Animal rescues in N.S. say they’re dealing with ‘astronomical’ demand for rehoming

A Nova Scotia bird rescue has recently announced that they are no longer able to accept new surrenders due to the overwhelming demand for their services. Privateer Parrot Rescue, run by Diane Cooke in Liverpool, has been inundated with requests to rehome birds, with the number of people looking to surrender their feathered friends skyrocketing in the last year.

Cooke, who has been operating her rescue out of her home since 2000, currently cares for approximately 50 birds. However, the increase in surrenders has forced her to turn people away as she simply does not have the capacity to accommodate all the birds in need.

One of the main reasons for the surge in surrenders is the return of people to the office after working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Birds, known for forming strong bonds with their owners, can develop behavioral issues when faced with separation anxiety. This can manifest in behaviors such as feather plucking and screaming, making it challenging for some owners to cope.

Additionally, housing instability has been a significant factor in the increase in surrenders. Birds can be noisy and destructive, making them unsuitable for renters. Furthermore, many rental properties may contain materials that are toxic to birds, forcing owners to give up their pets when moving to new accommodations.

Privateer Parrot Rescue is not the only organization feeling the strain of the current situation. The Nova Scotia SPCA has also seen a rise in surrenders, driven by housing instability and rising veterinary care costs. Heather Woodin, chief of animal operations at the SPCA, explained that the organization is struggling to keep up with the demand, particularly for rehoming dogs.

On the South Shore, SHAID Tree, an independent animal shelter, has experienced an “astronomical” increase in demand since the pandemic began. The shelter has been inundated with stray cats, with a waitlist that has extended well into December. Manager Kelly Inglis cited housing issues and the high cost of veterinary care as key factors contributing to the surge in surrenders.

Similarly, Safe Haven Animal Rescue in the Annapolis Valley has seen a significant uptick in abandoned cats and owners looking to rehome their pets due to the housing crisis. The rescue is struggling to keep up with the demand, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and unable to provide support to all the animals in need.

In light of the current situation, animal rescues are calling for more spay and neuter clinics, government action to reduce evictions due to pet ownership, and increased support from organizations like the SPCA. Cooke emphasized the importance of educating the public about the responsibilities of owning a complex and long-lived animal like a parrot, in the hopes of preventing future surrenders.

As the demand for animal rescue services continues to rise in Nova Scotia, it is clear that more action is needed to address the root causes of surrenders and provide support to both animals and their owners.