Slow down, for the sake of our furry friends

News source: The Courier-Mail
24 December 2007
By Roseanne Barrett

VETERINARIANS are warning motorists to slow down on the roads after the worst year for animal road trauma.

This year the country's largest animal treatment centre, Queensland's Australian Wildlife Hospital, has treated a record 6,000 animals - one quarter of which are road-related. It was the most common reason for hospital admissions and with the increase in holiday road traffic, vets are urging drivers to be more vigilant on the roads.

Vet Amber Gillett yesterday checked on the progress of koala Carson, who was found next to is dead mother by the side of the road. Despite losing a kidney, Carson has been nursed back to health.

Senior Veterinarian Dr Jon Hanger encouraged motorists to check roadside animals and take them to a treatment facility or wrap them in a towel or blanket while waiting for an emergency team.