Nearly all Australian state and territory pounds and rescue centres are currently being swamped by animals being surrendered, most commonly dogs.

There were warnings from Dogs Australia that the record surge in dog ownership during the pandemic would result in “pounds and rescues overflowing” when people returned to work. The recent downfall in the economy and the difficulties with housing and renting has intensified the problem. Even purebred and designer dogs are being surrendered, often in these cases it is simply because people cannot cope with the dog’s energy and behaviour; they lack knowledge about the breed, the time needed for training and exercise, and owners feel they have no control.
Part of the problem is, it is too easy for anyone, suitable or not, to buy or get a pet, and often, almost as easy to give it up. People do not think it through and believe their ex-pets when surrendered will find another home with nice people and ‘live happily after.’ But the truth is many will be euthanised, as the cost of feeding, vaccinations and treatment is only met short term. The more time a dog spends in a pound environment, the more it has a negative impact on that animal. I have seen dogs adopted and returned a few times: some just go crazy and lash out, which means they will be put to sleep.

Yet that does not mean depression and unwanted behaviour is permanent: most dogs will improve once adopted into a caring home.

Staff at these centres and the general public are urged not to be judgmental about people surrendering pets. Yet if legislation cannot protect dogs and cats from exploitation, overbreeding and impulse buying, if it is left up to common sense and caring human beings, then we are in trouble. The problem of too many dogs and too much suffering is likely to escalate.

Domestic violence is exposed and on the increase. RSPCA has a program that can assist with temporary accommodation for pets, which includes some treatments. The goal is to reunite families and pets once they have found accommodation. The Palaszczuk government has committed $200,000 to expand The Pets in Crisis program; a partnership between RSPCA and DV Connect. Studies have revealed that approximately 50per cent of women and children in violent relationships reported that their violent partner had hurt or killed one of their pets; 33 per cent of domestic violence victims delayed leaving the relationship because of concerns for their pet’s welfare. Pets are often used as a part of coercive and controlling behaviour aimed at intimidating a partner and children.

Pam Brandis,
Dip. Canine Prac.