Unwanted pet numbers rising

RSPCA has reported that since the beginning of January till the end of April, 800 animals have been handed in Statewide.

Of that figure, 376 animals were given to the RSPCA by their owners.

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Association spokesman Tim Mayne said there were two main reasons why owners were surrendering their pets.

‘‘The major reason for the return of pets is lack of finances and the second is the lack of pet friendly accommodation people can live in with their pets,’’he said.

‘‘People need to remember that having a pet is a 10 to 20-year relationship.’’

South West Animal Rescue coordinator Tanya Adams said the number of owners handing over their pets had increased since last year because of changing lifestyles.

‘‘A lot of people are moving to jobs in the mines and have older animals that family and friends can’t be expected to look after all the time and the price of boarding kennels just isn’t in their budget,’’ she said.

Mrs Adams said there had been an increase in the number of inquiries since last year and the rescue group and other groups were feeling the pressure.

‘‘In the last eight to 12 months there has been a major increase in surrenders and I am getting a lot more calls since last year,’’ she said.

‘‘On average the surrendering of older cats and dogs is higher and currently I get three to five phone calls a week.’’

Mrs Adams said animal refuge groups were not able to deal with the demand of returns.

‘‘We can’t handle the amount that keeps getting returned. There’s just too many,’’Mrs Adams said.