Peak bodies’ plea as four in five Qld animal rescues near capacity

Spare a thought for ours pets this summer as a perfect storm continues to impact them.

Many animal rescues are operating near or at capacity. Picture: supplied

Peak animal welfare organisations are calling for critical support as it’s revealed rescue centres are reaching breaking point.

Research by charities Animal Rescue Cooperative and Petbarn Foundation showed Queensland-based rescue shelters were almost or already full, struggling under the weight of animals needing care due to limited spaces and resources.

Nationwide data also disclosed almost nine in 10 rescue workers reported a sharp rise in pet surrenders, but four in five saw a significant drop in financial donations and resources during Christmas.

More than half of pets stayed with the animal care beyond six months and about one third of them were there for more than a year.

Rescue puppies, Bob and Lionel, in the Westleigh suburb of Sydney on November 25, 2024. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Petbarn Foundation Manager Janelle Miller said the research was a sobering confirmation that rising cost of living continued to have an impact on pets and rescue groups.

“It’s an unfortunate reality that rescue groups and animal organisations need support more than ever,” she said.

“Across the country there is an increase of people and pets in need.”

RSPCA Queensland spokeswoman Emma Lagoon said the situation across the state had reached a critical point.

“We know this challenge all too well,” she said.

“Many Queenslanders are facing financial and housing pressures, and as a result families who once could provide loving homes for their animals are now asking to surrender their pets to us.

“We know these decisions are heart-wrenching for families and we see first-hand the impact on the animals when they enter the shelter — having to adapt to a totally different life while they wait for a new home.

“Every day our teams are doing their best to support the animals already in our care who are patiently waiting for homes and those that require emergency shelter.”

The animal welfare bodies urged the public to donate to Petbarn’s Tree of Hope Appeal to help pets in need this Christmas, with a goal of $1.3m for over 90 charities across the country.

Donations will go directly to shelters and rescues to provide vital animal care services such as rescue, community outreach, emergency boarding for those caught in domestic violence and medical and shelter care.

Donate here