SA’s rental crisis leaves almost 100 dogs up for adoption at RSPCA Lonsdale

An Adelaide couple say they are devastated by the sacrifice they were forced to make to win the race for a rental home.

The RSPCA is desperately looking to re-home an influx of animals, saying South Australia’s rental crisis has forced struggling tenants to surrender their beloved pets.

James and Fiona Bateman were forced to make the “impossible choice” to surrender their beloved cat, ‘Kitten’, when their landlord sold their rental property last month.

The couple said they had been renting with pets for the past 30 years without any issues but the state’s property crisis had forced them to make the devastating call to keep a roof over their heads.

“It was a dreadful choice. It’s the last thing you ever expect to have to do,” Mr Bateman said.

“It was the choice we had to make between keeping Kitten or being homeless ... it’s one of the most frightening times we have been through.”

A beloved member of the family, Kitten was Ms Bateman’s “only companion” when Mr Bateman spent a few months in hospital in 2020.

Mr and Mrs Bateman were forced to make the devastating decision to surrender their beloved cat, 'Kitten'. Picture: Supplied

“She was more than just a pet. She was a companion and a friend,” Mr Bateman said.

“But you have to live somewhere and you have to have a roof over your head. We miss her every day.”

The RSPCA says South Australia’s rental crisis is taking its toll on pet owners, with a staggering number of animals being surrendered as tenants struggle to find pet-friendly homes.

“South Australia’s shortage of pet-friendly rentals is a major issue and is becoming increasingly worse,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

“There is no doubt this situation has been steadily worsening in the past 12 months … it is actually quite tragic.

“There’s a reason we need to keep replenishing the box of tissues on the surrenders counter and it certainly takes a toll on those frontline staff.”

Figures have revealed the depth of South Australia’s rental crisis with record low vacancy rates pushing rental prices sky high.

Renters have told The Advertiser that bookings for open inspections fill up within minutes, with up to 70 people lining up at most showings around the CBD.

Supplied Editorial The RSPCA is desperately seeking to re-home almost 100 dogs.

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The RSPCA has previously called for reform of South Australia’s tenancy laws to prevent landlords for denying approval on the grounds of pet ownership.

Similar legislation was put into place in Victoria in 2020, which the RSPCA’s Victorian branch said saved hundreds of animals from the shelter.

There are currently 605 animals on-site at the Lonsdale shelter – 453 cats, 93 dogs, 40 rabbits, four birds and at least 15 other species of animals.

On top of that, a further 449 animals are in supported foster care.

Adoption prices have been slashed to just $150 for all dogs and puppies at the shelter this week in a bid to find families for the four-legged friends.

Bonded pair Roxy and Clay are among the dogs surrendered due to the rental crisis.

Zeus and Buddha are also looking for a fur-ever home.

The organisation will also be tripling available bookings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for meet-and-greet sessions with prospective pups.

For those unable to adopt, the RSPCA has also put the call out for volunteer foster carers to take on cats or some of the shelter’s larger dogs.

Those interested need to be experienced with dogs and use force-free training methods and will receive support provided by the dog-care team, all food and equipment and vet care.

Among the animals looking for new homes are Roxy and Clay, a bonded kelpie and Rhodesian ridgeback duo whose owner was forced to give them up when they were unable to secure a pet-friendly rental.

Two other pairs – Molly and Axel and Zeus and Buddha – were also surrendered due to rental shortages.

The full list of dogs available for adoption can be found on the RSPCA website.

Originally published as SA’s rental crisis leaves almost 100 dogs up for adoption at RSPCA Lonsdale