Cornwall rehoming centres ‘at breaking point’ as animals arrive faster than they leave
The RSPCA are urging people to consider adopting pets instead of buying
The RSPCA in Cornwall is urging the public to consider adopting a pet instead of buying as our local branch warns their waiting list is full.
With rescue centres full across the UK, the number of animals in private boarding has soared, costing the charity in the region of £500,000 a month.
At the Cornwall branch in St Columb there are currently 92 animals at the centre and another 40 in foster. The waiting list for dogs is full.
Sammy Thompson, spokesperson at Cornwall RSPCA, said: "We'd always recommend going to rescues before going to a breeder because it breaks the cycle of breeders being able to pocket money.
"We'd encourage people to be open minded. Don't come in with an idea of what colour you want or what breed you want, we try to match the animal with the person."
The charity - the oldest of its kind, and celebrating its 200th anniversary this year - says the cost of living crisis has left rescue centres facing an ‘animal welfare crisis’ as animals are coming into its care faster than they are being adopted.
Currently, there are more than 1,400 animals waiting in private boarding centres across the UK because RSPCA centres are full.
That includes puppies.
Sammy added: "They're a lot easier to rehome but it doesn't mean there's not as many of them. We've seen terriers, spaniels, bully puppies."
If you're looking to adopt an animal in Cornwall, you can find more information on the RSPCA Cornwall website.