‘Basil' treated at campus

The University of Queensland Veterinary Medical Centre at Gatton took their first dog patient, a Border Collie named Basil on Tuesday, August 17.

His owner Mrs B. Hall was very pleased with the new facilities, the friendly staff and Veterinarian Joshua King who made her feel at ease knowing your pet was in safe hands.

“I went to the Open day to view the whole medical centre for dogs, cats and horses, and I was very impressed and ecstatic that Gatton has these facilities available to the public,” Mrs Hall said.

Mrs Hall also brought along a pregnant sick possum to the Uni medical centre, which a vet treated.

Mrs Hall was happy knowing the wild possum would get the best treatment from professional vet Mr Bob Doneley at the Gatton UQ Veterinary Medical Centre.

However she found out that all medication will be charged to the person bringing in the wildlife which Mrs Hall didn't mind doing this time.

She wanted to know why the National Parks and Wildlife and government won't look after the precious native wildlife by paying vets for the medication.

“Even though I love all animals big and small,” Mrs Hall said.

“I don't work full time to afford paying on going medical expenses for our helpless native wildlife so why do we have to foot the bill for a native animal which desperately needs our help.

“They are supposed to be protected species yet I don't see any government official lifting a finger to help the carers financially.”

FAUNA were helpful answering questions relating to wildlife care.

“It was overwhelming finding that FAUNA are run by volunteers with no assistance from National Parks and Wildlife,” Mrs Hall said.

“Hopefully something can be done to change this and financial assistance for medication and food to feed the orphaned wildlife can be met by our government bodies, to save our precious native wildlife.”