The RSPCA has launched its annual Adoptober campaign encouraging prospective pet owners to consider giving a rescued animal a new home as new figures raise concerns that more animals are being relinquished to charities at a time when rehoming has slowed.
The charity fears that the cost of living crisis means more animals are coming into its care while less people are considering taking on a new pet.
Releasing new figures on Tuesday (World Animal Day), the RSPCA has highlighted a potential animal rescue crisis as more animals come into care, stay in rescue centres for longer, with fewer people coming forward to adopt.
On the Isle of Wight, the total number of animals rehomed in 2021 slipped 9% from 245 (2020) to 223. The number of dogs rehomed fell 49% from 48 to 26; while rabbits fell 48% from 52 to 27; and other pets – including birds and small furries – fell 21% from 76 to 60. Bucking the trend was cats, with 29% more rehomed in 2021 compared to 2020 (108 compared to 84).
Pet welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said:
“It’s really concerning to see that animals are staying in our care for longer and that less are being rehomed year-on-year. Unfortunately, we believe we’re really starting to see the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
“We’re also beginning to see more animals coming into our care because their owners simply couldn’t afford to care for them any more; or, in the most extreme cases, having been neglected or abandoned due to the rising cost of pet care.
“Sadly, this is coming at the same time that potential pet owners are deciding now is not the best time to take on an animal due to the soaring cost of living, and feeling they cannot financially commit to adding a pet to their family at such a worrying time.
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Some of the long-stays on the Island that are looking for love are:
- 3-year-old lurcher Todd is very friendly and loves to stop and greet everyone he meets! He is, however, nervous around other dogs and is currently undergoing training to help build his confidence. He adores cuddly toys (the squeakier the better!) and likes to carry them around before taking his afternoon nap. He’s a bright boy who is looking for a home where he’ll be the only pet.
- Cute Netherland dwarf bunnies Steve & Danno (named after Hawaii Five-O!) (pictured top) were found abandoned in a box by a walker with dirty coats and bad teeth. Now they’re feeling better they’re looking for a home together but, due to their poor start, can be nervous being handled so will need experienced and understanding owners. They like to sunbathe, dig and munch on their favourite foods.
- Stray puss Maguire was taken in by the centre for medical treatment and is now ready to find a home of his own. He’s a happy chap with so much love to give. He’s gentle and friendly, and loves a tummy rub and a treat! He’ll be a wonderful best friend for a home where he’ll be the only pet.
- Snuggles, 12, has struggled in the cattery and hasn’t received a single application since arriving at the branch almost six months ago. She has slowly learned to trust her carer and she now enjoys taking treats from her. We’re sure, with time, she’ll flourish in the right home and she’d love a garden to potter in as she loves to watch the birds out of the window here.
WHAT A GREAT JOB THEY DO
It would also help if the RSPCA didn’t have such black and white rules regarding rehoming dogs, such as insisting that people have a totally enclosed garden. I have had three wonderful rescue dogs in my lifetime without the need of a fence all the way round my garden. That would have been three rehomed dogs that the RSPCA wouldn’t have allowed due to their rules. When I tried to contact the RSPCA to see about rehoming a dog here by email, they simply didn’t reply.
Perhaps the branch could be more welcoming? I see on their page that they remain in full Covid Hysteria mode. Time to move on.
This is such a shame. Why do parents but their kids animals on a whim, just because little Johnny or Betty ‘wants’ one. Interested one minute, discarded the next! Animals are should be kept in a loving, caring home for their entire life. Not just given up because the kids have moved on to something else. Think before you buy, animals have feelings and need love.
It’s been said so many times any potential pet owner should take a course in pet care before owning any pet. With so many dogs needing re homing, why do people pay over inflated prices for some of these ridiculously named cross breeds. No doubt because animal charities would turn them down as suitable for ever homes
I tried to adopt, I have a fully secure garden, met all there criteria, but was refused as I live in a flat, ground floor, such a shame
I know someone who was refused because they lived in a flat. In the case of the RSPCA their re homing procedures are probably written by some highfalutin people in head office. So unfortunately there’s no room for maneuverability or more importantly “gut feeling”.
From the point of view of dog rescue charities you have to realise the charity doesn’t know you from Adam, so they have to consider foremost the welfare of the dog, and do their best to ensure its a truely forever home. There are some rescue centres that want the name of the adopter’s vet as references.
It’s a pity there’s many so called dog breeders who don’t make the time or effort to do their own home checks.
Yes, they don’t seem interested in applying any common sense at all. Rules are rules and that is that. You would have thought that they would be more proactive in trying to find animals a loving home.
People also refused cos they live on a road , but of a rethink needed !
It’s so sad the way people are giving /dumping their pet’s.
I know some really can’t afford the costs with pet’s but don’t dump them ….
They do a brilliant job @ the Rspca, ….
I have only ever had rescue dog’s and would never buy a dog ,over inflated prices throughout the pandemic….
A pet is 4 life not just for Xmas/ pandemic/ whim / etc .