restrictions in leases regarding pets, is unacceptable in today’s society. No person should be forced to put their family member at risk of being killed due for this reason. Some people choose to become homeless rather than abandon their animal. This, again, imposes a cost on society, not to mention the personal toll it takes on the person. Toll on pounds and RSPCA Victoria has indicated that one in five dogs and cats who are taken shelters to its shelters are there because the animal’s family couldn’t find a rental. Victorian pounds and shelters are not managing the number of animals they receive. A majority of animals are killed rather than being rehomed, even though they are healthy. Animals being surrendered solely because of an unreasonable lease condition places an added burden on these organisations. Toll on shelter Shelter and pound workers are amongst the most at risk professions from workers suicide. This is mainly because of the large numbers of animals they are required to personally kill, or be complicit in killing. Any action that is taken to reduce the number of animals who end up at pounds and shelters will: Reduce completed suicides Reduce attempted suicides Reduce Workers Compensation claims for stress-related conditions that preclude people who were formerly functioning members of our society from working Improve productivity to the Victorian economy Toll on family The Victorian government is doing some excellent work in addressing violence survivors family violence. The government is aware that abusive people will often target family pets in an effort to control or harm their partner. It is usually the person who is the target of the abuse who has to leave the family home, for their safety. This extremely stressful experience is further exacerbated if the person is unable to find pet-friendly accommodation. The survivor will have a choice of: Finding temporary accommodation for their pet Becoming homeless Surrendering their animal. Although some organisations, such as Animal Aid, will endeavour to assist people with temporary accommodation for their animal, this is a short term measure that causes added stress to survivors and their children. Places are also limited.
restrictions in leases regarding pets, is unacceptable in today’s society. No person should be forced to put their family member at risk of being killed due for this reason. Some people choose to become homeless rather than abandon their animal. This, again, imposes a cost on society, not to mention the personal toll it takes on the person. Toll on pounds and shelters RSPCA Victoria has indicated that one in five dogs and cats who are taken to its shelters are there because the animal’s family couldn’t find a rental. Victorian pounds and shelters are not managing the number of animals they receive. A majority of animals are killed rather than being rehomed, even though they are healthy. Animals being surrendered solely because of an unreasonable lease condition places an added burden on these organisations. Toll on shelter workers Shelter and pound workers are amongst the most at risk professions from suicide. This is mainly because of the large numbers of animals they are required to personally kill, or be complicit in killing. Any action that is taken to reduce the number of animals who end up at pounds and shelters will: Reduce completed suicides Reduce attempted suicides Reduce Workers Compensation claims for stress-related conditions that preclude people who were formerly functioning members of our society from working Improve productivity to the Victorian economy Toll on family violence survivors The Victorian government is doing some excellent work in addressing family violence. The government is aware that abusive people will often target family pets in an effort to control or harm their partner. It is usually the person who is the target of the abuse who has to leave the family home, for their safety. This extremely stressful experience is further exacerbated if the person is unable to find pet-friendly accommodation. The survivor will have a choice of: Finding temporary accommodation for their pet Becoming homeless Surrendering their animal. Although some organisations, such as Animal Aid, will endeavour to assist people with temporary accommodation for their animal, this is a short term measure that causes added stress to survivors and their children. Places are also limited.