December 2023
December Blog - Pet Abandonment
Pet abandonment has increased dramatically by 50% more than last year and we are heading for an animal welfare crisis this winter. Coupled with the increase in pet buying during the pandemic and the soaring cost of living, it is feared there is worse to come in 2024. Rescue centres across the UK are taking in more unwanted pets than ever, whilst rehoming has dropped alarmingly. Many rescues are reporting their worst year ever. According to the RSPCA dogs continue to be the most abandoned animal with 8,305 abandoned this year alone. This month we are focusing on the true cost of pet abandonment and the many ways we can help.
Why are so many dogs and puppies given up?
It is so easy to buy a puppy online and before they know it, owners find out that they do not fit in with their lifestyle, work or just don’t have the time to train them. The expense of owning a dog is not considered either. Just a quick check on the selling sites will flag up many pandemic dogs for sale with all the excuses under the sun! Sometimes there is also the realisation that you have to put extra work into looking after the dog to help him or her stay happy and healthy.
Surrender or Abandon?
68% of pet owners are concerned about the cost of pet care and being able to feed their dogs. Worryingly, Dogs Trust report that one in ten owners are forced into debt to care for their pet. Because of this, many dogs are surrendered to rescue. On the other hand, there are people who discard dogs like rubbish when they become ill or are no longer useful. In Birmingham alone it was recently reported that 34 dogs were callously dumped in just one week – there are no words!
It is hard to believe that dogs are cruelly dumped in remote areas and left to fend for themselves, while many are ditched in driveways - sometimes in small cages or bags, tied up on country paths and even dumped outside of rescue centres. Some do not survive. Most are in desperate need of medical attention. There has also been a spike in severely neglected puppies dumped and left to die. Probably unable to sell them quick enough or too ill to survive – the dark side of illegal breeding. The owners are never found and prosecuted as the dogs are not usually microchipped, or the details are not up to date.
This poor soul was found as a ‘stray’ who was severely abused and neglected. Thankfully, she is recovering and receiving veterinary care at Starfish Dog Rescue (starfishdogrescue.co.uk) and is now with her foster mum.
How Can You Help?
With support from the public, we can all help in many ways. Rescue centres are now putting out their Christmas wish list for dried and tinned food, dental sticks, treats, toys, blankets and bedding. Donating funds for veterinary care no matter how small is always gratefully received. Without public donations, they just could not survive.
Can You Foster?
Although dogs receive amazing care from the rescues with their dedicated highly trained staff and volunteers, there is no substitute for a quiet home with their own family. If adoption is not an option, rescues are crying out for volunteers to foster a dog to prepare them for their forever home. All the dogs need is a stable environment and plenty of love, affection and attention. All you need is to be a dog lover with room in your heart and your home. All costs are usually covered by the rescue centre to ensure ongoing health needs. Please contact your local rescue if you can offer a temporary home.
Do you know of someone who is struggling to look after his or her Dog?
The RSPCA website has plenty of advice with cost of living support for pet owners who may be struggling including a helpline, online hub and pet foodbank schemes.
It is important to seek help before it becomes a crisis and prevent further suffering. When it comes to treatment options, your vet can provide low cost alternatives and some vets can even help with spreading the costs.
Bottom Line
Rescues are once again picking up the pieces and they too are facing a massive spike in the cost of living. They are bracing themselves for challenging times and need our help more than ever no matter how small. Dogs are our family and seeking help in a crisis will ensure they don’t just survive but thrive.
Buddy – adopted from Skylor’s Dog Rescue (Deeside)
Justice for Reggie
From signing our petition to becoming our valued loyal supporter, you are the driving force behind our campaign ‘calling for regulation of all animals sold online’. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Wishing you all the very best for Christmas and the New Year!
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/23970229.waggy-tails-rescue-stretched-rise-dog-abandonment/