Rebecca Kastelein, who runs Waggin Tails Animal Rescue in Geelong, told 9news.com.au the shelter was hoping to rescue nine dogs in the next week.

She said nearly 130 cats and dogs were at the small rural pound, with one pup they had planned to rescue already euthanised.

Hearing the news, she said it was “heartbreaking” that they weren’t able to help the dog in time.

“They’ve since euthanised two dogs,” she said.

“We contacted them yesterday morning because we had someone who wanted to adopt one.

“They let us know it was no longer available.”

Kastelein said she also felt for the rural pound, which was facing a dire situation.

She asked for the shelter not to be named out of concern for potential backlash to its operators.

“One of the pounds that we work with is extremely full,” she said.

“We also feel for the pound having to do this, as unfortunately when they have no space, they have no other option.

“The last thing they want to do is euthanise a fit and healthy animal.

“We want to try and get a good chunk of them out, because the more we can get out, the more room they’ll have on at the pound, the less likely they’re gonna then have to euthanised.”

The rescue group has turned to fundraising to gather enough funds to save more animals.

According to Kastelein, it can cost up to $600 to transport just one large dog from Queensland.

“It’s expensive just to transport them to Victoria,” she said.

Hundreds of foster carers are needed each year to rehome animals of all shapes and sizes, Kastelein said.

“If there are people in the community that do have room in their home temporarily for an extra animal, reach out, not only just to us, but even rescues local to them to offer help,” she said.

The rescue group is aiming to raise $3000 through a GoFundMe fundraiser.