26/04/2026
A story out of ABC News this week has struck a nerve with dog lovers across Australia and especially within our German Shepherd community.
Steve James, a man doing it tough on the streets of Brisbane, was offered temporary accommodation… on one condition: he had to give up his German Shepherd. He refused. Instead, he chose to remain homeless rather than abandon his best mate.
Let that sink in.
This is not irresponsibility. This is loyalty. This is love.
Steve said being asked to give up his dog felt like losing a family member “like asking to give up your grandmother”. (ABC News)
Anyone who has ever shared their life with a German Shepherd understands that completely.
These dogs are not “pets” in the disposable sense. They are protectors, companions, emotional anchors especially for people facing hardship. For many doing it tough, their dog is the one constant source of unconditional love, safety, and purpose.
And yet, current policies are forcing vulnerable Australians into an impossible choice:
➡️ Keep your dog and stay homeless
➡️ Surrender your dog to access accommodation
This is not just flawed policy it’s inhumane.
What makes this even more frustrating is that tenancy laws in Queensland already recognise the importance of pets, with renters generally allowed to keep them but those protections don’t extend to the temporary accommodation systems being used to house the homeless. (ABC News)
So the people with the least power are held to harsher standards than everyone else.
We should be asking:
Why aren’t we building pet-inclusive housing solutions?
Why are we expecting people in crisis to suffer further trauma by losing their dog?
Why are loyal owners being punished for doing the right thing?
Steve James didn’t fail the system. The system failed him.
We stand firmly behind owners like Steve. His choice wasn’t irrational it was honourable. It reflects the very essence of what makes this breed so special: loyalty above all else.
No one should have to choose between a roof over their head and the dog who gives their life meaning.
It’s time for policies that recognise what we already know:
Dogs are family.
David Crisafulli MP, Sam O'Connor MP, Pauline Hanson's
Steve James said he was given the choice between surrendering his dog or continuing to be homeless.
