Rapidly rising property prices have forced an Adelaide woman in desperate need of a new home for her rescue dogs, sheep and cows to reach out to landowners and investor for help.
Debbie Mundy, the founder of non-profit animal sanctuary Moving Paws, is asking anyone who owns a large property they’re not living in or suitable land in the Adelaide Hills to consider her and her “gentle” rescues as long-term tenants.
She said buying wasn’t an option as property in the area had become much too expensive.
“On a single income, it’s out of my reach,” she said.
“It’s the cost of living, that’s the thing more than anything.”
The median house price in the Mount Barker council area has climbed 11.4 per cent in the past year to $780,000, according to latest PropTrack data, while the Adelaide Hills council region’s rose 10 per cent to $1.1m.
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Debbie Mundy is seeking a new home for her and her rescue animals. Picture: Keryn Stevens
Over the past five years, since the Covid pandemic hit and people turned to the Hills for more space and a better lifestyle, house prices in the two regions have surged 80.3 per cent and 73.2 per cent respectively.
For the past 11 years Ms Mundy has rented a 5 acre Mount Barker property, where the animals have thrived.
“I’ve been very blessed to have been able to do that and the family have allowed me to do what I wanted, and have always helped with needs like fencing,” she said.
But following the property’s sale, Ms Mundy and her animals have until August to vacate.
“Unfortunately the property was sold three years ago – settlement is this year and it’s going to be developed,” Ms Mundy said.
“I’ve known for a while but I wanted to see my time out here because everything is here (for the animals) and I didn’t want to do it too early.
“I’m looking for something long term, I certainly don’t want to do this then move again in 12 months.
“It’s going to be quite difficult, I’m not expecting it to be an easy situation.”
Ms Mundy started rescuing animals in 2011, initially through her work as a real estate agent.
“There were lots of people who when they moved or their parents passed away had nowhere for their animals to go,” she said.
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Their new home would also need some space for sheep and cows.
Moving Paws was established and it grew quickly – Ms Mundy said they had about 20 foster carers across Adelaide and were rescuing and rehoming 50 dogs a year at one stage.
Now she only takes in urgent dogs – for example, a paralysed jack russell most recently.
Ms Mundy is caring for 12 dogs, 17 sheep and 7 cows at the moment.
She struggled to consider what would happen to them if she couldn’t find a suitable home for them all.
“I can’t even think about that right at this moment,” she said.
“I don’t see myself splitting my animals up.
“I’m not going to leave what I started, I just pray that (finding a new home) can happen.”
Ms Munday said they would ideally need a roughly 5 acre property within 60km of Adelaide CBD that was quiet and animal friendly with adequate fencing and shelters.
Those interested in helping can get in contact with Ms Mundy through the Moving Paws website at www.movingpaws.org.au
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