Closed petition: Create a primary adoption right for unclaimed stray dogs

Closed on 13 July 2025

Stray dogs are usually removed from the rescuer and at that point the rescuer has no say over the animal. Not all owners update or register microchips, so the information they contain may be incorrect. So I would like the option of priority adoption to anyone who rescues a dog which is unclaimed.

I believe people who save dogs in certain circumstances can create trauma bonds with the dog and studies show dogs know they've been rescued. The rescuer may never know where the dog has gone and not have the option to adopt it. I think the stress for both the animal and person is unnecessary; and it wastes valuable resources and time for the council and rescue centre. If the government really cared for the well being of the animals I think they would change this. I think the transaction of animals is unnecessary.