A group of Isle of Wight animal charities and support organisations have met to share ideas about how best to support animals and their owners affected by the current economic issues.
Hosted by RSPCA Isle of Wight, representatives from Feline Welfare, Cats Protection, Friends of the Animals and the Isle of Wight Council spent time sharing their experiences and concerns about those affected by the increase in costs this winter and how they could work together to provide effective support on the Island.
With higher energy bills and the costs of food, pet supplies and veterinary care rising – both pet owners and the animal organisations who offer support are facing a difficult winter.
The main issues, seen by all organisations present, are the availability and affordability of veterinary care on the Island, given the sharp rise in demand for services; a lack of available household funds to feed pets; and an increase in animal behaviour problems resulting from people returning to work after Covid restrictions were lifted.
All organisations have seen an increase in the number of animals being surrendered due to owners no longer being able to care for them for financial reasons.
Suzanne Pugh, branch manager at RSPCA Isle of Wight said:
“We are all passionate about the care and wellbeing of animals and are desperately worried about what this winter may hold.
“We felt it would be useful to bring the Island’s animal support organisations together to identify the main problems we are all facing this winter and start to explore ways in which we could work together for the benefit of vulnerable animals.
Article continues below this advertisement “It was a useful meeting and good to build relationships and better understand how each of our organisations work and how we can support one another – and help raise awareness of the support available to pet owners who are struggling.”
Liz Hughes representing Adult Social Care at the Isle of Wight Council said:
“Our teams see first-hand the benefits that pets can bring to people, providing a boost to mental health and providing a companion to help combat loneliness, however we are concerned about how people will be able to afford to care for their pets this winter and we were very pleased be invited by RSPCA Isle of Wight to join a conversation about the issues being faced and what practical support can be provided.”
They ought to be more concerned about the number of people who are breeding dogs on the island purely to make money out of them. Loads of them on Wightbay asking ridiculous prices for puppies that aren’t even pedigree. It is time something was done about it.
Agree with you Paul 200%. It’s total greed, but more fool those who are willing to pay these outrageous prices. Also every potential dog owner should have to attend a course on every aspect of dog /pet care.
I would like to know if there so desprate for help and new homes they make it difficult for people to adopt . Then they go to adopt from other countries.
That is not true Hayley Marie. Until very recently I volunteered at the RSPCA, but stepped down when I adopted a dog from Spain.
I can tell you that the pre adoption checks in both cases are near identical.
At the time I adopted my dog, there were virtually no British dogs and cats to adopt, post covid but pre economic crisis.
I can tell you this though, it was 4 times more expensive to adopt from Spain than the RSPCA.
Given the ridiculously high price of vetinary treatment, I feel if you can’t afford the higher fee, you shouldn’t adopt.
3 months supply of just flea/worm treatment for my dog is £42.00.
I’m here for the comments..