RSPCA Victoria has accepted a surrender of 55 mixed breed dogs – some of which will be cared for at RSPCA’s Peninsula shelter in Pearcedale.
The surrender, including 37 Maltese cross Poodles, 12 Beagle crosses and seven Jack Russell Terrier crosses, was accepted from an owner who identified they were no longer able to care for them on Thursday 9 July.
RSPCA will care for the 55 dogs at its Peninsula and Burwood East shelters until they are ready to find loving forever homes. All dogs are currently undergoing vet checks, behaviour assessments and will receive grooming where needed.
In 2019-20 RSPCA Victoria shelters cared for more than 17,276 animals, 3252 of which were surrendered by their owners.
Lisa Calleja, inspectorate team leader of RSPCA’s Major Investigations Team, said they regularly worked with owners to arrange the surrender of animals who they could not adequately care for.
“People surrender their animals for a variety of reasons. The major investigations team can provide these owners with an option to surrender the ownership of their animals to RSPCA Victoria – we will ensure they are cared for and responsibly rehomed,” Ms Calleja said.
“We recently secured a surrender of 55 dogs from an owner who recognised that they were not able to adequately care for the animals. This decision means that the dogs will get a second chance at living a happy, healthy life with people or families who adopt them through RSPCA Victoria.”
“Giving up an animal can be an incredibly difficult decision, however sometimes it’s in the best interests of the animal. There is no shame in recognising that and asking for help when you need it.”
While one function of RSPCA Victoria’s inspectorate is to prosecute acts of cruelty, it also regularly works with owners to arrange surrenders where the welfare of animals may be compromised.
RSPCA will advise when the 55 surrendered dogs become available for adoption.
Meanwhile, RSPCA is reaffirming that travel to care for animals is allowed during stage three restrictions after a member of the public was issued with a penalty infringement notice for travelling to feed her horse and encourages Victorians to check Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services website for confirmation.
RSPCA Victoria’s Head of Inspectorate, Terry Ness, said people are required under the law to provide proper care for their animals including feed for horses and livestock and the current Covid-19 situation does not absolve them of these responsibilities.
