PEOPLE are being urged to think carefully before giving pets for Christmas as the RSPCA gear up for new arrivals.
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The Christmas and New Year period is a notoriously busy time for RSPCA shelters across the country as people give away unexpected and unwanted pets.
Tenterfield RSPCA branch president John Brown said while Tenterfield weren’t as significantly affected us other areas, he still urged people to think before buying.
“Two issues at this time of year that we see are people buying unwanted pets and the animals dealing with summer heat.
“Pets get surrendered when kids go back to school – but it’s not so much an issue in Tenterfield,” he said.
With only four local carers and 12 active members in the local branch Mr Brown said it was difficult for them to take care of too many animals.
“We have foster carers in town who give them a chance and often we send them to a refuge centre in Tamworth.”
Sometimes further away, he admits, as centres across the country continue to deal with an influx of animals.
With the aid of Pet Barn in Tamworth Mr Brown said they were able to rehome six dogs and 14 cats last year.
RSPCA NSW is a not-for-profit organisation and costs to maintain and rehouse animals are inevitably high.
“We have to vaccinate, worm, microchip and de-sex the animals – it adds up,” he said.
The group are always in search of more carers or members but John concedes it’s difficult given the resources and population to draw on.
Margaret Tricker is once such carer who has helped the local branch over a number of years to rehome and look after the pets that come into their care.
She accepts it’s a difficult job but says it was worthwhile to see the animals receive the love they crave.
“It’s really difficult – think before you buy. Some of the animals we do get are from people going into Millrace or Haddington.”
“If you have an animal you can’t take care of then let people know here, rather than dumping them in the bush,” she said.
She also said cases of animal cruelty needed to be reported to their Sydney base as they don’t have the ability to investigate reports themselves.
“I received a letter in the mail the other day, with no name, about a case of cruelty,” Ms Tricker said.
If you are concerned about the welfare of an animal contact RSPCA NSW on 02 9770 7555 or call local police.
If you are interested in volunteering locally contact Norma Ovenden on 6736 2520.