The Hunter RSPCA shelter, pushed to breaking point with a wave of surrendered dogs, has urgently called on the public to adopt animals in time for Christmas.
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The shelter has halved their adoption fees until close of business on Monday as an incentive for the public.
The Rutherford facility is severely over capacity, housing 158 dogs in only 120 kennels.
The cat numbers aren’t much better.
The rescue services they offload animals to have also been filled.
Animal attendant Abby Waters described it as a crisis.
“It’s very stressful trying to find kennels and homes [for the animals], she said.
“It feels like no dogs are leaving, but so many are coming in.”
The RSPCA hopes families will adopt a surrendered dog.
“It’s better to get one from us than one from the pet shops – those dogs often end up here anyway,” Ms Waters said.
Ms Waters, frustrated and saddened by the increase in surrendered animals, said the dogs in the shelter made beautiful pets.
“They’re all desexed, microchipped, checked by vets, vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms,” she said.
One such dog Ms Waters hoped to highlight was Harold, a two-year-old mastiff.
Harold has exhibited increased stress since being surrendered to the shelter in late September.
“He’s becoming stressed. This is not his home and he’s becoming institutionalised,” Ms Waters said.
“He’s a great dog outside, he’s been assessed and has great behaviour.
“He just needs someone to spend time with him.”
The RSPCA is urging anyone interested in adopting a dog or cat to contact them on 4939 1555 or visit them in Rutherford on any day except Tuesday from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
