A bout of squally weather has led to a spike in dogs and cats being admitted to an Epping animal shelter.
Epping RSPCA shelter manager Liz Walker says the shelter issues warnings when extreme weather is forecast to remind pet owners to be mindful of their furry friends.
“Severe wind frightens animals and blows open gates that may not be as sturdy as they should be,” she said.
Ms Walker said most of the recently admitted animals were being collected within 48 hours.
The latest statistics for the shelter show fewer dogs were admitted to it during the 2013-14 financial year than in the previous year, and there were also more dogs reclaimed.
Between July, 2013, and June, 2014, 1601 dogs were admitted, compared with 1642 the year before.
And 1075 dogs were reclaimed in 2013-14, up by just six on the previous year. Sadly, 54 were euthanised in 2013-14 – 11 more than in 2012-13.
Admissions of cats in the 2013-14 financial year were up by 145, from 1401 to 1546, which was of particular concern for Ms Walker.
“People are moving into the area and are not desexing their cats,” she said. And as there was an established population of strays, this only added to the problem.
She said the rate of reclaiming of cats was extremely low, ranging from 5 to 8 per cent.
Whittlesea council staff members are doorknocking in new residential estates to educate and advise pet owners about their responsibilities and the benefits of having their animals registered.
In the past 12 months, the council has investigated six cases of abandonment, which involves residential tenants leaving their pets behind.
If you find a lost dog or cat, contact the council and ask to be put in touch with the ‘animal management’ or ‘locals laws’ section, which will advise what needs to be done next.
Under the Domestic Animal Acts 1994, all dogs must be securely confined to properties. Contravention of the law can result in an on-the-spot fine of $221.
