Animal shelters overwhelmed as pet owners 'abandon' their COVID companions
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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.
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.’
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.
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!
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.
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dog
Pet lovers probably don't even notice that.
I cannot understand why over indulgent parents would even purchase a puppy for their spoilt brats if said brats were going to get rid of this precious fur baby once it reached adulthood and was no longer a novelty for them ..........
