For immediate release
CHRISTMAS CRISIS - RSPCA NSW SHELTERS NEARING CAPACITY!
Every year during the festive season the RSPCA is inundated with thousands of animals. Over the past few
weeks alone over 1,000 kittens have ended up in the care of RSPCA NSW.
Although the Christmas period is meant to be a celebration, unfortunately RSPCA NSW shelter staff don’t look
forward to it. During December and January each year, over 3,000 unwanted dogs, cats, kittens and puppies
are surrendered throughout the State. During the 2008-2009 financial year RSPCA NSW cared for 41,670 cats
and dogs.
With resources stretched, shelters at capacity and foster carers utilised, the organisation simply can’t care and
rehome all animals received.
RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman says staff members are always devastated by the number of healthy animals
at the shelters, particularly during Christmas.
“Day after day we look after thousands of animals, but December and January always stretch our resources.
As it’s kitten season, every day litters of healthy kittens are brought in; as well pets are surrendered for a
number of reasons - people can’t take them on holidays, they couldn’t organise boarding on time. We hear
lots of different excuses.
“It’s always devastating to euthanase an animal, but to euthanase a healthy animal simply because we don’t
have the room is absolutely heartbreaking. But this is the simple truth and we are faced with this traumatic
job on a daily basis because some people don’t take responsibility for their pets. Desexing your animals will
greatly assist with the Christmas Crisis we see every year.”
“If you are a considering an animal as a gift this Christmas, please don’t make it a surprise. A pet can be a
twenty year responsibility. If you have done your homework and believe you’re ready for a new family
member at Christmas, please consider the RSPCA.”
RSPCA NSW urges all prospective pet owners to relieve the pressure and make the RSPCA their first stop. All
animals available for adoption from our 11 Shelters, 25 Branches and new Care Centre at Rouse Hill can be
Media Contact:
Melinda Wills McHugh, Acting RSPCA NSW Media Officer
E: mmchugh@rspcansw.org.au
M: 0413 622 020
17 December 2009
NEWS 
