Margie Maccoll
Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge Society (SCARS) has been inundated with surrendered dogs and cats with many falling victim to their owners’ struggles to pay bills and access affordable and pet friendly accommodation.
SCARS president Penny Brischke said the society, the largest refuge on the Sunshine Coast, had more than 150 animals in care across their shelter and in their foster care program.
“It’s hard times in rescue land,“ she said.
Penny said the society generally rehomed 1000 animals a year but this year the number of surrenders had increased significantly and the adult dogs, particularly big dogs and cats are not being adopted.
She said it was easy to find homes for kittens and small dogs but not larger dogs. At present the refuge, which has a no-euthanise policy, has two senior cats aged 14 and 15 years and their longest resident dog, Gemima, has been in care for more than 390 days.
The refuge hopes when legislation on rental agreements comes into place on 1 October it will reduce the number of surrenders coming to the shelter.
From 1 October a tenant will still have to seek consent for a pet, but the lessor can no longer advertise properties with a no-pet rule and must give reasonable explanation, such as body corporate by-laws, inappropriate building size or security, for refusing a pet.
SCARS is also working toward the construction of a new shelter to replace their 43-year-old premises.
Penny said they had already raised about $100,000 toward the $700,000 build and were seeking donations of money as well as offers from tradesman and suppliers.
To raise money SCARS is hosting a Paws for a Cause long lunch fundraiser on 6 August from 12-4pm at BWMCA Memorial Hall, 1 Main Street, Buderim.
Tickets are $150pp. For more information or tickets visit sippycreek.com.au
