Thames Valley RSPCA see 33% rise in Christmas abandonments
They're calling for more responsible pet ownership
The RSPCA has recently released startling statistics revealing a 33% increase in animal abandonments during the festive season, prompting urgent calls for responsible pet ownership. Melina Gazarek, an RSPCA inspector based in Thames Valley, highlighted the challenges faced by the organization, shedding light on the distressing surge in post-lockdown puppies and financial constraints impacting pet owners.
In response to the recent surge in Christmas abandonments, RSPCA inspector Melina Gazarek, sheds light on the challenges faced by the organization, stating, "We never really have just empty spaces waiting to accept a dog or a cat. We try to involve volunteers to help us foster animals in the home."
She also emphasized the multifaceted reasons behind the increase in abandonments, stating, "There will be quite a few animals surrendered to us because they have been bought as a gift and it's not a wanted gift. It's not a gift that someone can accept, and there is a massive increase due to the cost of living crisis and post-pandemic animal boom."
The inspector's concern extended to the financial constraints faced by pet owners, leading to a decline in adoptions. Gazarek noted, "A lot of people are surrendering animals, which they can no longer look after, and there are fewer people coming forward to adopt animals from us because sometimes lack of funds and sometimes because people realize it's a massive responsibility."
Projected to reach 21,417 by the end of 2023, the surge in abandonment cases poses a significant challenge for the RSPCA. Gazarek urged prospective pet owners to thoroughly research and financially plan for the responsibilities of having an animal companion, stating, "I would encourage people to research before you get an animal just to see if you can actually afford it."
The RSPCA, in light of distressing statistics, calls for public education and awareness regarding the realities of pet ownership. Gazarek emphasized the need for collaboration, stating, "This is something that our SPC is dealing with on a daily basis. It is horrendous. This is why we need people to get involved in, not just doing the Christmas rescue, but just in general."