Illegal animal dumping places strain on local vet surgery
Wednesday November 26, 2008
Vet nurse Kathleen Berryman with Ashlyn Stutsel and the two birds which were last week dumped on the front doorstep of the Kidman Way Veterinary Surgery after they were abandoned by their owners.
After finding two domestic birds dumped on their front doorstop last week, the Kidman Way Veterinary Surgery is warning Cobar residents that strong penalties apply for ‘animal abandonment’.
Vet Mary-Jane Stutsel and vet nurse Kathleen Berryman are concerned that locals do not realise the serious nature of the offence.
The birds were left in a cage with a note explaining that they had been left behind by tenants, however there was no other information.
Ms Berryman said there has since been no attempt by the person who left the birds to contact the vet surgery.
Mrs Stutsel said it is not the first time animals have been “dumped” at the vet surgery, and warned pet owners to do the right thing.
“If someone abandons their pet, we don’t know what their wishes are.
“It is illegal to abandon a pet, and there are fines as well as jail term penalties if you are caught,” she said.
She said she has also had cases of newborn puppies being abandoned, as well as pets dumped at the council tip or released to the wild.
“This is cruel because domestic animals don’t often survive in the wild.
“By dumping an animal it creates a lot of angst,” Mrs Stutsel said.
She said dumped animals put a strain on staff and resources at the veterinary surgery.
“We have to care for the animal for a period of time before it can be declared abandoned,” Mrs Stutsel said.
“We are left with limited options.
“We also have to report it to the police and council,” she said.
While some animals can be re-homed, a number have to be humanely euthanised.
Mrs Stutsel said pet owners have a number of options rather than simply dumping or abandoning an animal.
“If you have to leave town and can’t take your pet, contact us.
“We are happy to help out, but we need to know what the owner’s wishes are.”
She said the local council ranger and pound can also assist if required.
“Animals can be surrendered when they can’t be cared for anymore, and there is no cost involved in that,” Mrs Stutsel said.
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