Authorities Recorded More Cases of Abandoned Pets in the UK

The RSPCA claims a 25% rise in abandoned pets. According to the RSPCA, there are now 25% more abandoned pets in England and Wales than there was the year before.

Inflation Forces Pet Owners to Return Adopted Animals to Shelters

(Photo : Photo: Markus Winkler / Unsplash)

According to information supplied by the organization, as of July 22, 908 animals have been abandoned by their owners.

End of the Adopting Trend

Shelter worker holding a dog that awaits adoption

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According to the study, fewer individuals were considering getting a pet due to concerns about COVID and rising housing costs, and 10% fewer animals were being rehomed yearly. Dr. Samantha Gaines, a pet welfare expert with the RSCPA, called it "very disturbing." The nonprofit organization has started its yearly Adoptober campaign to get people to consider adopting or fostering a rescued animal.

Dr. Gaines stated: "Unfortunately, we feel we're starting to witness the catastrophic impact of the Covid-19 epidemic and the cost-of-living problem. It's truly troubling to see that animals remain in our care for longer and that fewer are being rehomed year-on-year."

Also Read: "Super-Pets" - Upcoming Animated Movie Promotes Adopting Pets From Animal Shelters

Reeling In From the Pandemic

Additionally, we are starting to notice an increase in the number of animals who were neglected or abandoned because their owners could no longer afford to care for them, or in the most severe circumstances, because of the escalating expense of pet care.

Recently, Katie, a resident of the North West of England, had to find new homes for her two beagles. It was "very, really bad," she told the BBC.

Six months of being their only source of support, she said, "and you know it's on top of having a two-year-old, on top of having a job and trying to run your house."

Data Across the UK

Dog waiting to be adopted at Animal Services Shelter

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According to the Animal Kindness Index, which the RSPCA published in June, 68% of pet owners asked stated the expense of caring for their animal had increased from the previous year. It stated that 19% of people were concerned about feeding their dogs.

The RSPCA has reacted to 2,830 abandoned animals in Yorkshire & the Humber so far this year as of July. That represents the biggest percentage growth for an area in England and Wales, up 38% from the same time in 2021.

The East Midlands had the second-largest percentage rise, with the charity dealing with 2,144 animal abandonments so far this year, up 35%.

Following closely behind is the South East, where 2,751 animals-an increase of 34%-have been abandoned. According to RSPCA research, dogs continue to be the most often abandoned animal.

They represent just over a third of the abandoned animals the organization has helped in 2022, with 8,305 abandoned this year.

The DogsTrust conducted its study last month, showing that 43% of respondents felt it would be harder now than before the broad increase in living expenses to provide for their dogs.

The average annual cost of owning a dog in the UK was estimated by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to be £2,000 ($2,200) in August.

However, the nonprofit organization did note that "the real expenses will vary substantially based on the size, age, kind, and health of the animal."

Getting Difficult

The present situation is difficult for many UK homes due to increased food and energy prices, according to Rob Young, head of center operations at Battersea.

Given this, individuals must be adequately educated about the expenses involved with dog ownership.