Mini dachshunds treated ‘like handbag accessory’: Designer dogs dumped on Gold Coast

They are the must-have dogs on the Gold Coast – but the amount ending up at shelters and rescue groups has reached crisis point.

• Coast rider struck by horse suffers range of injuries
• Twisted tales behind Gold Coast’s biggest scams

DACHSHUNDS are the must-have dogs on the Gold Coast – but the amount ending up at shelters and rescue groups has reached crisis point.

Registered charity and rescue service Devoted 2 Dachshunds Rescue was formed to raise awareness and provide support after it became aware of the unfortunate trend.

Its founder Ricky Grierson said while dachshunds were “extremely loving”, most of their humans did not understand their needs.

Many dachshund’s are ending up at shelters and rescue groups. Picture: Alex Coppel.

FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: JUST $1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 12 WEEKS

One in four dachshunds experience paralysis from an inherited condition of the spine called intervertebral disk disease (IVDD).

Ms Grierson said IVDD required surgery which can cost $7500-10,000.

Owners who cannot afford this often turned to rehoming options.

“The surgery is not cheap. If people don’t have pet insurance – it can become a real issue,” Ms Grierson said.

Ricky Grierson, with Harriet, Winston and Lola, runs Devoted 2 Dachshunds Rescue. Picture: Tara Croser.

The rescue founder said many dachshunds also experienced separation anxiety.

“Say for instance you’re a young girl, you’ve always loved dachshunds, you think they’re cute, they’re like a handbag accessory – so you buy one,” Ms Grierson said.

“You work all day, you live in a unit, it barks the place down. They suffer from separation anxiety, all the neighbours complain and there you’ve got it.”

About 20 per cent of Devoted 2 Dachshund Rescue’s rehoming involves the Gold Coast.

Dr Richard Seymour, from The Vet Collective in Miami, said he was not surprised about the rehoming statistics.

“I would say a majority of them that come through the clinic have an above normal level of anxiety,” he said.

“We’re seeing some of these dogs displaying it at eight weeks old.”

Pippi the mini dachshund came to Devoted 2 Dachshunds Rescue weighing 10.5kg.

Devoted 2 Dachshund Rescue will hold its Dachshund Walk at Southbank, Brisbane on Sunday from 10.30am to raise awareness about the breed and raise money for the cause.

Follow @Melwhiting

Originally published as Mini dachshunds treated ‘like handbag accessory’: Designer dogs dumped on Gold Coast