A pet subject but

By Matt Trotman
HIGH petrol prices and an increase in the cost of living may be why more pets are being dumped or surrendered, according to the volunteers at the Australian Animal Protection Society in Keysborough.
In the past two years the society has seen a steady rise in the number of pets coming into its shelter.
Nicky Rusciano, a volunteer at the society, said people might now see pets as an expense they could do without.
“The cost of living is getting higher and this may be a reason for people not wanting to keep a pet any more, she said. “People don’t realise that it’s not cheap to keep a pet. You have to feed it and care for it and treat it as a family member.”
As Christmas approaches, the society is once again reminding people to think twice about giving pets as a present.
“Lots of people come in at this time wanting pets as Christmas presents,” Ms Rusciano said. “Often these pets end up back in our shelter six months later because they are no longer a puppy or people no longer want them.”
The AAPS in Keysborough receives about 2000 dogs a year and 4000 cats. It finds new owners for about 90 per cent of dogs, but for only 40 per cent of cats.
Ms Rusciano said people should think before taking in a pet. “We encourage people to adopt pets, but they must think in the long term. Pets are not a short-term thing, they are a 15-year commitment,” she said.