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Words: KEITH WOODS
Devastating reason pets are being surrendered
Pet owners are being faced with the tough decision of giving up their four-legged friends as they cannot make ends meet or find affordable rentals. 
That's the message from the Gold Coast's biggest pet shelter, Animal Welfare League (AWLQ), which is at capacity.
Staff at the AWLQ shelter in Coombabah say they are at capacity due to surrenders being up, while adoptions are down, as people find themselves unable to pay for pet food and vet bills.
Spokesperson Craig Montgomery said people were usually very reluctant to give up their pets, meaning they were in desperate situations by the time they approached the shelter for help.
“
Craig Montgomery
The last thing the family wants to do is relinquish the animal. Because we know the important role companion animals play in helping us in emotional situations ... In some cases it's like giving up a child.
Animal Welfare League of Queensland
Mr Montgomery said the shelter staff "pass absolutely no judgment" on people who are forced to surrender their pets because they are struggling.
He said pets of all kinds were being surrendered, including puppies and kittens, meaning anyone thinking of adopting a cat or a dog "have got the best selection now".
See the cats and dogs available for adoption at the AWLQ on Shelter Rd, Coombabah, from 12pm-5pm, Tuesday to Saturday, or visit awlqld.com.au.
Producer: Veathika Jain

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/web-stories/free/gold-coast-bulletin/devastating-reason-pets-are-being-surrendered-on-the-gold-coast