Pandemic pet boom prompts animal welfare action

An explosion in the number of pets being abandoned and abused in the wake of the pandemic has prompted the NSW government to spend $40.6 million to help build more facilities, as well as clamp down on animal welfare.

Over half of the funds, or $20.5 million, will go to RSPCA NSW and around $5.5 million to the Animal Welfare League to expand enforcement of animal cruelty laws, the government announced on Saturday.

A further $12 million will support the construction of new facilities for companion animal rehoming at the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home at Kurnell in Sydney's east.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the number of pets being added to families during the pandemic showed just how important animals are to us as companions.

"These programs will increase capacity of those organisations that support rehoming and animal welfare to ensure more companion animals are given a safe and secure place to call home," Mr Perrotet said.

As part of the spending, the Cat Protection Society will get $1.5 million for cat desexing programs, $750,000 will go to Lucy's Project to help pet-owners experiencing domestic violence and Greyhound Rescue will receive $350,000 to support the rehoming of dogs no longer wanted by the racing industry.

Petbarn Foundation manager, Janelle Bloxsom said many animal shelters and rescues are overflowing and at breaking point.

"February is a notoriously busy month for rescue groups across the country post the Christmas period and with kitten season, but the rate we are seeing animals surrendered is unlike anything we have experienced," Ms Bloxsom said on Friday.

"For many Australians, pet ownership has been presented with new challenges due to the post pandemic lifestyle changes, the increase in cost of-living pressures and the rental market crisis forcing tenants to choose between their pets and a home."

This week the Petbarn Foundation launched it's Rescue Month initiative with a push to save 700 pets from being euthanised - including 500 cats and kittens.

Saturday's funding announcement is expected to cover 60 per cent of the cost for a new purpose-built dog and cat shelter in Kurnell.

General manager of the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Melissa Penn said the operation had previously been at risk of closing down.

"After almost 80 years of service, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home has been an essential service supporting over 1.1 million Sydneysiders," Ms Penn said.

"We have the experience and expertise and with a permanent facility securing our future, we can scale up and help even more lost, abandoned and unwanted pets."