Nation-first plan to stop families giving up pets to survive

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and the Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) have launched a nation-first plan to save our pets. Picture: Glenn Hampson A brutal housing squeeze and soaring cost of living have forced desperate Aussies into a heartbreaking choice: secure a lease or keep their pets. National research shows a staggering 86 per cent of shelter surrenders are triggered by human circumstances, with housing strain and financial pressure pushing loving families to the brink. On the Gold Coast, the latest data from Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) exposes the devastating local impact of the property crisis. Over the past three financial years, just 9.5 per cent (552) of animals surrendered to AWLQ were given up due to behavioural or health issues. Instead, human hardship was overwhelmingly to blame, led by guardian circumstances (34.3 per cent), health challenges (31.7 per cent combined), and direct financial constraints (8.2 per cent). Shelters are at capacity as families reach breaking point. Picture: Glenn Hampson MORE NEWS Surf champ Joel Parkinson lists oceanfront pad The property price ‘lie’ hurting first-home buyers Why nightmare Aus property moment is here To sto...