Kitten Season
RSPCA NSW is once again urging cat owners to desex their pets after being inundated with 1000s of kittens.
RSPCA Shelters and Volunteer Branches across the state are continuing to deal with the annual influx of cats and kittens that come to our doors during kitten season. During December and January each year, over 3,000 unwanted dogs, cats, kittens and puppies are surrendered throughout the State. During the 2008-2009 financial year RSPCA NSW cared for 41,670 cats and dogs.
With resources stretched, shelters at capacity and foster carers utilised, the organisation simply can’t care and rehome all animals received.
RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman says staff members are always devastated by the number of healthy animals at the shelters, particularly during Christmas.
“Day after day we look after thousands of animals, but December and January always stretch our resources. As it’s kitten season, every day litters of healthy kittens are brought in; as well pets are surrendered for a number of reasons − people can’t take them on holidays, they couldn’t organise boarding on time. We hear lots of different excuses."
“It’s always devastating to euthanase an animal, but to euthanase a healthy animal simply because we don’t have the room is absolutely heartbreaking. But this is the simple truth and we are faced with this traumatic job on a daily basis because some people don’t take responsibility for their pets. Desexing your animals will greatly assist with the Christmas Crisis we see every year.”
“If you are a considering an animal as a gift this Christmas, please don’t make it a surprise. A pet can be a twenty year responsibility. If you have done your homework and believe you’re ready for a new family member at Christmas, please consider the RSPCA.” Coleman said.
RSPCA NSW urges all prospective pet owners to relieve the pressure and make the RSPCA their first stop. All animals available for adoption from our 11 Shelters, 25 Branches and new Care Centre at Rouse Hill can be viewed online at www.adoptapet.com.au
RSPCA Foster Care Network - Can you help?
If you're unable to adopt a pet, you can still help us at this critical time by becoming an RSPCA Foster Carer. To help relieve the pressure on our Shelters and Branches, please CLICK HERE.
Desexing - why should I desex my pet?
Well, did you know that in 6 short years one female dog and its offspring can produce 67 000 puppies?! In seven years one female cat and its offspring can produce 420 000 cats!
Many of these puppies and kittens who don’t find homes, end up in either pounds or shelters, or worse still - are dumped. These strays become easy targets for animal cruelty. Unwanted puppies and kittens can suffer an awful life of starvation, disease, lack of shelter and love, and many contribute to the punishing cycle of over-breeding.
The relatively low cost of preventing our pets from producing so many unwanted offspring far outweights the cost to the community of caring for puppies and kittens in shelters. Regretfully, many of those in pounds and shelters are eventually ‘put to sleep’ because there just aren’t enough homes for them.
How can we stop the suffering?
It is every owner’s responsibility to make sure their cat or dog desexed to stop their pet from having litters and to curb the thousands of unwanted animals that come to animal shelters each breeding season. It is also important for everyone to help spread awareness of the need to get pets desexed..
Why should I spay (female) or neuter (male) my pet?
A spayed or neutered pet:
• Has less risk of getting cancer or other diseases.
• Won’t suffer from physical and nutritional exhaustion from continually breeding.
• Will generally live a longer and healthier life.
• Is less prone to wander, fight, get lost or injured looking for a mate.
• Is less likely to be territorial and suffer aggressive or antisocial behaviour.
• Will be calmer and is likely to be more affectionate.
• Is cheaper to look after because there are fewer food and vet bills associated with puppies and kittens.
If you're interested in having your pet desexed, please contact the RSPCA on 02 9770 7555.
