[Greens-Media] Think Before Buying Pets this Christmas

[Franks, Office]

Think Before Buying Pets this Christmas

Greens Animal Welfare spokesperson Tammy Franks is calling on South Australians to remember that pets can be a costly and long-lasting Christmas gift.

Ms Franks, who will introduce sweeping 'smarter shelters' animal welfare reforms when Parliament resumes in 2015, says people buying companion animals as gifts must act responsibly.

"Every year we hear that the state's shelters are overwhelmed in the months following Christmas," Ms Franks said. "Let's make 2015 different.

"Do your research about the costs and life span of the pet you have in mind.

"Even pet bunny rabbits can live for about 10 years, so what might seem like a good gift for your eight-year-old at the time, may not be a pet that a teenager will cherish or show interest in.

"Last financial year we know that close to 7,000 animals made it into the RSPCA's shelters in South Australia - just imagine the number of animals that are surrendered across the country!

"Pets have long life spans, they cost a lot of money in food, grooming, insurance and vet bills, and they require a lot of energy and time.

"Consider both your budget and lifestyle before considering making this type of investment.

"The Greens commend the work of organisations like the RSPCA, the Animal Welfare League and other shelters across our state and the work that they do to take in and care for surrendered, abandoned, sick and abused animals."

In 2015 Ms Franks will introduce reforms to prevent more companion animals from being needlessly destroyed.

"We want euthanasia to be a last resort," Ms Franks said.

"So-called 'problem' animals can often be rehabilitated and rehomed with new families.

"We want to see that happen in as many cases as possible."

The suite of measures will:
1.            Establish accreditation and processes for shelters and rescue groups to foster better cooperation to take on saveable animals;
2.            Prescribe minimum standards for shelters under the Animal Welfare Act;
3.            Make it illegal to euthanise a surrendered animal if another accredited shelter or rescue group is willing to take the animal within the set time-frame; and
4.            Establish mandatory reporting processes when an animal must be euthanised.



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