SUNRAYSIA residents looking to surrender their pets due to the COVID-19 pandemic are being urged to think twice.
Jeanie Schmidt runs Jeanie Kittys Krib and posted a heartfelt plea to the community to “please wait” until the virus is over before making any permanent decisions about parting with their cats and dogs.
“Currently we are receiving many requests from humans wanting to surrender their cats and dogs because of the current health crisis,” Ms Schmidt said.
“Please take into consideration that you will not all become ill from this virus. Please wait, these are your loyal animal family companions and you owe it to them.”
Ms Schmidt said it had been “beyond upsetting” for the Kittys Krib to hear of residents wanting to surrender their animals.
“It is a good idea to make a plan in the case you were to become unwell, speak to family members and neighbours, people you would trust to do the right thing by your pet,” she said.
“We understand this is hard for you, but it is also very distressing for us when we have to say we cannot help you. We are at capacity.”
Ms Schmidt said drop-off food and litter donations to Sunraysia vet clinics had stopped temporarily to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, but residents could make financial contributions.
More information on how to support Jeanie Kittys Krib can be found on its Facebook page.
Pound not seeing an increase in animals
MILDURA Pound has not seen an increase in the number of animals being left there, says a Mildura Rural City Council spokesman.
The spokesman said services at the pound remained the same but public access to the facility was limited due to COVID-19.
“People are still being encouraged to drop-off lost or stray animals at the Mildura Pound during business hours,” he said.
“After-hour services also remain unchanged.”
The Mildura Pound is open on weekdays from 10am to noon, and from 2.30pm to 4pm, and between 8.30am and 9.30am on Saturdays.
Those wishing to drop off a lost or stray animal are urged to call council on 5018 8100.
People with pets are also reminded to register them by April 10, please call council for more information regarding this.
