Concerns for Dog Left on Sydney Apartment Balcony. 9 News 27/11/25

[Deeds]

https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/new-concerns-for-dog-on-sydney-apartment-balcony/88f501e5-7673-454c-b1e1-9dcf07d542c5

[DogsAndTheMob]

Reportedly, the owner’s excuse was that the dog was sick. What sort of person leaves a sick dog outside on a hot day? Also, the air conditioning unit would very likely have been venting even hotter air onto the balcony.

[tdierikx]

Quote

Animal Justice Party Emma Hurst says stronger regulations are still needed.

"We need to look at space requirements for animals, we need to make sure we're looking at the psychological and emotional care of animals as well," she said.

 

This from someone who fought hard to have pets allowed by default in rentals and strata situations... does she now want to say that people in apartments shouldn't have pets because space is limited?

 

At least AWL actually visited the apartment and spoke with the owners about the situation, and will most likely follow up in a few weeks to make sure that they are still doing the right thing. According to sources, RSPCA declined to act, giving the excuse that the dog had food, water, and shelter... how would they know that any of those were sufficient if they didn't attend? Seriously, I've personally seen RSPCA act on much less serious breaches of animal welfare than this dog's situation.

 

T.

[DogsAndTheMob]

I agree that people should be allowed to keep dogs in apartments but there are some specific issues that apartment-living dog owners need to consider. High-rise apartments tend to be very low-stimulus environments in comparison to stand-alone houses, where dogs can see birds, other wildlife and neighbouring people and dogs. Toileting and off-leash exercise are potentially problematic because people usually can’t install dog doors or even take their dogs out into their own back yards.

 

I think welfare organisations could help in a more practical way by publishing specific guidelines for people keeping dogs in apartments. The guidelines might include pros and cons for people who are considering getting a dog, suggestions for managing dogs in apartments while providing a good quality of life, and a contingency planning checklist that covers planning for unexpected delays getting home, owner illness and times when the dog has diarrhoea or is otherwise unwell etc.

 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by DogsAndTheMob