Pets left in limbo as Australian owners get cold feet
STORY: Location: Sydney, Australia
Australian animal shelters like this one
are overflowing with unwanted pets
Many people who bought dogs during lockdowns
are now realizing the responsibilities they entail
as many owners return to the workplace
and start travelling again
[Monika Biernacki, Founder, Monika's Doggie Rescue]
"In the last year, it's just been horrendous....The number of calls, emails, texts that we get here of people wanting to surrender their animals and it's just never-ending and we can only help so, so few. It's heartbreaking,"
Owners are also facing rising living costs
The price of pet-related products rose
by 12% in the first half of the year
But some say the sacrifices are worth it
[Sally Cowan, Personal trainer]
"I mean, I couldn't even fathom the thought of giving Rose up and I mean, would you give your baby up? Because that's how I see her, I see her as my child. So I tend to go without certain things if Rose needs to go to the vet, or if she needs food, or toys."
[Paul Kelly, Community service worker]
"So for me it's just trying to buy in bulk when the specials are on and when they're not, you just have to buy them because they're your best friend, right?"
