Collie WA - Dog and cat dumpings a worry for shire ranger

AN AVERAGE of five domestic animals are euthanasied every week in Collie. Collie Shire ranger Tony Heppener said yesterday that there had been an increase of unwanted puppies and kittens in Collie and urged local dog and cat owners to be more responsible.

Mr Heppener said pet owners needed to prevent their pets from breeding if they did not want or could not afford a litter of pups or kittens . They also needed to register their pets with the shire.

"We have between 20 to 30 dogs a month in the pound with an average of 40 per cent of owners coming to collect them," he said. "The rest are either re-homed or euthenaised.

"I can't believe how many dogs are unwanted in Collie sometimes. People shouldn't have a dog if they can't afford to look after it properly."

Mr Heppener said pet owners needed to be responsible. "We have had an abundance of pups lately, between 10 and 15 per month," he said.

Mr Heppener said anyone interested in having a pet needed to consider the costs of ownership and the time needed to look after them.

"We also have a problem with people surrendering dogs because they can't train them," he said. "Dogs need regular vaccinations and food, water and attention."

Collie veterinarian Jules Vandenbergh said he had just euthenasied six unwanted kittens. Mr Vandenbergh said one of the worst parts of his job was to euthenasise unwanted animals.

"Basically the only way this problem can be resolved is if owners become more responsible and get their pets sterilised," he said.

"People usually have a pet and then realise it's having pups or kittens and get frustrated, it's not rocket science, stop the problem before it begins."

Mr Vandenbergh said he recommended that pet owners micro chip their animals.

"It works as insurance in case your dog does get collected by the ranger, it doesn't slip through the gaps and gets put down," he said. "We scan every dog before they are put down."

Reference: http://colie.yourguide.com.au

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