Their lives in your hands

Animal welfare groups are being inundated with neglected animals and fear the euthanasia rate will hike rapidly after Christmas when people dump unwanted pets.

Saving Animals From Euthanasia has been flooded with animals and there are not enough foster carers in the region to stop them from being culled.

SAFE coordinator Kate Fox said the organisation was receiving four to five phone calls a day from people wanting to get rid of their pets.

Families will opt for dumping their pets rather than forking out for dog kennel costs while they are on holiday and many pets given for Christmas lose their appeal as the new year approaches, according to SAFE.

‘‘People are dumping their dogs left, right and centre — at Christmas time it just escalates,’’ Nicky Sharwood from SAFE said.

Organisation coordinator Kate Foxsaid instead of buying a pet for Christmas, people could save a life and foster care an abandoned animal.

‘‘We are running out of carers — if we run out there is only one alternative,’’ Mrs Fox said.

Owning a pet is a big responsibility and needs careful consideration, according to SAFE.

‘‘People get bored with them — they don’t realise the responsibility of having a pet,’’ Mrs Fox said.

‘‘The pound starts ringing us once Christmas is over — people just throw the pets out.’’

If you are able to help foster an animal call 0429 690 825.

For more information about the organisation or to view animals available for adoption visit www.safe.asn.au.