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Dogs dumped as recession bites

Posted on May 1, 2009, 9:09am

The number of homeless dogs at Mount Gambier’s animal welfare facility being culled has jumped in recent months, with volunteers claiming the dogs are victims of the economic crisis.

The South East Welfare Animal League is being forced to euthanise around 14 animals each month.

There were about 14 dogs on death row yesterday at the shelter.

Fewer people are visiting the Penola Road centre to adopt a homeless dog because of the costs associated with having a pet.

Volunteers also claim it appeared some people were also not “bothering” to pick up their wandering pets because they no longer could afford to buy pet food.

Volunteer Chris Vine said it was heartbreaking to see the veterinarian come out and euthanise strong and beautiful dogs.

“I don’t come out here when that is happening. If I did, I wouldn’t be able to volunteer here,” Ms Vine told The Border Watch yesterday.

“You get some favourites and you can’t watch them being euthanised. It is a shame people are not responsible.

“The veterinarians also hate coming out and doing it.”

Meanwhile, Val Jackson — who has been a volunteer at the animal shelter for 33 years — suspected the drop in the number of people coming out to the centre was linked to the economic climate.

“There are certainly not as many people coming out,” said Ms Jackson, who explained owning a pet could be expensive.

“The number of people coming out have been dropping off gradually over the past 18 months.”

She said the shelter was being forced to put down around 14 animals each month.

But she said it was rare for a homeless cat to escape euthanasia because they were not in demand from families.

“It is very stressful to see strong and healthy dogs being put down,” Ms Jackson said.

“You never get used it, it is so unnecessary,” the volunteer of 33 years said.

Ms Jackson also suspected some people whose pets have wandered were now not out looking for them.

“Some people just are not bothering to go and pick them up — they just can’t afford to have a dog,” she said.

Mount Gambier City Council’s general inspectors pick up about 460 dogs each year from the city’s streets.

It is understood this number has risen dramatically in recent years.

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