Warrnambool NSW - 500 animals put down

Warrnambool RSPCA had to kill 300 cats and 200 dogs in the past financial year because homes were not found for the animals.

Shelter supervisor Cameron Williams said for the past four years they had hoped the number would decline, but it hadn't happened. 'As much as we're trying the numbers just stay the same year after year,' Mr Williams said.

The figures are set to skyrocket when unwanted Christmas 'presents' are abandoned.

He said an average of six kittens were taken to the shelter each day, and there was 60 per cent more than that in November. Animals which remained at the shelter are put down after 28 days, in accordance with RSPCA guidelines.

Mr Williams said the period after Christmas was typically the worst for abandoned dogs and cats. "People think it's a present like a Tonka truck toy, but it's about a 12- year commitment,' he said.

He said they were trying to encourage people to have their animals desexed to curb breeding. He estimated just half of Warrnambool's cats were desexed.

Reference: http://the.standard.net.au

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