‘Increasingly hopeless’: Struggling Qlders forced to give up pets

Animal shelters are inundated with close to 100,000 pets surrendered as the cost of living crisis forces thousand to make heartbreaking cost cuts.

Three-month-old Eve the Bull Arab/American Staffordshire Bull Terrier who is up for adoption at the RSPCA in Wacol. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Thousands of Queenslanders are being forced to surrender their furry friends as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.

Over the past year, RSPCA Australia has taken 94,828 animals into its care, including more than 19,221 dogs and 35,571 cats.

Large dogs made up a substantial portion of surrenders, with owners unable to afford the high volume of food required to meet their needs.

The Animal Rescue Cooperation (ARC), an organisation which supplies food and medical care for animals, delivered more than 10 pallets of food to Brisbane pet owners in a single day this week.

Eve is in need of a new home.

ARC Brisbane manager Phyllipa Hawkes said the situation was becoming increasingly hopeless for many pet owners, particularly those who themselves had been made homeless.

“Landlords are increasing rent and making it harder for people to rent with pets,” she said.

“All this then falls onto animal rescuers, charities and pounds to manage.”

To assist with the overwhelming pet food demand, the Petbarn Foundation has launched its annual Tree of Hope Appeal with the aim to raise $1.3 million for 70 animal charities.

Petbarn Foundation manager Janelle Bloxsom said rescue groups were “bursting at the seams” and donations were needed “now more than ever”.

“Every day we hear about Aussies struggling – rescue groups bursting at the seams with pets who have been surrendered, or people who are homeless and can’t feed themselves or their pets,” she said.

“We understand many Australians are feeling financial pressure, but for those who can make a donation big or small, these funds go a long way and have a huge impact on the people and pets in need.”

RSPCA chief executive Richard Mussell said fundraisers like the Tree of Hope Appeal made a big difference. “This year in particular … (the appeal) has helped the RSPCA deliver community outreach programs, provide much-needed services for people experiencing domestic violence, and help care for and rehome some of our wonderful senior pets,” he said.