About Us

History

The Tasmania Canine Defence League (TCDL) was first established in 1950.

The TCDL is a non-profit organisation caring for Tasmania's stray, lost and abandoned dogs.
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The first official Dogs' Home opened at Derwent Park in 1957.

The Devonport Dogs' Home was established in 1969 and the Burnie Dogs' Home in 1980.
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The current Hobart Dogs' Home at Risdon Vale began operation in 1991.Approximately 5,000 lost, stray or abandoned dogs pass through the Dogs’ Homes each year. The majority are reclaimed or adopted out.
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Every effort is made to re-home all suitable dogs. Dogs remain in adoption row for as long as it takes. There is no fixed time limit for dogs awaiting adoption.
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A wide variety of dogs and puppies are available for adoption. All are de-sexed, micro-chipped, vaccinated, health checked and temperament tested prior to adoption.
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The staff, volunteers and management are committed to providing the best possible care, including paired pens to reduce stress, heated flooring in kennels, heat lamps for puppies and volunteer dog-walkers to exercise and spend time interacting with the dogs.
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The Dogs’ Homes receive no state government funding and rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to help fund the care of lost and unwanted dogs.

We Are Committed to:

• Providing the best possible care to all dogs who pass through the Dogs’ Homes

• Promoting the dual responsibilities of dog ownership – caring for your dog and caring for your community

• Promoting the desexing of dogs

• Delivering humane education programs to school and the wider community

Constitution, Philosophy, & Members’ Code of Ethics:

Click on the link below to download a copy of the Tasmanian Canine Defence League Inc's Constitution including it's Philosophy & Member's Code of Ethics in PDF format.