Warning: This story contains discussions of animal neglect.

We here at the SDC love animals, and we know that many of you do too. It’s not hard to see why – pets can provide us with companionship, love, and support when we need it most. They really are like family members!

Unfortunately, not all pet owners are responsible or considerate when it comes to taking care of their furry (or feathered) friends. Others seem all too willing to simply abandon them without thinking about their well-being.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports say that Aussies are currently dealing with a severe case of ‘pet regret’ as the number of people wanting to give up their companions soars to distressing numbers.

Since the lockdown ended, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home said they received ten to twenty calls a week from people who want to give up their pets. Now, they get over one hundred calls every week as of late. The situation is so dire that the shelter cannot take in any more surrendered pets; they've reached capacity and don't have enough room.

The shelter was also reportedly denied $9 million in government funding to upgrade and build new facilities – which was already at breaking point even before the spike.

Pets are considered a source of comfort for most people. Credit: Dids in Pexels

The organisation’s General Manager, Melissa Penn, believes that the main reason animals are getting abandoned is because their behaviours are proving to be ‘challenging’ to their owners.

She continued, saying that this is ‘a big side effect of COVID — animals weren’t socialised. Now they’re not used to being alone when people return to work’. She added that the rate of calls the organisation has received is ‘alarming’.

Still, the charity shelter is doing its best to refer callers to other experts that can offer behavioural support for the animals. She said that rather than surrendering the pet as the first choice, they are advising owners to correct their furry friend’s behaviours – so they won’t miss their humans once they leave for work.

Ms Penn said that another reason for the spike in rehoming pets is the higher cost of living and rent restrictions.

New South Wales Animal Welfare League also reported an increased number of cats and dogs being surrendered to their facilities. CEO Stephen Albin blames the rising cost of living and the relaxed pandemic restrictions for this spike.

‘People got companion animals during the pandemic. They played a critical role in people’s mental health,’ he said. However, once pandemic restrictions were gone and people started to leave their houses again, they realised that it takes a lot of effort to look after pets.

‘We’ve seen an increased demand in our shelters, and queues to surrender.’

There was a 70% increase in surrender for cats, and a 40% increase in surrender for dogs, says Mr Albin. Credit: Владимир Васильев in Pexels

Mr Albin said that the queue stood between eight to eighteen months long. This is why he is now urging people to consider how getting a furry friend might affect their lifestyles and living arrangements.

Additionally, several reports of pets getting dumped at shelters and council collections have emerged. Last June, a puppy was found in an Esky on the front lawn of a vacant West Sydney house. It was reported that the puppy was dumped as part of a council clean-up. According to the RSPCA, it was 8°C outside, with a 1°C wind chill when the puppy was found alive. However, it passed away shortly after being brought to an RSPCA centre.

Sydney Street Cats also called out the dumping of two adult female cats, and two 6-week-old kittens with a note that said ‘Cats for Sandra’. According to the charity, a note was left for a woman who is known to feed cats in the area.

When asked when shelters could see a reduction in numbers, Ms Penn said that, based on global trends, the spike will continue. ‘I don’t think it’s going to change in the near future,’ she shared.

Key Takeaways

• The number of people surrendering their pets to animal shelters in Australia has increased dramatically since the end of the COVID-19 lockdown.
• The main reason cited for surrendering pets is that owners are unable to cope with the animal's behaviour.
• The cost of living and rent restrictions are believed to be contributing factors to the increase in pet surrenders.
• Animal welfare organisations are urging people to think carefully about whether they can care for a pet before taking one on.

Well, there you have it, members! What can you say about this story? Also, if you know someone who is considering getting a furry friend, try and encourage them to ‘adopt, don’t shop’ and to do their research first!

 

[mylittletibbies]

I am sitting with my dog and two of my four cats on my knee, tears in my eyes. A pensioner I rethink every purchase but my weekly shop is pet food. They give me more than fancy food and vinigar and bi carb soda cleans as well as expensive spray bottles.
Only one suggestion is seeing if people will foster they are given food and many a foster pet has become a foster fail as the carer falls in love with the pet.
People who want a pet and like both cats and dogs should think cat,they give much yet require little and nobody can train a cat anyway.
Must stop my cat is patting my face for attention Lol

Oh my, your sealpoint is a spitting image of my cat Mishka!! Very distinctive with the white blaze

 

[Liz]

I have been wanting to adopt a dog, a smallish one due to my smallish unit and preferably an older one but on regularly viewing the Animal Leagues website, firstly smaller and older dogs appear to be rarety and when they do appear they are highly priced well above my affordability as a pensioner, as an example two suitable dogs have been on their site for a fairly long period, handed to the league under unfortunate circumstances by their owner, healthy and needing little beyond shelter and feeding were priced at $950 but now reduced to $750 due but could have been rehomed quickly if reasonably priced. Had I known of the owners' situation I would have taken both in and given the owner visiting rights.

Have you asked AWL to make you a Golden Hearts Member, didn't cost me anthing and I got my older animals at a reduced rate. Just a thought.

 

[IJH]

I tried for a long while to adopt a small dog. It is impossible to get a rescue chihuahua even though I was registered with Perth chihuahua rescue (great place) people do not give up chihuahuas. I eventually found a beautiful puppy and my wonderful daughter paid half of the cost for me. I had been saving for a long while but as a pensioner could not afford the full price. I would NEVER abandon him!

 

[freedy50]

Warning: This story contains discussions of animal neglect.

We here at the SDC love animals, and we know that many of you do too. It’s not hard to see why – pets can provide us with companionship, love, and support when we need it most. They really are like family members!

Unfortunately, not all pet owners are responsible or considerate when it comes to taking care of their furry (or feathered) friends. Others seem all too willing to simply abandon them without thinking about their well-being.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports say that Aussies are currently dealing with a severe case of ‘pet regret’ as the number of people wanting to give up their companions soars to distressing numbers.

Since the lockdown ended, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home said they received ten to twenty calls a week from people who want to give up their pets. Now, they get over one hundred calls every week as of late. The situation is so dire that the shelter cannot take in any more surrendered pets; they've reached capacity and don't have enough room.

The shelter was also reportedly denied $9 million in government funding to upgrade and build new facilities – which was already at breaking point even before the spike.

View attachment 7898

Pets are considered a source of comfort for most people. Credit: Dids in Pexels

The organisation’s General Manager, Melissa Penn, believes that the main reason animals are getting abandoned is because their behaviours are proving to be ‘challenging’ to their owners.

She continued, saying that this is ‘a big side effect of COVID — animals weren’t socialised. Now they’re not used to being alone when people return to work’. She added that the rate of calls the organisation has received is ‘alarming’.

Still, the charity shelter is doing its best to refer callers to other experts that can offer behavioural support for the animals. She said that rather than surrendering the pet as the first choice, they are advising owners to correct their furry friend’s behaviours – so they won’t miss their humans once they leave for work.

Ms Penn said that another reason for the spike in rehoming pets is the higher cost of living and rent restrictions.

New South Wales Animal Welfare League also reported an increased number of cats and dogs being surrendered to their facilities. CEO Stephen Albin blames the rising cost of living and the relaxed pandemic restrictions for this spike.

‘People got companion animals during the pandemic. They played a critical role in people’s mental health,’ he said. However, once pandemic restrictions were gone and people started to leave their houses again, they realised that it takes a lot of effort to look after pets.

‘We’ve seen an increased demand in our shelters, and queues to surrender.’

View attachment 7899

There was a 70% increase in surrender for cats, and a 40% increase in surrender for dogs, says Mr Albin. Credit: Владимир Васильев in Pexels

Mr Albin said that the queue stood between eight to eighteen months long. This is why he is now urging people to consider how getting a furry friend might affect their lifestyles and living arrangements.

Additionally, several reports of pets getting dumped at shelters and council collections have emerged. Last June, a puppy was found in an Esky on the front lawn of a vacant West Sydney house. It was reported that the puppy was dumped as part of a council clean-up. According to the RSPCA, it was 8°C outside, with a 1°C wind chill when the puppy was found alive. However, it passed away shortly after being brought to an RSPCA centre.

Sydney Street Cats also called out the dumping of two adult female cats, and two 6-week-old kittens with a note that said ‘Cats for Sandra’. According to the charity, a note was left for a woman who is known to feed cats in the area.

When asked when shelters could see a reduction in numbers, Ms Penn said that, based on global trends, the spike will continue. ‘I don’t think it’s going to change in the near future,’ she shared.

Key Takeaways

• The number of people surrendering their pets to animal shelters in Australia has increased dramatically since the end of the COVID-19 lockdown.
• The main reason cited for surrendering pets is that owners are unable to cope with the animal's behaviour.
• The cost of living and rent restrictions are believed to be contributing factors to the increase in pet surrenders.
• Animal welfare organisations are urging people to think carefully about whether they can care for a pet before taking one on.

Well, there you have it, members! What can you say about this story? Also, if you know someone who is considering getting a furry friend, try and encourage them to ‘adopt, don’t shop’ and to do their research first!

I certainly wouldn't want any animal in the house. I don't want the extra expense of looking after it, it's food and any vet bills as well as usual household bills. Without one I can go on holiday when I like, and however long I like, without worrying about who will look after it and how it is all the time.

And I don't know why people with kids want to have an animal in the house? People seem to assume their kids will like it. I've known families that have done that and the parents have ended up looking after it and the kids weren't interested. And they should just concentrate on the kids anyway.

 

[siameezer]

You're

You're right, I have had to immunize my animals on two occasions when moving interstate.I don't know where the councils get off making these laws. How many councillors are vets, being a "councillor'seems to go to some people's heads, they make laws for no reason except they can.
Of course most vets would still go along with it also, anything to keep the money rolling in.

Nearly all the vets I know are on board with three-yearly immunisation. Yes some will prefer yearly shots and that is more because it is the only chance they get to examine the animal and check there is no condition that needs treating ... most owners (not all) don't bother getting annual check-ups for their pets. Unlike medicine for humans, there are no government subsidies for vets, so they have to cover all the costs themselves and buy all the equipment (x-ray machines etc) with no assistance. Believe me vets are not rolling in money and I do wish there could be some way their costs were subsidised as that would make it so much cheaper for owners to seek treatment.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I certainly wouldn't want any animal in the house. I don't want the extra expense of looking after it, it's food and any vet bills as well as usual household bills. Without one I can go on holiday when I like, and however long I like, without worrying about who will look after it and how it is all the time.

And I don't know why people with kids want to have an animal in the house? People seem to assume their kids will like it. I've known families that have done that and the parents have ended up looking after it and the kids weren't interested. And they should just concentrate on the kids anyway.

People, genuine pet lovers, want pets especially dogs, in their lives for the joy and unconditional love they give you. Unlike some humans.
I had 3 children, we always had pets, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses and birds.
The kids were taught to take care of their animals and as adults they all still have numerous animals. The grandies have to bog in and help with them as well. It teaches them responsibility .
There is still plenty of time and love to go around on the children and the love they get in return from the animals is endless
.I do feel sorry for you that you have never obviously experienced this, but we are all different. It is true the.problems you point out, such as holidays etc. but we have always manage to work out way around these.
Would not be without my pets for anything, all our past pets have been cremated and, as we live on a large block, they are all buried in our own pet cemetery at the end of our block.
We return the neverending love they gave to us.

 

[RTS]

The answer to bad behaviour may be a second dog. I have two dogs. They have to go outside when I'm not home because they play tug of war with floor mats, shoes etc when left alone.
They're good company and have no other behaviour issues.

 

[Jennylolo]

Did you look at how much it costs shelters to make sure they are completely well before adoption? There are the costs of vet exams, often desexing needs to be done, vaccinations, sometimes if the animal has been neglected they need dentals. Some come with health issues that were not treated and the shelter pays for them to be treated prior to adoption. I can assure you the adoption fee in relation to the vet bills incurred is tiny.
I am involved with a cat shelter and their adoption fee of $160 is very small compared to the cost of making sure the cats are healthy when adopted.

totally agree. At times they can spend from 1k - 3or 4K per animal to give them a healthy chance at life.

 

[Glen44]

Warning: This story contains discussions of animal neglect.

We here at the SDC love animals, and we know that many of you do too. It’s not hard to see why – pets can provide us with companionship, love, and support when we need it most. They really are like family members!

Unfortunately, not all pet owners are responsible or considerate when it comes to taking care of their furry (or feathered) friends. Others seem all too willing to simply abandon them without thinking about their well-being.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports say that Aussies are currently dealing with a severe case of ‘pet regret’ as the number of people wanting to give up their companions soars to distressing numbers.

Since the lockdown ended, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home said they received ten to twenty calls a week from people who want to give up their pets. Now, they get over one hundred calls every week as of late. The situation is so dire that the shelter cannot take in any more surrendered pets; they've reached capacity and don't have enough room.

The shelter was also reportedly denied $9 million in government funding to upgrade and build new facilities – which was already at breaking point even before the spike.

View attachment 7898

Pets are considered a source of comfort for most people. Credit: Dids in Pexels

The organisation’s General Manager, Melissa Penn, believes that the main reason animals are getting abandoned is because their behaviours are proving to be ‘challenging’ to their owners.

She continued, saying that this is ‘a big side effect of COVID — animals weren’t socialised. Now they’re not used to being alone when people return to work’. She added that the rate of calls the organisation has received is ‘alarming’.

Still, the charity shelter is doing its best to refer callers to other experts that can offer behavioural support for the animals. She said that rather than surrendering the pet as the first choice, they are advising owners to correct their furry friend’s behaviours – so they won’t miss their humans once they leave for work.

Ms Penn said that another reason for the spike in rehoming pets is the higher cost of living and rent restrictions.

New South Wales Animal Welfare League also reported an increased number of cats and dogs being surrendered to their facilities. CEO Stephen Albin blames the rising cost of living and the relaxed pandemic restrictions for this spike.

‘People got companion animals during the pandemic. They played a critical role in people’s mental health,’ he said. However, once pandemic restrictions were gone and people started to leave their houses again, they realised that it takes a lot of effort to look after pets.

‘We’ve seen an increased demand in our shelters, and queues to surrender.’

View attachment 7899

There was a 70% increase in surrender for cats, and a 40% increase in surrender for dogs, says Mr Albin. Credit: Владимир Васильев in Pexels

Mr Albin said that the queue stood between eight to eighteen months long. This is why he is now urging people to consider how getting a furry friend might affect their lifestyles and living arrangements.

Additionally, several reports of pets getting dumped at shelters and council collections have emerged. Last June, a puppy was found in an Esky on the front lawn of a vacant West Sydney house. It was reported that the puppy was dumped as part of a council clean-up. According to the RSPCA, it was 8°C outside, with a 1°C wind chill when the puppy was found alive. However, it passed away shortly after being brought to an RSPCA centre.

Sydney Street Cats also called out the dumping of two adult female cats, and two 6-week-old kittens with a note that said ‘Cats for Sandra’. According to the charity, a note was left for a woman who is known to feed cats in the area.

When asked when shelters could see a reduction in numbers, Ms Penn said that, based on global trends, the spike will continue. ‘I don’t think it’s going to change in the near future,’ she shared.

Key Takeaways

• The number of people surrendering their pets to animal shelters in Australia has increased dramatically since the end of the COVID-19 lockdown.
• The main reason cited for surrendering pets is that owners are unable to cope with the animal's behaviour.
• The cost of living and rent restrictions are believed to be contributing factors to the increase in pet surrenders.
• Animal welfare organisations are urging people to think carefully about whether they can care for a pet before taking one on.

Well, there you have it, members! What can you say about this story? Also, if you know someone who is considering getting a furry friend, try and encourage them to ‘adopt, don’t shop’ and to do their research first!

 

[Cally]

Warning: This story contains discussions of animal neglect.

We here at the SDC love animals, and we know that many of you do too. It’s not hard to see why – pets can provide us with companionship, love, and support when we need it most. They really are like family members!

Unfortunately, not all pet owners are responsible or considerate when it comes to taking care of their furry (or feathered) friends. Others seem all too willing to simply abandon them without thinking about their well-being.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports say that Aussies are currently dealing with a severe case of ‘pet regret’ as the number of people wanting to give up their companions soars to distressing numbers.

Since the lockdown ended, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home said they received ten to twenty calls a week from people who want to give up their pets. Now, they get over one hundred calls every week as of late. The situation is so dire that the shelter cannot take in any more surrendered pets; they've reached capacity and don't have enough room.

The shelter was also reportedly denied $9 million in government funding to upgrade and build new facilities – which was already at breaking point even before the spike.

View attachment 7898

Pets are considered a source of comfort for most people. Credit: Dids in Pexels

The organisation’s General Manager, Melissa Penn, believes that the main reason animals are getting abandoned is because their behaviours are proving to be ‘challenging’ to their owners.

She continued, saying that this is ‘a big side effect of COVID — animals weren’t socialised. Now they’re not used to being alone when people return to work’. She added that the rate of calls the organisation has received is ‘alarming’.

Still, the charity shelter is doing its best to refer callers to other experts that can offer behavioural support for the animals. She said that rather than surrendering the pet as the first choice, they are advising owners to correct their furry friend’s behaviours – so they won’t miss their humans once they leave for work.

Ms Penn said that another reason for the spike in rehoming pets is the higher cost of living and rent restrictions.

New South Wales Animal Welfare League also reported an increased number of cats and dogs being surrendered to their facilities. CEO Stephen Albin blames the rising cost of living and the relaxed pandemic restrictions for this spike.

‘People got companion animals during the pandemic. They played a critical role in people’s mental health,’ he said. However, once pandemic restrictions were gone and people started to leave their houses again, they realised that it takes a lot of effort to look after pets.

‘We’ve seen an increased demand in our shelters, and queues to surrender.’

View attachment 7899

There was a 70% increase in surrender for cats, and a 40% increase in surrender for dogs, says Mr Albin. Credit: Владимир Васильев in Pexels

Mr Albin said that the queue stood between eight to eighteen months long. This is why he is now urging people to consider how getting a furry friend might affect their lifestyles and living arrangements.

Additionally, several reports of pets getting dumped at shelters and council collections have emerged. Last June, a puppy was found in an Esky on the front lawn of a vacant West Sydney house. It was reported that the puppy was dumped as part of a council clean-up. According to the RSPCA, it was 8°C outside, with a 1°C wind chill when the puppy was found alive. However, it passed away shortly after being brought to an RSPCA centre.

Sydney Street Cats also called out the dumping of two adult female cats, and two 6-week-old kittens with a note that said ‘Cats for Sandra’. According to the charity, a note was left for a woman who is known to feed cats in the area.

When asked when shelters could see a reduction in numbers, Ms Penn said that, based on global trends, the spike will continue. ‘I don’t think it’s going to change in the near future,’ she shared.

Key Takeaways

• The number of people surrendering their pets to animal shelters in Australia has increased dramatically since the end of the COVID-19 lockdown.
• The main reason cited for surrendering pets is that owners are unable to cope with the animal's behaviour.
• The cost of living and rent restrictions are believed to be contributing factors to the increase in pet surrenders.
• Animal welfare organisations are urging people to think carefully about whether they can care for a pet before taking one on.

Well, there you have it, members! What can you say about this story? Also, if you know someone who is considering getting a furry friend, try and encourage them to ‘adopt, don’t shop’ and to do their research first!

I remember seeing the dumping of pets when money got tight back in the late 70’s and I had my suspicions it would happen again it was sad then and it’s just as sad this time. People who bought pets during covid and are disowning them should be totally ashamed of themselves those animals gave you love and companionship when you needed it only to be abandoned when you no longer need them it’s disgusting.

 

[Glen44]

I have two little tibetan spàniels, two toy poodles and a cat.
I could never abandon them or give me them up, and they are part of our family.
I believe the pet industry have a lot to answer for. Treatments like Nexgard (which I use) are a ridiculous price, costing me in excess of $100 a month,dog biscuits that cost in excess of $160 a bag (which I don't use).
Talk about price gouging
Then you have vets that tell you your pets need vaccines every year, many years ago you only needed to vaccinate them once. I used to do this yearly but gave it away some years ago after a retired vet told me it was a way for vets to keep their practices viable
I have had many pets, all who lived long healthy lives without being vaccinated every year.
Please do not abandon your pets, I would go hungry myself before doing this. Think carefully before getting a pet,your pets are for life, they are not a toy for your amusement

To abondon an animal is as bad as abandoning a child if you buy one or adopt one it is for there life span , they will eat scraps left over from your food if they have too , if people who live on the streets can look after an animal so can you . Or do the world a favour and never adopt another animal as long as you live

 

[Linwar]

We looked at adopting another pet from a refuge but we were shocked at the prices they were asking. Not affordable for people on a pension not to mention the on going costs involved.

I had seen write up about the local pound and other rescue places not able to keep or rehome dogs that were placed with them. I went out to get a dog as I have a fully fenced yard, am active in walking and prepared to pay all vet bills. I changed my mind, dogs were $450 up to $600 to buy, far above my income. I'm sure more dogs and cats would be rehomed at around $200

 

[Kanga53]

Warning: This story contains discussions of animal neglect.

We here at the SDC love animals, and we know that many of you do too. It’s not hard to see why – pets can provide us with companionship, love, and support when we need it most. They really are like family members!

Unfortunately, not all pet owners are responsible or considerate when it comes to taking care of their furry (or feathered) friends. Others seem all too willing to simply abandon them without thinking about their well-being.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports say that Aussies are currently dealing with a severe case of ‘pet regret’ as the number of people wanting to give up their companions soars to distressing numbers.

Since the lockdown ended, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home said they received ten to twenty calls a week from people who want to give up their pets. Now, they get over one hundred calls every week as of late. The situation is so dire that the shelter cannot take in any more surrendered pets; they've reached capacity and don't have enough room.

The shelter was also reportedly denied $9 million in government funding to upgrade and build new facilities – which was already at breaking point even before the spike.

View attachment 7898

Pets are considered a source of comfort for most people. Credit: Dids in Pexels

The organisation’s General Manager, Melissa Penn, believes that the main reason animals are getting abandoned is because their behaviours are proving to be ‘challenging’ to their owners.

She continued, saying that this is ‘a big side effect of COVID — animals weren’t socialised. Now they’re not used to being alone when people return to work’. She added that the rate of calls the organisation has received is ‘alarming’.

Still, the charity shelter is doing its best to refer callers to other experts that can offer behavioural support for the animals. She said that rather than surrendering the pet as the first choice, they are advising owners to correct their furry friend’s behaviours – so they won’t miss their humans once they leave for work.

Ms Penn said that another reason for the spike in rehoming pets is the higher cost of living and rent restrictions.

New South Wales Animal Welfare League also reported an increased number of cats and dogs being surrendered to their facilities. CEO Stephen Albin blames the rising cost of living and the relaxed pandemic restrictions for this spike.

‘People got companion animals during the pandemic. They played a critical role in people’s mental health,’ he said. However, once pandemic restrictions were gone and people started to leave their houses again, they realised that it takes a lot of effort to look after pets.

‘We’ve seen an increased demand in our shelters, and queues to surrender.’

View attachment 7899

There was a 70% increase in surrender for cats, and a 40% increase in surrender for dogs, says Mr Albin. Credit: Владимир Васильев in Pexels

Mr Albin said that the queue stood between eight to eighteen months long. This is why he is now urging people to consider how getting a furry friend might affect their lifestyles and living arrangements.

Additionally, several reports of pets getting dumped at shelters and council collections have emerged. Last June, a puppy was found in an Esky on the front lawn of a vacant West Sydney house. It was reported that the puppy was dumped as part of a council clean-up. According to the RSPCA, it was 8°C outside, with a 1°C wind chill when the puppy was found alive. However, it passed away shortly after being brought to an RSPCA centre.

Sydney Street Cats also called out the dumping of two adult female cats, and two 6-week-old kittens with a note that said ‘Cats for Sandra’. According to the charity, a note was left for a woman who is known to feed cats in the area.

When asked when shelters could see a reduction in numbers, Ms Penn said that, based on global trends, the spike will continue. ‘I don’t think it’s going to change in the near future,’ she shared.

Key Takeaways

• The number of people surrendering their pets to animal shelters in Australia has increased dramatically since the end of the COVID-19 lockdown.
• The main reason cited for surrendering pets is that owners are unable to cope with the animal's behaviour.
• The cost of living and rent restrictions are believed to be contributing factors to the increase in pet surrenders.
• Animal welfare organisations are urging people to think carefully about whether they can care for a pet before taking one on.

Well, there you have it, members! What can you say about this story? Also, if you know someone who is considering getting a furry friend, try and encourage them to ‘adopt, don’t shop’ and to do their research first!

 

[Macarj]

The general public needs to step up and donate to refuges at Christmas. Animals cannot just be left homeless and hungry. If you are in money trouble and have a pet, do not take it to the refuge - instead keep it and phone the refuge for help with food etc., ask family for support. Find a way to keep your pet and manage!

I think the Government needs to step up also

 

[Fat&fancy]

What a disgrace. Selfish people using fur babies to get them through a pandemic & then discarding them. Interesting that they could afford to feed & care for them when they needed them and now it is all too hard. Typical of the throw away mentality of today's society

Couldn't agree more!!! infuriating, pets to us are family, we never go on holidays because we put them first!

 

[MindyMac]

I had one cat until 2015 and she was a starving tiny kitten when she woke me up 17 years ago. I still have her. I then adopted another female cat, not a kitten but a young one in 2015. She adores the other one. Then another starving female kitten arrived looking for a fur-ever home. She is very skittish and likes to stay safely indoors all the time. They are all microchipped and desexed. Another stray started to come in looking for food. He was in a dreadful starving state and that was about early 2016. It's taken years for him to trust me and now allows me to pick him up and last few days sits beside me on the lounge. Not for long though until he lets me know he wants back outside again. Plus, another very large cat that arrived. This one I believe is one that was left behind. O'boy was he upset. It took a while for him to adjust and for about 14 months he would select days that he would be gone all day long and return at night time, eat and sleep in his bed. I believe that he was just left behind. Now he may go out for 1-3 days during a month and I'm guessing he returns to his old home and sees that his previous owners are not there. He has warmed up so much.

I also have another ginger stray that comes in. Another poor cat starving and so messed up but just wanting to be loved. Another that has taken me years to gain it's trust.

There is no way I will leave my cats or these stray cats. They will be coming with me if I sell-up house and buy elsewhere. I will be looking for a place that will allow a large Cat Run and also allow another two doors installed inside so I can close and allow the strays not to freak out, all of them to get use to each other even more and their new home. They do not fight now. I will get the strays desexed & microchipped.

I eat well but cheaply. I haven't purchased steak, lamb etc... only chickens when on sale, including drum sticks when on sale at the deli counter. I purchase Aldi sausages and mince & pork mince and bulk cook spaghetti sauce boosted with grated carrots and onions. Make Curried Sausages again boosted with carrots and onions, homemade sausage roll mince, mince patties, salmon patties ... all frozen, ready in the freezer. The whole fresh chickens on sale from 3.50-4.00 per kilo and get them home and cut them up and deskin myself. In portions in the freezer.

I donate about $250-$350 per year from the Disability Pension that I get to animal charities and animals that have been abandoned and in need or urgent vet care. Every cent counts.

There is no excuse for these DISGUSTING EVIL PEOPLE. Oxygen Thieves as far as I am concerned. It's saddens me to think that about 85% of todays population and growing population are Spoilt Brats. Even so many of the older population. Too many self-entitled, selfish, untrustworthy narcissistic people. They have always existed but there are more now than ever and if that being the case it means that even more will be around kind people. So many children not hoping for a item for their birthday or Christmas present but expecting ALL THOSE ITEMS, yesterday (not one item) and they are given them as well. I had not one toy in my bedroom.

There are No Excuses whatsoever and these people need to Grow Up. Having said this, I'd rather people
surrender a pet to an animal shelter rather than just leave it behind like one of my cats that I have now. He has grown to love me and my other cats and yes, he has a fur-ever home.

I know this has been a lengthy read but the government needs to step-in and regulate the prices vets charge and make them lower it. The government also needs to lower the costs of uni fees for vets to get their licences so they are not in debt the approx $250,000 in fees to the government. The fees should be $8,000-$10,000 uni fees at most per year so that the final costs are about $50,000-$60,000. I believe it's a 6 year course. Plus, Licence Renewal fees should be down down down. That Vet Liability Insurance should be with the government and not with private insurance companies. The government can then employ older vets still wanting to earn an income to assess each insurance claim for vet negligence. The costs of vet treatments and even flea/tick treatments. They are far too pricey, including pet foods. There is no excuse for any of this. None whatsoever. The Federal government needs to Step-Up and resolve all of this.

 

[siameezer]

I had one cat until 2015 and she was a starving tiny kitten when she woke me up 17 years ago. I still have her. I then adopted another female cat, not a kitten but a young one in 2015. She adores the other one. Then another starving female kitten arrived looking for a fur-ever home. She is very skittish and likes to stay safely indoors all the time. They are all microchipped and desexed. Another stray started to come in looking for food. He was in a dreadful starving state and that was about early 2016. It's taken years for him to trust me and now allows me to pick him up and last few days sits beside me on the lounge. Not for long though until he lets me know he wants back outside again. Plus, another very large cat that arrived. This one I believe is one that was left behind. O'boy was he upset. It took a while for him to adjust and for about 14 months he would select days that he would be gone all day long and return at night time, eat and sleep in his bed. I believe that he was just left behind. Now he may go out for 1-3 days during a month and I'm guessing he returns to his old home and sees that his previous owners are not there. He has warmed up so much.

I also have another ginger stray that comes in. Another poor cat starving and so messed up but just wanting to be loved. Another that has taken me years to gain it's trust.

There is no way I will leave my cats or these stray cats. They will be coming with me if I sell-up house and buy elsewhere. I will be looking for a place that will allow a large Cat Run and also allow another two doors installed inside so I can close and allow the strays not to freak out, all of them to get use to each other even more and their new home. They do not fight now. I will get the strays desexed & microchipped.

I eat well but cheaply. I haven't purchased steak, lamb etc... only chickens when on sale, including drum sticks when on sale at the deli counter. I purchase Aldi sausages and mince & pork mince and bulk cook spaghetti sauce boosted with grated carrots and onions. Make Curried Sausages again boosted with carrots and onions, homemade sausage roll mince, mince patties, salmon patties ... all frozen, ready in the freezer. The whole fresh chickens on sale from 3.50-4.00 per kilo and get them home and cut them up and deskin myself. In portions in the freezer.

I donate about $250-$350 per year from the Disability Pension that I get to animal charities and animals that have been abandoned and in need or urgent vet care. Every cent counts.

There is no excuse for these DISGUSTING EVIL PEOPLE. Oxygen Thieves as far as I am concerned. It's saddens me to think that about 85% of todays population and growing population are Spoilt Brats. Even so many of the older population. Too many self-entitled, selfish, untrustworthy narcissistic people. They have always existed but there are more now than ever and if that being the case it means that even more will be around kind people. So many children not hoping for a item for their birthday or Christmas present but expecting ALL THOSE ITEMS, yesterday (not one item) and they are given them as well. I had not one toy in my bedroom.

There are No Excuses whatsoever and these people need to Grow Up. Having said this, I'd rather people
surrender a pet to an animal shelter rather than just leave it behind like one of my cats that I have now. He has grown to love me and my other cats and yes, he has a fur-ever home.

I know this has been a lengthy read but the government needs to step-in and regulate the prices vets charge and make them lower it. The government also needs to lower the costs of uni fees for vets to get their licences so they are not in debt the approx $250,000 in fees to the government. The fees should be $8,000-$10,000 uni fees at most per year so that the final costs are about $50,000-$60,000. I believe it's a 6 year course. Plus, Licence Renewal fees should be down down down. That Vet Liability Insurance should be with the government and not with private insurance companies. The government can then employ older vets still wanting to earn an income to assess each insurance claim for vet negligence. The costs of vet treatments and even flea/tick treatments. They are far too pricey, including pet foods. There is no excuse for any of this. None whatsoever. The Federal government needs to Step-Up and resolve all of this.

I am so tired of people blaming vets for the high charges. It is no wonder the profession has one of the highest suicide rates! Doctors who treat humans get many government subsidies, their equipment cost is subsidised (and most don't have a fraction of the equipment vets have) and they get part of every consultation reimbursed by the government. Vets get none of this! They have to pay for all their equipment (x-ray machines, ultrasound equipment, operating theatres etc) themselves. They cannot claim a portion of each consultation back from the government so the full cost needs to be borne by the owner of the pet.
When we go to a GP and we need to see a specialist we are referred to one and that is an additional cost we have to pay. I wonder how many people have considered that, except in a relatively minor amount of cases, the vet you see IS also that specialist? In fact, vets are not just GPs for animals they are intensive care physicians, dentists, dermatologists, cardiologists, oncologists, anaesthetists, animal behaviourists, and surgeons all rolled into one!

 

[Liz]

I am so tired of people blaming vets for the high charges. It is no wonder the profession has one of the highest suicide rates! Doctors who treat humans get many government subsidies, their equipment cost is subsidised (and most don't have a fraction of the equipment vets have) and they get part of every consultation reimbursed by the government. Vets get none of this! They have to pay for all their equipment (x-ray machines, ultrasound equipment, operating theatres etc) themselves. They cannot claim a portion of each consultation back from the government so the full cost needs to be borne by the owner of the pet.
When we go to a GP and we need to see a specialist we are referred to one and that is an additional cost we have to pay. I wonder how many people have considered that, except in a relatively minor amount of cases, the vet you see IS also that specialist? In fact, vets are not just GPs for animals they are intensive care physicians, dentists, dermatologists, cardiologists, oncologists, anaesthetists, animal behaviourists, and surgeons all rolled into one!

Agree 100%, vets get a raw deal. My vets are like family to me and I care for them all. There has only ever been one vet with which I felt sad that my animal was treated by her but she was an emergency vet at a large emergency centre and then I felt sorry for her afterwards because she wanted to treat my cat to the nth degree when all my cat asked of me was to let her go humanely, which of course of did, after a lot of research and consultation. My lovely vets who triaged my cat, supported by decision wholeheartedly.

 

[siameezer]

Agree 100%, vets get a raw deal. My vets are like family to me and I care for them all. There has only ever been one vet with which I felt sad that my animal was treated by her but she was an emergency vet at a large emergency centre and then I felt sorry for her afterwards because she wanted to treat my cat to the nth degree when all my cat asked of me was to let her go humanely, which of course of did, after a lot of research and consultation. My lovely vets who triaged my cat, supported by decision wholeheartedly.

Liz, my vet and his staff are like family to me too. My cat is the centre of my world and I would only trust his care to someone I trusted and I do trust my vet implicitly. He was there when I put my beautiful girl down at 16 and his compassion was second-to-none. He is knowledgeable and kind and I know my boy is in excellent hands.

 

[Gsr]

If people can no longer afford, or just don’t want them anymore, and have no one or nowhere to give them up to, euthanasia could be the better option than just dumping them on the streets, or in the country areas as a lot of people do. It is a terrible thing to do to a once beloved pet, but it is better than the alternative of having hungry, diseased, wildlife destroying, aggressive cats and dogs roaming our streets and country areas. Abandoned pets, when left to fend for themselves turn feral and become a danger to people, children especially who try to help them.