Fewer animals arrive at shelter

Between December 18 and 27 the shelter took in 36 animals while finding homes for another 30.

The shelter recorded 65 surrenders in the same period in 2014.

RSPCA Launceston manager Lorraine Hamilton said while the numbers were promising, it was possible the cold winter had delayed the start of the cat breeding season.

‘‘Because of this very unusual cat breeding season that we’re having, our cat numbers aren’t as high as we’ve had at this time of the year in the past,’’ she said.

‘‘And maybe finally people are getting the message to desex their cats and be responsible for them.’’

Mrs Hamilton encouraged those in the market for a pet to consider adopting from the RSPCA, which is typically open seven days a week.

‘‘We find January is generally a very high adoption month for us.

‘‘It’s a great time when everyone’s relaxed and has the time to spend house-training a dog or letting a cat settle into a new home.’’

With New Year’s Eve and peak firework season fast approaching, Mrs Hamilton encouraged dog owners to have a plan for keeping their dogs safe.

‘‘A lot of dogs get very freaked out by the fireworks so we would always say to people if you’re in an area where you know there are going to be fireworks, do all the things you can to keep your dog calm so bring it inside, put some music on to drown out the noise of the fireworks a bit.’’