The Tasmanian Canine Defence League (TCDL) was founded by Joan Gladys Rawson, B.E.M. and is now in its 61st year. The organisation was formed at a Public Meeting at the Hobart Town Hall on 15th November 1950 with the Constitution being adopted on 19th December that same year.
Miss Rawson came to Tasmania from England in 1948. She wanted to establish a home for neglected and abandoned dogs and in 1954 was offered land in Degraves Street, South Hobart, for temporary canine accommodation. Miss Rawson and two friends, collected Austin car cases for use as kennels; these were to be placed on hand-mixed concrete slabs. The Hobart City Council closed the site before it was completed.
1955 — The TCDL leased a piece of land at 92A Derwent Park Road, owned by the Hobart City Council and a Dogs’ Home was established. It had six runs, a yard and a manager’s house.
1964 — Miss Rawson organised a public meeting in Launceston to form a northern branch of the TCDL and establish a Dogs’ Home. Money received from a bequest enabled the TCDL to build a Dogs’ Home on land at 101 Forster Street in Invermay belonging to the Launceston City Council. This Dogs’ Home closed in late 1986.
The 1967 bushfires in Southern Tasmania left many animals and birds in need of care. TCDL members set up organised feeding points from Collinsvale to Rokeby and on Mt Wellington. Temporary accommodation was provided with boxes and wire netting for 200 additional dogs over a period of four months.
1968 — At the request of the North West branch of the RSPCA, the TCDL took over the animal shelter at Spreyton Park Race Course. This is still the site of the Devonport Dogs’ Home.
1979 — A branch of the TCDL was formed in Burnie and building began on the Burnie Dogs’ Home sited on two acres at the top of Stowport Road. This was the first Dogs’ Home to be built on land owned by the TCDL. The Burnie Dogs’ Home was officially opened on 24th October 1981. Also at that time, new kennels at the Devonport Dogs’ Home and new kennels and an office at the Launceston Dogs’ Home were officially opened.
1983 — Miss Rawson resigned as Secretary of the TCDL.
1985 — The TCDL registered the business name Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania.
1987 — An Auxiliary was formed on 28th January to provide ‘extras’ for the dogs and puppies at the three Dogs’ Homes. This dedicated group is now in its 23rd year.
1989 — Suitable land for a new Hobart Dogs’ Home was purchased at 101 Scotts Road, Risdon Vale, and the new home was officially opened on 6th December 1991. All dogs were vaccinated and health checked by a veterinarian before being put up for adoption.
1990s — The TCDL expanded its activities. These included building more exercise yards, introducing the annual Canine Commendation Awards to recognise acts of bravery, service and compassion by dogs and humans and production of the Dogs’ Homes Calendar. On 21st October 1999, new buildings were officially opened at the Devonport and Burnie Dogs’ Homes. The facilities at each home included veterinary and grooming rooms and new quarantine and adoption kennels. This was made possible with a State Government grant of $10,000.
To honour Miss Rawson, who died on 17th September 2000, a Wishing Well was installed at the Hobart Dogs’ Home and commemorative plaques were placed at the Burnie and Devonport Dogs’ Homes.
2001 — The Bea Thompson desexing and veterinary facility was opened at the Hobart Dogs’ Home. From this time, all dogs have been routinely vet checked, desexed, vaccinated and micro chipped before being adopted at the three Dogs’ Homes. Waratah-Wynyard Council became the 9th municipal council in Tasmania to use the facilities at the Dogs’ Homes for their Official Pound.
2004 — Previously unused land at the Burnie Dogs’ Home was cleared for two large exercise yards; these welcome additions were made possible by a bequest. An Education Officer was appointed to promote responsible dog ownership.
2008 — Miss Rawson was entered on the Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments and contribution to the Tasmanian community.
2009 — Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania’s Education Centre was officially opened with the mayors of Greater Hobart cutting the ribbon. A veterinarian became a member of staff for the first time in this year.
2010 — 60th Diamond Anniversary Year. On 2nd January, the Great Moscow Circus hosted a Charity Night and half of the proceeds were donated to the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania. In February, a historic event was held in the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, when, for the first time, dogs, with their families were invited in to the Gardens to attend Dog Day Afternoon, hosted by the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, to thank the public for their support over the past 60 years.
Also in 2010, a Foster Care Coordinator was appointed and a Canine Behaviourist in February this year. The best is yet to come as we work towards saving every rehomeable dog and adopting them into a caring home for his or her life time.
