Animal seizures in Geelong up 300 per cent as pet owners feel pinch

As people continue to struggle with rising costs and higher interest rates, the RSPCA say pets in the Geelong region are paying the price.

GAWS Animal Attendant Alyssa Doyle with 9 year old Blade are experience more animals handed in because of cost of living increases. Picture: Brad Fleet

The cost-of-living crunch is causing more pet owners in the Geelong region to surrender their animals due to the strain on their hip pocket, Australia’s peak animal welfare charity claims.

Data released by the RSPCA also showed a more than 300 per cent jump in the number of animal seizures last financial year.

The RSPCA receives up to 600 calls a month from people in the state’s southwest region – which stretches from Geelong to the South Australian border – who want to surrender their pets.

A GAWS spokeswoman said financial pressures were one of the most common reasons people handed over pets. Picture: Brad Fleet

The organisation’s local inspectorate team leader Belinda Dent primarily attributed this to financial strain, adding that “those struggling to care for their pets are certainly not alone”.

“Many of the cruelty cases we see aren’t necessarily malicious cruelty, but rather neglect due to people’s circumstances changing beyond their control, such as unexpected illness, injury or hospitalisation, financial pressures, those affected by domestic violence, and many other factors,” Ms Dent said.

“Sometimes it’s people simply not knowing how to provide basic care for their pets and, with a little help and education, things can be easily turned around.”

The RSPCA received 2580 cruelty reports in the southwest region last financial year, resulting in the rescue of 477 animals.

The RSPCA’s Belinda Dent.

Ms Dent said the organisation had seen an increase in underweight animals over the past 12 months.

“This can be due to circumstances such as people owning more horses than they can provide for, or, in many cases, those facing hardship not reaching out to ask for assistance early,” she said.

“We’re also seeing lots of reports of animals without shelter over winter.

“It’s been a very cold winter, particularly at night, and sadly, the reports we receive concern animals without sufficient shelter and warmth.”

Animal seizures within the City of Greater Geelong spiked significantly during the period, with 42 in total from 547 reports.

Golden Plains also saw an increase in seizures from less than five to 15 last financial year.

Surf Coast Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe both had less than five.

Animal seizures are when animals are taken from their owners due to mistreatment or neglect, whereas surrenders are when owners voluntarily give up their pets.

A spokeswoman for the Geelong Animal Welfare Society said financial pressures were one of the key reasons animals were coming into their care.

“We have had great concerns about the high numbers of animals in our care with little capacity to accept more and adoptions slowing considerably,” she said.

“Last financial year, almost 3600 animals came into our care.

“We know one of the most common reasons for owners surrendering their pet is due to financial strain with the ongoing cost of living and housing crisis being key factors.”

The GAWS spokeswoman encouraged pet owners to seek immediate help if they are struggling with the cost of food or healthcare for their animals.

“We offer support to people needing to surrender, and work with pet owners as it can be a very distressing and difficult time for both the owner and the beloved pet,” she said.

Originally published as Animal seizures in Geelong up 300 per cent as pet owners feel pinch