The RSPCA in Coventry are asking people to consider adopting or fostering a pet
The rescue centres are at breaking point.
The RSPCA is urging the public to consider adopting a pet instead of buying one as rescue centres reach breaking point.
The number of animals in private boarding is more than 1400, costing the charity in the region of £500,000 a month.
Animals includes 503 dogs - costing more than £50,000 each week - as well as 126 rabbits, 201 cats, 285 horses, 58 exotic animals and 126 farm animals.
This is the charities busiest time of the year as they receive a report of cruelty every five minutes.
Cruelty is already on the rise with more than 44,000 reports in the first six months of 2024 - 2% higher than the previous year.
Karen Colman, Head of Animal Logistics and Welfare Oversight at the RSPCA, said:
“As we celebrate our 200th birthday this year, it’s incredible to see how far animal welfare has come since our founding in 1824. But the sad reality is that there’s still so much to do, and we’re currently facing an animal welfare crisis. Cruelty is on the rise at a time when our rescue and rehoming centres are at breaking point with the number of animals coming in versus the number being rehomed.
Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of the RSPCA Companion Animals Team, added:
“Sadly we’re seeing more animals coming into our care and more pet owners turning to us for help because of the increasing costs of owning a pet, including the cost of food and vet bills.
“The cost of living has also led to a reduction in the number of people who are willing to take on an animal as they try to save money, and a recent RSPCA survey found 72% of people were not planning to get a new pet.
The charity are now launching an urgent appeal for families who do feel they can commit to the cost and responsibility of a pet to consider adopting a rescue instead of buying from a breeder or a pet shop.
The RSPCA Coventry & District are also struggling to find fosterers who can commit to having a large dog as a foster pet, or cats who are pregnant or have just given birth as this may include bottle-feeding or hand-rearing.
If you are that amazing individual who can go the extra mile you can email fostering@rspca-coventryanddistrict.org.uk to find out more.
Mark Cummins, has been a fosterer for the last two years:
“The RSPCA Coventry & District have been fantastic in providing all the support and advice during our fostering. We have found the whole experience to be extremely rewarding, knowing that they have been part of a loving family, staying in a home environment, while under the care of the RSPCA.”.
Find out more about the Coventry and District RSPCA here.