Melanie Riley
THE South East Animal Welfare League (SEAWL) is currently at capacity with dogs and are experiencing high surrender waitlist times, which is a first for the league in a number of years.
SEAWL currently has 12 dogs available for adoption, ranging from puppies to older dogs and all kinds of breeds.
Shelter manager Marcia Perkovic said there are various reasons why a dog may end up in the care of SEAWL.
“Cost of living, housing crisis, or it’s become too hard and because the owner hasn’t desexed the dog or given it any training it has become older and out of control,” she said.
“They don’t want to work with it and they would just rather surrender it.
“Owning a puppy which grows up into a dog is harder than what people think.”
Ms Perkovic said it is not often at the fault of the dog that there becomes a need to surrender, and said responsible pet ownership was key in minimising the issue of overcrowded shelters.
“A lot of our dogs are working type breeds – kelpies and border collies – so if they’re bored, they will jump and get out of the yard,” she said.
“Because they’re athletic breeds, that’s what they do.
“Some people don’t want the dog inside because they are renting so it stays in the backyard and it becomes a problem because it’s bored – digging, jumping and barking.
“If you get a dog, make it part of your family. Bring it inside and house train it.”
The biggest message Ms Perkovic wanted to spread is that education is key when it comes to responsible pet ownership.
“Be a responsible pet owner. Microchip, desex, vaccinate and socialise your dogs,” she said.
“Education is important before people even consider getting a dog or a puppy and bringing it into the home.
“They need to get permission from their landlord and everyone in the family has to be in agreement.
“If you are not willing to train or work with a dog, don’t get one.”
There is currently a two month waiting list on surrenders for dogs at SEAWL, and Ms Perkovic encouraged anybody in a situation where they need to rehome their dog to try and consider alternative methods.
Reaching out to other rescue groups and to friends or family are among suggestions Ms Perkovic had to ensure shelters don’t overflow.
“You have to try everything you can do to rehome your dog and not rely on us, because unfortunately, you will be waiting,” she said.
Data from 2023 estimates that 68 per cent of South Australians have pets, but less than 20 per cent of rental properties are advertised as allowing pets.
Ms Perkovic said there are precautions landlords could make for those renting with pets to protect themselves and their properties, to reduce the amount of people having to surrender when moving into a new property.
“It’s hard. Most people in rentals are doing the right thing but it only takes a few to scare the landlords off,” she said.
“A pet bond is a really good idea in case there is damage.”
For any responsible pet owner interested in adding a furry friend to their family, please contact SEAWL on (08) 8723 9133 to arrange an appointment time to visit the available dogs for adoption.
