Mildura dogs and cats abandoned in shelters

New council data paints a sad story for the region’s pets, with one animal rescuer describing the situation as “tragic”. Read more.

Hundreds of dogs and cats were impounded in Mildura last financial year, new data reveals, with many of the animals never claimed.

The data from Mildura Rural City Council’s domestic animal management plan shows nearly 719 dogs and 680 cats were impounded during the 2021-2022 financial year.

Just over 330 impounded dogs were returned to their owners but only 68 cats were ever claimed.

While this number is down from the 2020-2021 financial year the council’s report for previous years tells a very sad story for the pet population of Mildura.

Data from Mildura rural city council suggest that Mildura has a stray cat problem. Picture: Gaynor Furnell

The council impounded 690 dogs in the 2020-2021 financial year, with less than half returned to the owner.

However the number are only are more heartbreaking with cats. More than 721 were impounded and only 87 ever claimed by the owner.

That’s nearly half of the total cat population of Mildura.

A council spokesperson reminded pet owners that any cat or dog over three months old needed to be microchipped so they could be identified.

“Ensuring pets are registered, [this] makes it easier and quicker to reunite owners with their pets,” they said.

“Responsible pet ownership is another key area that can reduce the number of lost pets.”

They also offered some other tips for keeping your pets safe.

“Keep your dogs on leashes in public places, make arrangements for your pet’s care if you’re going away, consider having your pet desexed, ensure your pet is kept in a secure enclosure at all times make sure your pet is easily identifiable with a collar and tag with your contact,” they said.

The manager of cat rescue organisation, Kitty’s Krib, Jeanie Schmidt has been rescuing animals her whole life.

She said the situation in Mildura was “tragic”.

“Kitty’s Krib has been running seven days a week for 12 years, but I’ve been rescuing most of my life,” she said.

“It’s worse now than it’s ever been... the numbers are just tragic.”

Ms Schmidt called out owners for not taking proper care of their pets.

“People will blame everyone else under the sun, but at the end of the day it’s owners that are responsible for looking after animals.”

On the edge of retirement Ms Schmitt said she’s fed up with how people treat their animals

“I’ve just had enough really I’m nearly 70, I’m tired and this is worst I’ve seen it and at the end of the day it’s preaching to the deaf,” she said.