Over the past few months, we have been hearing reports about animal refuge centres being overwhelmed by the number of animals requiring shelter after being abandoned etc.
On the local ABC radio last week, I heard that a local shelter is no longer accepting ‘returned’ animals because they can’t cope.
This is very sad.
However, in October last year, I contacted this refuge centre to try an adopt a cat.
I already have one and I wanted a companion for him.
I filled out two application forms and provided details of the good environment of my home, my experience with animals plus a photo of the cat enclosure I have built to ensure no feline predation.
Long story short, I was given a complete runaround.
Both applications were lost.
Following a few phone calls, I was finally granted a telephone application.
I indicated I was an older person on my applications, so the interviewing person asked me my age.
I was told that being 75, I could not have a cat unless I provided a signed document from someone else who could take care of the animal should something happen to me.
I completely agree that a succession plan should be considered but I do not consider the treatment of my application was fair.
What’s more, does this organisation require any person willing to provide a support statement to be of a more favourable age group than I am in?
In the meantime, I am very concerned about those poor animals that could be locked in a cage or whatever and not released to a person such as myself who can provide even a temporary happy home rather than euthanasia.
On a happier note, I now have a lovely little cat from a less discriminatory Council recognised source.
Email, Mar 31
Name and suburb withheld
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