Animal Dumping Creates Capacity Crisis for Rescues

Mackay Pet Rescue is calling for urgent community action after a surge in dumped kittens and surrender requests has pushed the volunteer-run rescue beyond capacity, forcing it to turn animals away.

Over the last year, the organisation has been contacted about large numbers of abandoned kittens found across Mackay, while continuing to receive daily requests to surrender adult cats and dogs.

With adoption space full and February traditionally one of the slowest months for rehoming, Mackay Pet Rescue is currently unable to take in additional animals.

Mackay Pet Rescue President Janet Amrbose said repeat dumping was being driven by the assumption that rescues will always intervene.

“We are completely full, and it is heartbreaking to have to say no when animals are suffering,” Ms Ambrose said.

“People assume we can always step in, but we are unpaid volunteers, not an emergency service. That misunderstanding is leading to repeat dumping and putting animals at greater risk.”

The rescue currently has six older kittens aged 14-20 weeks who have received no adoption interest, despite being healthy and ready for homes. Without space becoming available, Mackay Pet Rescue’s ability to take on more animals is dwindling.

“The reality is simple – if you cannot afford to desex an animal, or you are not prepared to care for a pet for the next 15 to 20 years, you should not get one.

“Our priority has to be the animals already in our care. The only way we can help more is if the community takes responsibility – by desexing pets, using the correct channels for strays and stepping up to adopt.”

Community members who are able to help are encouraged to adopt an older kitten now to urgently free up space.

Find out more about Mackay Pet Rescue and their upcoming adoption days at www.facebook.com/MackayPetRescueInc.