AWLQ experiencing significant reduction in animal relaims

The Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) is facing its lowest ever numbers in animal reclaims
in ten years – predominantly for dogs.

In the month of April alone, 67 dogs were impounded on the Gold Coast, with only 36 being
reclaimed by their owners – the lowest reclaim rate ever in the last ten years of reporting.

When comparing the data to the same time last year, there has been an alarming 77% increase in
dog surrenders and a 157% increase in cats and kittens.

While incoming surrenders have increased significantly, adoption and reclaim numbers have not.

The cost of living and housing crisis is affecting pet owners and leaving them few options with many
turning to AWLQ to surrender their pets. This is putting more pressure on the organisation which is
desperately seeking more foster carers and donors to help care for and support the influx of animals
being received.

“We’ve seen a concerning trend of pet owners surrendering their beloved companions due to issues
with their rental property agreements and landlords refusing pets, as well as the rise of the cost of
living,” said AWLQ Spokesperson Melinda Phipps, State Rehoming Manager.

“These shouldn’t be barriers that deny pets loving homes and separate them from their families but
sadly that is the current reality.”

She said the issue is not just isolated to the Gold Coast, as the AWLQ is also seeing a decline in
reclaims at their other Animal Rehoming Centres. More dogs and cats are being surrendered or
brought in as strays because owners can no longer care for them. Ms Phipps said the animals
potentially aren’t being reclaimed because of the reclaim fees and ongoing cost of animal care.

Recent reforms in Queensland’s body corporate laws have aimed to create a more welcoming
environment for pet owners in shared spaces. Body Corporate by-laws can no longer refuse
applications for pets based on number, type or size. Decisions by a committee or the Body Corporate
regarding pets must now align with local council regulations on pet ownership.

These changes provide some hope for many who wish to keep or have a pet, yet challenges persist.

“While we commend the strides made in creating pet-friendly housing policies, there’s still work to
be done,” added Ms Phipps. “We urge policymakers and housing stakeholders to continue their
efforts in ensuring that pet ownership remains accessible to all.”

AWLQ remains committed to advocating for the rights of pet owners and the well-being of their
animal companions and upholds its promise to always help animals in need.

For all media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Caroline Esera
Marketing & Communications Manager
0431 658 934

About Animal Welfare League Queensland

Founded in 1959, AWLQ has become a trusted leader in animal welfare. We provide a safe haven and second chance for more than 10,000 stray and homeless animals annually. To each of these animals we welcome through our doors, we promise never to euthanise a healthy, sociable, or treatable animal in our care. In addition to our shelter work, we are committed to keeping pets and people together by providing lifesaving support and resources to people in need with companion animals. We are known for our grassroots and innovative community-based animal welfare work, including our community vet clinics, Getting to Zero, Golden Hearts Seniors’ Support Program and the National Desexing Network.