Pet plea for holidays

PET owners dump animals in greater numbers before public and school holidays because they “can’t be bothered” boarding them an animal rescuer says.

Sue Campbell, president of SAFE Perth—a group that saves animals from euthanasia—pleads with readers to think carefully before committing to a furry friend and to plan well ahead before going on holidays. She says the group is gearing up for one of its busiest times of the year and expects to rescue at least 15 abandoned pets in the fortnight to the July 4 school holidays.

“You’d think we’d only get the Christmas puppies, but we get a lot of animals before any public holiday,” she says. “What seems to be happening is they don’t understand how far in advance they need to book in for a cattery or dog boarding kennel and have a current vaccination to be accepted, so they miss out and decide to surrender them instead.

“Sometimes you have to book six months in advance before Christmas and Easter for a good one. People should make sure they have reliable provisions in place for pets while they’re away.”

• Samantha Smith adopted her dog Shakey from SAFE Perth about two years ago. He’d been surrendered after spending the first few years of his life tied on cement. He was infested with fleas which had caused fur loss on his belly and lower back. Photo by Matthew Dwyer

Animals can be euthanised, given to a rescue team such as SAFE Perth or rehoused after just 72 hours inside a pound if not microchipped. Animals with a microchip are kept for seven days before disposal.

SAFE Perth—a 10-year-old volunteer-run, not-for-profit charity—rescues animals from pounds and vets and also deals with people who choose to surrender their pets. About 400 volunteers cover a vast area that includes Broome, Albany and the Wheatbelt. The group expects to rescue 900 animals this financial year.

Samantha Smith adopted her dogs Shakey and Yahoo through SAFE Perth because she wanted to help neglected animals.

“I don’t think some people realise what a big responsibility having a pet can be,” the 38-year-old says. “They don’t see them as a family member, instead they’re an item—like a car. I don’t know why anyone would abandon a pet.” To become a volunteer, adopt a pet or make a donation to SAFE Perth, visit http://www.safeperth.com.au

by EMMIE DOWLING

Perth Voice Interactive

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