An average of more than 30 animals were abandoned across England and Wales every day in 2008, according to the animal welfare charity. It called for people to donate money or time to help it cope with rising demand amid the UK’s ongoing financial crisis.
The RSPCA reported it dealt with 11,586 dumped pets last year, compared with 7,347 in 2007. In the first two months of 2009, a further 1,432 animals were abandoned. As the recession continues to bite it is has become a challenging time financially for the majority of us. With job losses & property repossessions continuing to increase, the public are struggling with their finances and experiencing debt problems.
This has meant an increase in people dumping their animals, as owners can sadly no longer afford to provide for them, and property repossessions have resulted in people moving into accommodation where animals are not allowed. In addition to the increased workload, the RSPCA said it was under pressure financially because of a reduction in donations due to the increase in the number of people in the UK having less disposable income, money problems and credit card debts.
Income from legacies has also decreased following the fall in property prices. The RSPCA is asking for people to help raise money for its re homing work, or to serve as volunteers or foster carers for the pets. Tim Wass, chief officer of the RSPCA inspectorate, said: “Now more than ever we need the public’s support. Mr Wass stated “If people have pets they cannot care for, for any reason, then help and advice is always available from the RSPCA.”
Animals abandoned last year included two cats left in a drawstring bag by the roadside. The grey tabby cats, named Zig and Zag by charity staff, were found on a freezing January night on Zig Zag hill, near Shaftesbury. A new home was found for the pair, believed to be father and son, within a few weeks.
Another case involved a litter of puppies found dead in a shoebox in Bretton Woods, Peterborough and a dog whose fur was so badly matted it looked like a pile of dirty rags was discovered in a bin liner in Cannock, Staffs. The number of abandoned cats rose by 50% last year, while dogs increased by nearly a third.