog to Elite K9 Nerang that these facilities are embroiled in cruelty complaints. 

In this petition I represent myself and other very concerned members of the community signing here to ask the City of Gold Coast, the RSPCA and all other applicable authorities to begin an investigation into Elite K9 Nerang immediately.

The reports of alleged animal abuse have come from members of the community.

The welfare of dogs being kept at Elite K9 Nerang may be in question, and their well-being may be of serious concern. Please sign and support this call for help for dogs at Elite K9 Nerang.

Other ways to help:

1. Email your report to RSPCA QLD: animalwelfarecomplaints@rspcaqld.org.au

2. Report to City of Gold Coast: https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Services/Report-pay-apply/Report-a-problem/Report-a-problem-Animals

3. Report animal cruelty: https://www.rspcaqld.org.au/what-we-do/save-animals/inspectorate/report-cruelty