Straying Alive

The Stark Reality in Animal Refuges

Did you know that Australia deals with more than 160,000 homeless refugees yearly and, tragically, 50 percent of these homeless souls die? I'm not talking about illegal immigrants arriving in rusted boats or the tragic situation in war torn countries overseas, but with fair dinkum Aussies - Australian pets.

The RSPCA's national statistics are the sad facts that I refer to, and it is as depressing as the current refugee crisis in troubled countries overseas. Around the nation, over 160,000 dogs, cats and other animals are cared for by the RSPCA. That the RSPCA cares for them is wonderful but the cold, unfeeling statistics are depressing, more so because it has been worsening over the last six years.

Sad Statistics

Forty-four percent of the animals received are dogs and 39 percent are cats. The miserable fact is that, on the national average, 48 percent of the dogs and an unbelievable 75 percent of the cats receiving care are euthanased. I'm surprised the dedicated staff of the RSPCA remain so positive considering the constant assault on their compassion.

What are the reasons for such tragic statistics?

Many RSPCA inmates are animals that have strayed and become lost. Another large number of pets are those that are no longer wanted by their owners. Some animals are also the tragic victims of mistreatment.

Examining the breeds that are most commonly received at refuges like the RSPCA also gives an insight into the problem. The top ten breed types taken in by animal refuges are large working or active dogs. The top three are usually dogs mostly resembling German Shepherds Cattle Dog and Bull Terriers, with dogs similar to Rottweiler, Kelpies and Border Collies not far behind. The message is that dog owners don't know how to cope with dogs of this type.

Most of the RSPCA's inmates are young pets and many have had a very poor start to life with inadequate training and poor health care. There are, of course, the innocent puppies and kittens bred irresponsibly and taken to the Society with the mindless excuse that "Oh the RSPCA will find them a home."

Sadly there are not enough homes.

What about the straying pets? Not many of these animals get back to their rightful owners and it makes me angry to think of this.

Less than 7 percent of the RSPCA's incoming dogs are returned to their owners. If you think that is abysmal, look at the cat facts. Only a puny 2 percent of the cats the RSPCA receives are ever returned to their owners.

Straying pets are a community concern. Dog owners must keep their dogs in their own yard and must have their dogs identified in case they do stray.

However, the cat owners should hang their heads in shame. The reason that cats are not returned to their owners is mostly related to the failure of cat owners to identify their pets.

How can the RSPCA, and other refuges like it, possibly return a cat or dog to its owner if the pet has no identification? Is your dog or cat identified?

Identification Stops Death

Identifying your animal is as simple as using a marking pet to write your telephone number on your pet's collar. Many shelters have free or low coast identification tags and and name discs can be purchased and inscribed for little cost from any shopping centre. Many veterinarians have ID tags available and you can even have your pet microchiped with a rice-grain sized piece of technology that permanently identifies your pet - even if it does lose its collar. Microchips are simply injected under the skin of your pet's neck and in some states of Australia they are a legal requirement. See your veterinarian for details.

Early Training is Essential

Why do pet owners voluntarily surrender their pets? Often it is because the owners cannot cope with their pet's behaviour. All pets need some form of training as youngsters to ensure they grow into well-behaved adult animals. Neglect this and your pet is likely to be a problem. Thankfully there is a great deal of interest in Puppy Preschools and Kitty Kindergartens. Early training such as this is vital to ensure that young animals grow into controllable adult pets

Plan for the Costs of Pet Ownership

Some pet owners discard their pets because they don't foresee the costs of maintaining a pet. For the routine care and feeding of a dog, expect to pay a minimum of $1500 per year. Cats are only a little cheaper. If your pet suffers an illness or a broken bone, these annual costs can double. A cute, cuddly puppy is replaced quickly by a gangly and rambunctious adolescent dog, and that is when the costs of caring for that dog, and the time commitment needed, become a cold reality. It is vital that any prospective pet owner has a long term view of what will happen to their pet, and their own lifestyle, over the decade and a half the pet will share with them. Many a pet owner becomes a victim to a cute puppy's brown eyes and a kitten's frisky ways. This clouds their own vision of the future.

The RSPCA and animal shelters like it do a mighty job in our community. They rarely receive the praise they deserve and certainly need your support. If you care about animals and are shocked by these stark statistics then please support your local RSPCA or animal shelter through a donation. For a lasting gift, consider a bequest In your will. Such kindness has a profound effect on improving the lives of many animals. Let's face it. The animals need your help.