A horrified pet owner has heavily criticised an individual’s decision to abandon a puppy at an east coast park last week, which she said was done “clearly intentionally” — in an act she branded both “cruel and unacceptable”.
Brisbane woman Shani told Yahoo News Australia how she was out walking her own dog last Wednesday, when she stumbled across the abandoned dog tied to a pole in the park.
Shani said having worked previously “in animal rescue for years”, she’d seen “the signs too many times” — a dog tied to a pole in distress, left in a place where it’s clear they were meant to be found.
The Queenslander said her “heart sank” instantly after coming across the heartbreaking scene.
“I knew immediately he had been abandoned,” she told Yahoo. “I rushed home to drop off my dog, then returned to check on him. He was still there. He had slipped the lead he’d been tied to.
“When I approached him, he ran. My panic set in as cars started to appear on the streets.”
Brisbane woman Shani said she was eventually able to gain the dog’s trust, and brought him home with her partner. Source: TikTok/shannimarie_
Pet owner blasts ‘cruel’ decision to abandon dog at local park
Shani was ultimately able to gain the animal’s trust, and eventually was able to take the dog home to offer care. She said the dog “displays signs of distress around women but seems comfortable with men”, which she said “suggests to me” that “he may have been mistreated by a woman” in the past.
Given the location at which the dog was found, Shani thinks the abandonment may have something to do with Moreton Bay council’s recent decision to ban rough sleepers from owning pets. The City made amendments to a local law which from December 17 prohibits rough sleepers from owning animals, allegedly in response to community complaints and safety concerns.
“I suspect his abandonment may have something to do with recent changes in pet ownership regulations, but I also understand how hard it has become for some families to care for their animals,” she said.
“That said, there are so many resources out there to help re-home pets—abandoning them should never be the solution.”
Shani said she’s now working to find the animal a foster carer and eventually “a loving forever home”. “I’m committed to ensuring he gets a second chance at life with a family who will love him,” she said.
The Brisbane resident said abandoning pets is cruel and unacceptable. She said there “are pounds, rescue groups, and countless resources” available to ensure animals have “a fighting chance”.
“It’s heartbreaking to see the spike in abandoned pets during the festive season—it happens every year, and it never gets easier to witness,” she said.
“Animals are living, breathing beings who deserve love, respect and care. I hope this situation sheds light on the seriousness of pet abandonment and the need for better solutions to support families and their animals. This is a real problem, and it needs to be addressed with compassion and action.”
Majority of rough sleepers ‘manage pet ownership responsibly’
Weighing in on the matter, the Animal Welfare League in Queensland (AWLQ) said the majority of owners experiencing homelessness with a pet manage them responsibly in the community.
Speaking to Yahoo, a AWLQ spokesperson said the organisation “acknowledges the challenges faced by Moreton Bay Council” in addressing complex issues like illegal camping and homelessness — just like many councils experiencing the same issue with the increasing cost of living and affordable housing pressures forcing many into homelessness.
“However, as an organisation deeply committed to supporting vulnerable members of our community and their pets, we are concerned about the impact of these new measures on people experiencing homelessness and their beloved pets,” the spokesperson said.
“Rather than imposing punitive measures like prohibiting pets or issuing fines, we urge a more compassionate, solutions-focused approach. Supporting people in finding stable housing, providing access to pet-friendly shelters, and investing in community outreach are steps that would benefit both the individuals affected and the broader community.
“Homelessness is a symptom of broader systemic challenges, and addressing it requires empathy and collaboration.”
Shani criticised the individual who dumped the dog, but acknowledged it is difficult during a cost of living crisis to care for a dog. Source: TikTok/shannimarie_
Banning pets ‘can lead to more animals’ dumped
Unfortunately, the spokesperson argued, there is a significant risk of increased pet abandonment as a result of council’s changes. “For many rough sleepers, the bond with their pets is profound, and being forced to choose between keeping their animal or avoiding fines and penalties may lead to heart-wrenching decisions,” they said.
“The bond and relationship they have with their pet is often what keeps them going. Without this relationship there is a very real risk of a decline in mental health and potential self harm.”
The RSPCA also spoke to Yahoo News about the issue. A spokesperson said “banning pet ownership can simply lead to more animals being dumped” which has “a detrimental impact on both the animal and owner’s welfare.”
“Over the past two years, RSPCA Queensland has been running a proactive service in Moreton Bay for vulnerable residents, including people experiencing homelessness — offering free veterinary services, preventative treatments, pet food, essentials and pet care advice,” a spokesperson told Yahoo News.
“In the first year our Community Outreach team operated this service in the Moreton Bay region, our inspectors saw a 19 percent reduction in animal welfare complaints reported in the area.”
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