Shelters 'overwhelmed' with people looking to give up their pets

THOSE working at local animal rescue shelters say they are 'overwhelmed' with the amount of people who have been contacting them looking to rehome their pets.

A range of reasons have been given to explain the continuing numbers of those unable to keep their pets from behavioural issues to the pressures added by the cost-of-living crisis.

Janet Hume is Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary's Centre Manager.

"The number of relinquishment requests continue to come, and for all sorts of reasons.

"We want to tell those needing to relinquish their dogs or cats, contact sanctuaries and see what help is available."

Janet says all sanctuaries are at 'breaking point'.

"At Mid-Antrim we have over 100 cats and dogs on our waiting list - that's being replicated across re-homing centres, and impacts on staff.

"It is just managing as best we can, bring as many in as we can, and the more we can re-home, that then allows us to help more animals."

She says the cost-of-living crisis is impacting.

"We had predicted this scenario would be worsened by the cost-of-living crisis.

"However a number of our latest dogs in to us through welfare, all related to their owners' mental health issues - and if people are suffering and have to relinquish their animal that is really concerning."

Janet also says the sanctuary is there to help people.

"Give us a call and we can help in ways, whether it's dog food or cat litter. We don't want to see situations - and we have done - where people are not feeding themselves."

She also points out how staff and volunteers at the shelters are also being affected.

"You are saying to people we will put you on our waiting lists and people can't deal with that and say they will put the animal to sleep.

"But we also want to say if you do want to rescue a dog or cat, do come to your local sanctuary."