More unwanted pets due to downsizing, affordability

The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS) has noticed a continual rise in the surrendering of animals, especially dogs, over the last few months.

One of the primary drivers behind the increase in “unwanted pets” is apparently the unavoidable reality faced by an increasing number of pet owners having to downsize or relocate to housing estates or complexes that are not pet-friendly.

Many pet owners find themselves faced with the heartbreaking decision of having to choose between keeping their beloved pets and where they live.

Most do not really have a choice and many end up relinquishing their pets into the care of the AWSS in the hope that the organisation will be able to care for them until they can be rehomed.

The decision to surrender one’s beloved companion is always heart-wrenching, frequently driven by circumstances beyond the pet owner’s control.

In the face of limited accommodation options coupled with affordability, pet owners are left with very few viable alternatives, leading them to make the difficult choice of relinquishing their pets to animal-welfare organisations that usually have an open-door admissions policy.

“Some of the animals admitted into our care are simply unwanted,” explained AWSS general manager Jessica Perrins. “They arrive in need of our help and we will never refuse admission to any unwanted animal.”

Since January the AWSS has admitted 96 surrendered dogs while its adoption rates are on the decline. This worrying trend highlights the importance of promoting pet adoptions, pet sterilisations and creating awareness and the organisation is appealing to locals to get behind the cause.

“We are dedicated to finding loving forever homes for every one of our rescues, and we encourage everyone to consider adopting a pet. The increase in animal surrenders has resulted in unavoidably higher costs and a growing operating deficit, and we need your help to keep our doors open,” Perrins added.

“Please support our cause by adopting your next pet from us or help us by making a donation in cash or kind in our quest to offer sanctuary to every animal admitted into our care.”

• For more information on adopting a pet or to donate, contact AWSS on 021 883 9129 or info@awss.co.za.