Number of animals being re-homed in Buckinghamshire drops
750 found new homes in 2021 - a 16% fall from the previous year
The RSPCA says the number of animals being rehomed has dropped in Buckinghamshire, partly due to the cost of living crisis.
750 found new homes in 2021 - a 16% fall from the previous year.
The charity says it's concerned as intake has increased across England and Wales.
Nichola Walker from the RSPCA says there have been numerous reasons as to why this has happened;
"There were a lot of animals taken out of care in the previous year so if you've taken on an animal you're probably unlikely to take on another animal."
"Circumstances change, lockdown's opened up, the cost-of-living crisis. There's so many factors."
"We don't have an infinite amount of space in our centres so if an animal is there for a long time we probably have more waiting to come in."
"Our centres are wonderful but there's nothing better than an animal going to a family and being placed in a home environment."
"You could put yourself forward to foster or you could donate to the RSPCA -there are many ways you can help an animal in need."
"If you do choose to foster, you'll have a lot of support from the centre and they'll make sure you have the perfect match with an animal."
Well this comes as the RSPCA's launched its annual 'Adoptober' campaign, encouraging prospective pet owners to consider giving a rescued animal a new home.
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."
For more information over what you can do to support the charity or foster an animal in care, head over to the RSPCA website.