Gerald Lynch
As the cost of living crisis continues to worsen, helpless cats and dogs are bearing the brunt of financial troubles, as parents are left to decide between filling their children’s plates or their pets’.
Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR), an animal shelter in Craigieburn committed to the rescue and rehoming of abandoned cats and dogs, is facing an alarming rise in the number of large breed dogs being surrendered, coupled with a severe drop in adoptions.
The shelter has recorded a 35 per cent decrease in the number of adoptions this year, with adult cats and large breed dogs experiencing the biggest decline.
SCAR chief executive Marisa Debattista said the drop in numbers was a direct result of the cost of living crisis, and it is causing pets to suffer.
“We are witnessing a 23 per cent increase in surrender inquiries, especially for adult cats and dogs. Large dogs are now spending on average an extra 71 days in our care before finding a new home, compared to the same period last year,” she said.
“Now more than ever, we need the community’s help to ensure these animals find loving homes and to continue our mission of rescuing and rehoming those in need.”
SCAR recorded a surge in pet adoptions during the pandemic, but the post COVID financial struggles being felt across the board have led to a backflip in the trend.
SCAR has also experienced a 43 per cent decline in donations to the shelter, which coupled with an increased need for help, has made life hard for the organisation.
Financial strain has also led to a 20 per cent decrease in animals being groomed and washed, and a staggering 500 per cent increase in people utilising SCAR’s outreach programs.
