MEDIA RELEASE
Pet surrender waiting lists skyrocket, says AWL NSW
The Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL NSW) is facing a crisis, with shelters at maximum capacity and waiting lists to surrender animals skyrocketing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living squeeze.
The organisation is urgently appealing for public support to address the unprecedented demand for its services.
Post-COVID-19 pandemic, AWL NSW has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking to surrender their pets, with many people returning to the office to work.
The waitlist to surrender cats has blown out to six months, while for dogs it’s a staggering twelve months.
This is putting immense pressure on the organisation’s resources and staff.
The AWL NSW has a vet clinic, a shelter that houses 78 dogs and up to 250 cats at Kemps Creek, hundreds of foster carers and a strong regional branch network.
“Our shelters are literally bursting at the seams,” said Stephen Albin, CEO of AWL NSW.
“The end of the pandemic has brought about a perfect storm of increased pet ownership and decreased ability for people to care for their animals.
Plus, over the past 18 months we’ve seen people who love their animals forced to surrender them because they simply can’t afford to keep them.
It is heartbreaking to see someone who wants the best for their pet turned away, but sadly we have no choice, we just don’t have the capacity.
Many of these animals end up at council pounds which are also struggling with demand.”
We’re doing everything in our power to keep up with demand, but we desperately need the public’s help.”
It also taking longer to find homes for pets, with less people looking to adopt.
AWL NSW is launching an urgent end of financial year appeal to raise vital funds to expand its capacity and accelerate the process of preparing animals for adoption.
The organisation needs support to hire additional staff, increase its foster care network, and provide essential veterinary care and behavioural support to get animals ready for their new homes.
“We have the expertise and the passion to transform the lives of these animals, but we can’t do it without the community’s support,” said Mr Albin.
“Every donation, no matter how big or small, will bring us closer to our goal of finding a loving home for every animal in our care.”
The AWL NSW is urging anyone who can, to make a donation to its end of financial year fundraising campaign at www.awlnsw.com.au/donate
About the Animal Welfare League NSW
Established in 1958, the Animal Welfare League NSW (AWLNSW), is a leading animal welfare charity in NSW. Its purpose is to impact the lives of animals and humans positively. Consisting of 21 branches across the State, AWLNSW has rehomed over 100,000 displaced companion animals. AWLNSW provides a full range of animal services, including a veterinary clinic, one the largest animal shelters in the State, an Animal Inspectorate to enforce animal cruelty laws and regulations and an Animal Care Truck (a mobile veterinary clinic) to help regional communities with animals in need.
Media inquiries contact: Mark Sutton 0407 918 836