RSPCA Queensland figures show increase in wildlife hospital admissions and pet rehoming

NEW figures show RSPCA Queensland is in high demand — looking after more injured and sick animals than ever before, but also finding a record number of homes.

RSPCA animal attendant Dijana Lawler and Cannon playing at the Dakabin shelter. Picture: Elise Searson

RSPCA Queensland figures show a record number of animals were rehomed in 2016, while demand on the Wildlife Hospital continues to increase.

Close to 18,000 animals found a new home through RSPCA Queensland’s 13 shelters last year as the RSPCA prepares for its first adoption drive in 2017 this weekend.

In 2016, 17,958 animals were adopted — an increase from 16,352 in 2015 and 14,901 in 2014.

RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said the figures were “good news” for Queensland — with residents continuing to support the RSPCA and many choosing to adopt pets from the shelters instead of looking at breeders and pet stores.

Mr Meowgie the kitten with RSPCA animal care manager Claire McCarthy. Picture: Josh Woning

Those thinking along the same lines and wanting to adopt a furry family member will have the opportunity to do just that at the RSPCA’s Pop Up Adoption event at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on Saturday from 9am-4pm.

There will be hundreds of RSPCA cats, kittens, dogs and puppies from shelters across Queensland all looking for homes.

Entry is free along with plenty of entertainment, food, vet advice and pet products. Every adopter will receive a $100 gift bag on the day.

All RSPCA animals are desexed, microchipped and vaccinated.

The “bad news” according to Mr Beatty was at the Wildlife Hospital, where more and more sick and injured animals are needing to be treated every year.

“In 2012 we were taking in just under 8,000 native animals a year,” Mr Beatty said.

“(In 2016) it was over 21,000.”

In December alone, more than 2500 animals were taken to the hospital — an increase more than 400 compared to 2015 and about five times more than the number from December 2012.