RSPCA takes 50 kelpies from SA property in one go – with most now up for adoption

The RSPCA says 50 kelpies have been surrendered in one go from an SA property, with an investigation now running – but there’s good news if you want a new dog.

Fifty kelpies, ranging from puppies to adults, have been surrendered to the RSPCA from a single property.

As an investigation continues, nearly all are now ready to find their forever homes – with some even available to be adopted as early as Tuesday.

The dogs range from five-week-old puppies to five-year-old adults.

RSPCA SA chief Marcus Gehrig said each dog was receiving “the best medical treatment”, but there was “not much” he could say due to it being an active investigation.

“Many of them are quite skinny and also require behaviour support – they’re quite shy and haven’t had much human interaction,” Mr Gehrig said.

RSPCA animal care manager Kadi Ridley, from the dog team, with Serena, one of the kelpies. Picture: Brett Hartwig

“As is standard practice, every one of these dogs had a full vet check when they came in, with some requiring ongoing medical treatment.

“Before being available to adopt, they will all be desexed, vaccinated, have received parasite prevention medication and be microchipped.

“We’re working with each of the kelpies that have come through to prepare them for adoption.”

Two of the surrendered kelpies, Cyrus and Serena. Picture: Brett Hartwig

First-time foster carer Trish Conbille-Shaw said she got “super lucky” by being able to take care of puppy Serena.

“She is super cute, she pops out of her crate in the mornings and she is very happy,” Ms Conbille-Shaw said. “She plays and plays and then just falls asleep.

“I just feel like it’s really sad when they don’t have anyone else to help them, so I volunteered to help.

“If you think that you can love a puppy, you should definitely have a try. I hope she (Selena) finds a family that has a couple of little kids who really like to play and run. She also likes to have a good cuddle so she’ll need someone who’s willing to sit on the sofa with her.”

In the past financial year, RSPCA SA cared for almost 6000 animals and found new homes for 3284 animals.

There are 750 animals in the organisation’s care, almost half housed at the organisation’s O’Halloran Hill animal care centre.

More than 2000 animals in total are expected to come into the RSPCA’s care over summer – coinciding with the launch of its Guardian Angel Christmas Appeal to help raise funds to tackle the influx over the festive season.

Mr Gehrig said each animal roughly cost the organisation anywhere between $1000 and $1700.

“Generally across the state we’re seeing a high number of surrenders – so people that are distressed, suffering cost-of-living pressures and are seeking to re-home those animals,” Mr Gehrig said. “This is an increasing trend.

“Anybody adopting or buying an animal really needs to consider whether it’s right for their family and for their financial circumstances.”

For more information about adoption or to donate, go here.