Adoption Centre urges responsible pet ownership after surge in animal surrenders

Despite facing two record months of animal surrenders, the Fraser Coast Adoption Centre team has rehabilitated a kitten on the brink of death.

Faith was surrendered to the facility after being found on a large cattle property surviving on cattle food.

Describing Faith's condition upon arrival, Fraser Coast Regional Council’s Animal Facilities Coordinator Tiffany Palmer said the kitten was so weak she could barely stand.

 "Faith was the most emaciated kitten I have ever seen,” Ms Palmer said.

“I could feel her hip bones and ribs but, she was very friendly, and all she wanted was to be held and cuddled."

Due to her prolonged consumption of cattle food and extreme thinness, Faith required intensive care to regain her strength and was syringe fed and fostered by Tiffany.

Now in great health and looking for a new home, Faith is just one of hundreds of cats who have found themselves at the Adoption Centre this year.

In March 2023, the facility saw its biggest month on record of surrenders – being 76, closely followed by May with 57 animals. 

“The facility has seen a spike in the number of animals surrendered, in particular cats,” Tiffany said.

“A total of 458 animals have entered the facility this year alone, with 224 of those being surrendered.

“This year the facility has had 93 dogs and a whopping 123 cats surrendered, plus 8 roosters.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour has emphasised the significance of desexing pets.

"Avoiding unwanted litters of puppies and kittens is a key reason why it is important to desex your pet,” he said.

Cr Seymour said there are also lesser-known benefits of animal desexing.

"If an animal is desexed, it is less likely to roam, which reduces the risk of it being hit by a car, becoming lost, and ending up at an animal facility," he said.

"Desexed animals are also less likely to show aggressive behaviour, which means they are less likely to mark their territory or engage in fights with other animals in your household or the neighbourhood."

Fraser Coast pet owners can apply for an animal desexing reimbursement of $50 for cats and $100 for dogs.

Residents can get more information about their eligibility for the rebate here - https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/responsible-pet-ownership

If you think you have room in your family for Faith or any other animal currently at the Fraser Coast Adoption Centre located at Cicada Lane, Urangan. Please visit between Monday and Saturday, 10am to 2pm. Alternatively, you can call Council on 1300 79 49 29 to find out more.

Faith's condition upon arriving at the Fraser Coast Regional Council’s Animal Facilities.