About GrASS
In January 2008, due to an escalating problem of strays, abandonment and animal abuse, and apparent lack of animal protection, the concept of the Green Animal Shelter and Sanctuary (GrASS) was formed by Joanne Scott and friends. Current methods of clearing strays from the streets by capture and shooting, regularly hits the news headlines as residents and visitors alike, voice their d
istress over this situation. The group of friends therefore, got together, to work out a way to humanely create a win-win situation, whereby the population of strays is controlled, existing animals are better cared for and when possible rehoused and the public is helped – through workshops and exhibitions -to understand the wonderful value of sharing and caring for these animals. Whilst on a small scale this work has already begun, it was clear that a more established organisation was required, together with a shelter and clinic. Research into other animal shelters and stray handling programmes was undertaken to find a good solution, and the idea of GrASS was born. GrASS operates on a no-kill policy and hopes to give every stray animal a better chance in life by getting them rehabilitated, trained and adopted by members of the public. Thus by having this shelter, it would not be necessary to shoot the strays anymore and also it will improve the economy of the state through showing that we are compassionate about saving the lives of animals. GrASS would also like to create a pet or animal friendly environment where pets are given the freedom to appear in public given the criteria that the owners are able to handle their pets well and also to clean up after their pets. This will encourage the public to train their pets through positive reinforcement obedience classes and also adopt a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) image for their pets to be friendly and well behaved in all or any environment or situation.
