Out of luck: 48 per cent of Moonee Valley’s lost cats put down after being impounded
Lost cats in Moonee Valley have drawn the short straw, with council data revealing many never make it out of shelters. Find out how you can make sure your pet doesn’t end up one of the unlucky ones.
North West
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Almost half of Moonee Valley’s lost cats are being put down because they can’t be reunited with their owners.
But dogs fare much better with 97 per cent of lost canines either reunited or re-adopted to a new home.
The new council stats reveal that 378 stray dogs and 263 cats were taken to The Lost Dogs’ Home last financial year as part Moonee Valley’s animal management contract.
While the bulk of dogs found their way back home, just 52 per cent of cats were reunited.
The rest were euthanised.
The Lost Dogs’ Home communications manager Allison Brown said less cats were being reunited with their family due to a lack of cat registration, collars, council tags and microchips.
“It makes our job so much harder,” she said.
“We don’t want a lot of cats sitting around here waiting for months, it’s not like home.”
Ms Brown said it was heartbreaking to see so many felines never make it back to their families.
“It’s upsetting to see beautiful animals left behind,” she said.
“A pet is for life and even though they love escaping and wandering off they are your responsibility.”
Ms Brown said cats made wonderful pets, but weren’t getting adopted out as much as dogs.
“Part of the issue is people are giving away cats online or to friends, so people don’t need to adopt them,” she said.
“Cats are also prolific breeders facing kitten season, so we’re about to get lots of litters coming through.”
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Moonee Valley Mayor Narelle Sharpe said it was so important that pet owners practised responsible pet ownership to prevent them from getting lost.
“In order to give you the best chance of reuniting with your pet, you should ensure they are microchipped and registered with council,” she said.
“We urge people to keep their cats indoors at all times for their safety and wellbeing.”
If your cat goes missing, you should search your property, check with your neighbours, check the Moonee Valley Lost Pets Facebook page, call The Lost Dogs’ Home, and contact all your neighbouring councils and their vets.