The number of dogs in Australia’s shelters has dropped by nearly half in the last five years according to the latest data collected by the RSPCA.
Reports produced from their shelters across the country show that in 2016 44,770 dogs were surrendered to the charity, whereas in 2021 only 22,311 dogs were surrendered.
These numbers are incredibly positive when paired with statistics also released last year that man’s best friend is Australia’s top choice of household pet, with over 5.5 million dogs being reported in Australia in 2021.
The continued steady drop in dog surrender could be attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, with people spending more time at home than they ever have before, allowing them more time to look after their pets during the day.
Research published by Animal Medicines Australia would support this, revealing that companionship, affection and comfort were some of the highest rated reasons for owning a pet, something that was highly sought during pandemic isolation.
The RSPCA data also reveals that the percentage of dogs euthanised in shelters has also seen a decline. In 2020/21 the numbers show that euthanasia rates in shelters hit its lowest in the last five years at 12%.
This decrease however could be about to change as recent news reports in Victoria show that there has been an increase in dogs being returned to shelters at an alarming rate. RSPCA Victoria stated in an interview in March their intake has jumped from 50 dogs a month before Christmas, to over 150 a month.
Behavioural issues in dogs were the main reason presented in the RSPCA report for shelters euthanising dogs in the last year, with over 1600 being put down in a 12-month period.
With this in mind, the pandemic may also be responsible for this new surge in dog surrender.
The lack of socialisation for both humans and their dogs during the pandemic has meant that puppies and dogs purchased have spent very little time alone, and not enough time outside.
Due to this, many dogs have developed anxiety towards external presences like other dogs and humans and this can present itself in aggressive behaviours.
While the report for 2021/22 has still not been released, the information we have so have could suggest that we are about to see the first increase in dog surrendering, and dog euthanasia in the last 5 years.
(Featured Image: Erick Pleitez)
