Adoptions surge, shelters cleared amid coronavirus outbreak
A record number of animals were adopted from Brisbane City Council’s animal rehoming centres in recent months as people choose to hunker down with a new furry friend as we face the coronavirus crisis.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said almost 330 pets were adopted from Council’s two animal rehoming centres over the past two months, which is about a 41 per cent year-on-year increase in adoptions in March.
“This year is proving to be unusual with self-isolation recommended to curb the spread of coronavirus, so it is wonderful to see so many people adopt a new pet during these tough times,” Cr Schrinner said.
“These two centres, at Darra and Willawong, are still operating business as usual and the staff have worked tirelessly to help find 327 animals new homes in February and March 2020, which is a significant increase compared to the 244 animals adopted in February and March 2019.
“There are strict quarantine measures at the moment, and it’s great to see such a large uptake of adoptions during an otherwise stressful time.
“While we hope Brisbane doesn’t get forced into temporary lock down due to coronavirus, if that does occur it’s very important each of these animals has a safe home to live.
“There are just a handful of cats, kittens and dogs still available for adoption and the welfare of these animals is paramount and they need a place to live during a lock down.
“Both animal rehoming centres are operating with restrictions to protect the public and the AWLQ team.
Normal adoption processes still apply, and all animals at the Brisbane Animal Rehoming Centres undertake a behaviour assessment to ensure they are suitable to be rehomed. These animals are also all desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and wormed.
“I want to remind anyone looking to adopt to only take a new animal into your home for the right reasons not just out of the temporary boredom of being home.”
To see the animals available for adoption, visit www.awlqld.com.au. For more information on pet services, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3403 8888.