Cost of living: Why more numbers of Australians are giving up their pets

"It is a sad day when people are forced to choose between feeding their children or their animals. "Unfortunately, it has come to this for some."
Susan Talevski is familiar with this. Melbourne, Australia's Her Lost Dogs' Home animal shelter cares for hundreds of domestic animals, and the number is growing daily.
Charcoal, a four-year-old, 63-kilogram Neapolitan mastiff, is one of the shelter's newest residents. His owners gave him up because they could no longer afford a pet.
Moreover, they are not alone in their difficulties.
As a result of the pandemic and the Ukraine conflict, the cost of food, fuel, and other necessities has skyrocketed throughout the world.
Not only has the price of human food increased, but so have the prices of pet food and other products for domestic animals.
Ms. Talevski estimates that feeding Charcoal costs as much as A$1,600 ($998; £886) per year.
"There are 500 animals in the shelter. That is a lot of mouths to feed. We feel the pinch when it comes to purchasing supplies, keeping up with pet food, and ensuring the health of all our animals," she adds.
According to official statistics, the price of pet products in Australia increased by nearly 12 percent in the year leading up to the end of June. That is double the increase in food and beverage prices observed by consumers.
"She was crying"
When the pandemic began, Canberra Pet Rescue initiated a programme to provide pet food and other necessities to struggling pet owners.
Amanda Doelle, the organization's founder, told the BBC that many people are still seeking assistance after more than two years.
Ms. Doelle has also received more requests from individuals wishing to surrender their pets.
Tabby Lilu, aged 11 years, is a recent arrival. Due to the loss of her job and residence, her owner could no longer afford to keep her.
Older cats like Lilu are more expensive to maintain.
"She did her best. "She was in tears and visibly distressed," Ms. Doelle states. She was at risk of homelessness, so she was unable to keep the cat.
Inundated with requests and rising expenses, Ms. Doelle has requested government funding for her initiative, but says she has had to turn away some animals.
"It is completely uncontrollable. The number of animals in pounds and shelters is soaring. Living expenses are a significant factor. People are also reconsidering their decision to adopt pets during the pandemic.
Abandoning an animal is illegal in Australia. However, according to Rebecca Linigen of Four Paws Australia, financial strain "leaves people in desperate situations."
"Not only are animal surrender rates on the rise, but some shelters in Australia have reported a decline in adoptions since 2021," she told the BBC.
There are real concerns that animals will be left to fend for themselves on the streets if they are perceived as a financial burden.
International Problems
All pet food ingredients, including meat, grains, and micronutrients, have become more expensive in recent months.
It's a global problem. The cost of pet food has increased by 10.3% in the United States, 8.8% in the European Union, and 8.8% in the United Kingdom.
As household finances tighten, animal rescue organizations in other countries are also seeing an increase in the number of animals brought to their shelters.
Alyson Jones of Blue Cross, which operates pet food banks and animal hospitals in the UK, explains, "Many are telling our teams how they're going without food themselves to be able to afford food and vet care for their pets, and even having to make the heartbreaking decision to rehome their beloved companion."
"We're doing everything we can to keep people and their pets together, but unfortunately more animals are entering our care," she adds.
Jacob Thomas of Rescue Paws in Thailand says he has received inquiries from individuals wishing to leave Thailand due to job loss or a decrease in income due to the rising cost of living.
"Since the beginning of the pandemic, these queries have skyrocketed," he explains.
Charcoal is currently in a foster home, awaiting surgery before becoming adoptable.
Prof. William Chen of Singapore's Nanyang Technological University asserts that the escalating cost of energy used in food production contributes to rising food costs.
"As a result of climate change, the Covi-19 pandemic, and geopolitical tensions, food production remains uncertain," he says.
Together with the perception that pet food is less important than human food, pet food prices are unlikely to decrease anytime soon.
Back in Australia, Charcoal has been adopted by a foster parent, but he is still looking for a permanent home.
"His favourite pastimes are following his humans around, playing with a ball, and lounging on the couch," says Ms. Talevski.
She adds, "He is currently in a foster home awaiting surgery before he can be adopted."