Carinthian shelters face mounting pressure from animal seizures and vet bills

Animal shelters in Carinthia are facing growing challenges, including more animals taken into care by authorities and rising veterinary costs, ORF reported. Many shelters opened their doors on Saturday ahead of World Animal Day, giving visitors a chance to learn about their work and current pressures.

The Villach animal shelter is caring for more than 160 animals. Hannes Mattersdorfer, president of the Villach Animal Welfare Association, said the shelter is receiving increasing numbers of animals in cases of animal hoarding. It must keep them for 60 days before they can be rehomed, while staff find placements and help the often neglected, unvaccinated animals recover.

Demand also rises during colder months. Shelter manager Jorge Montiel said veterinary bills were becoming a burden, as more sick animals were being brought in as strays, possibly because their owners could no longer afford treatment.

Shelter officials urged people to think carefully before getting a pet. Mattersdorfer said the work involved in caring for young animals, including kittens, was often underestimated. Prospective owners should consider arrangements for holidays or illness and whether anyone in the household has allergies.

No animals were rehomed during Saturday’s open day. People interested in adopting can contact the shelter after giving the decision careful thought.