UQ and RSPCA partnership to tackle growing problem

UQ’s Centre for Companion Animal Health has joined forces with the RSPCA to address the growing problem of homeless and unwanted pets.

Centre Director Professor Jacquie Rand said the four-year partnership with RSPCA involves shelters in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales and would generate new strategies to help reduce the influx of unwanted pets and the rate of euthanasia.

“Despite efforts in Australia to reduce the euthanasia rates of animals entering shelters, the number of unwanted companion animals has not decreased over the past seven years,” Professor Rand said.

“Hundreds of thousands of animals end up in shelters for different reasons and many, unfortunately, are euthanased.”

Professor Rand said the costs of managing unwanted pets are significant and increasing, with approximately $250 million spent annually in Australia alone.

“We urgently need to understand both the human and animal factors that are contributing to the problem,” she said.

UQ student Sarah Zito, who is conducting research in shelter practice for her Master of Philosophy program, said the collaboration provided a fantastic opportunity to have a positive impact on a world-wide animal welfare problem.

“It recognises the need for evidence-based solutions, and the key role that university veterinary schools have in partnership with animal welfare organisations in developing effective strategies through high quality research,” Ms Zito said.

Media: Julia Keith (07 334 67257, 0412 663 932, j.keith2@uq.edu.au)