RSPCA to close two shelters as cost-of-living pressures prompt record pet surrenders

Two animal shelters have been forced to close as rescue centres across the state grapple with an influx of animals, leaving shelters overflowing and struggling to stay afloat.

Animal shelters across the state say Tasmanians were surrendering their pets at an alarming rate, leaving shelters around the state overflowing and struggling to stay afloat. Picture: Linda Higginson

Two RSPCA adoption and retail care centres are being forced to close their doors amid a surge in pet surrenders prompted by cost-of-living pressures.

Animal shelters across the state said Tasmanians were surrendering their pets at an “alarming” rate, leaving centres overflowing and struggling to stay afloat.

RSPCA Tasmania chief executive officer Andrea Dawkins said the Launceston and Latrobe locations had been running at a loss of $100,000 in the past year alone.

“We’re not immune to the cost of living crisis, which has put upward pressure on our costs and increased the number of animals being surrendered into our care,” Ms Dawkins said.

“The RSPCA is a proud Tasmanian not-for-profit organisation that helps thousands of animals every year, and sadly the need for our services is only growing.”

Ms Dawkins said the closures would help prioritise the expansion of the Spreyton Animal Care Centre, which would future-proof the facility for the next 20 years.

“The expansion will not only ensure we can care for more animals, it will also ensure we have the most contemporary facilities to care for cats, dogs, pocket pets, horses and more,” she said.

The Launceston and Latrobe retail outlets will remain open in the coming weeks as the organisation works with staff and other stakeholders to determine appropriate closing dates.

Dogs Home Tasmania chief executive Mark Wild with Sooty, an American Bulldog Kelpie cross who is in need of a home. Picture: Linda Higginson

North East Animal Sanctuary Tasmania manager Megan Barker said interest in adoptions – which surged during the pandemic – had also dropped significantly, with the number of animals finding a forever home much lower than the number coming into care.

“Everyone’s feeling the pinch. Statewide, we’re all finding that financial donations, food and goods donations, and adoptions are down,” Ms Barker said.

“Unfortunately, I can appreciate that the RSPCA has found themselves in a position where they don’t have the money to continue running the way they currently have been because we’re all struggling.”

It’s a similar story in Hobart, where Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania chief executive Mark Wild said he is seeing more people give up their dogs because they can’t find a place to live.

“Financially, it’s a struggle, people are not being able to afford to keep their pets,” Mr Wild said.

“The cost of living, housing affordability and rental restrictions means the number of animals being surrendered has increased dramatically.

“The other thing that we’re seeing is that pets that might have medical bills or require vet treatment – people just can’t afford that vet treatment when budgets are already stretched as it is, making it really difficult for people.

“But it’s a sign of the times that not just ourselves and the RSPCA, but a lot of not-for-profit organisations out there doing it really tough, and as household budgets get tighter. It’s a challenge to try and keep the doors open.”