Pressure mounts on Dorset animal charity
Waggy Tails says it's being contacted by owners as far away as Plymouth, the West Midlands and Blackpool
An animal rescue charity in Dorset says it continues to be inundated with dogs as it receives multiple calls every day for help.
Waggy Tails Rescue in Wimborne says it's being contacted by owners as far away as Plymouth, the West Midlands and Blackpool.
In a statement, the charity said: "At the end of 2022 when the Sanctuary was full we thought that the situation couldn’t get any worse. In the first six months of 2023 there has been no respite.
"We are still taking multiple calls each day for dogs to be rehomed and the enquiries are coming from further afield all the time, we have had calls from Plymouth, Berkshire, the West Midlands and Blackpool in the past few weeks.
"Waggy Tails Rescue is still up to capacity like most other rescues. Usually we get all breeds of dogs looking for new homes but recently there have been increasing numbers of bull breeds for rehoming, four on just one day. XL bullies, may be cute as puppies, but they grow into large, strong dogs and their unsuspecting owners are caught out. There are still lots of younger dogs, who are not socialised and with little training heading for the rescues or finding themselves in the pounds.
"The cost of living crisis has compounded the problem. We are getting fewer donations and have no surplus food to help out smaller rescues as we have always done in the past.
"We have a wish list for good quality dry food such as Burns or James Wellbeloved, tins of Chappie, Dentastix and treats. If you are able to donate anything, your gift can be delivered to the Sanctuary.
"We have also rehomed rabbits for the past 23 years and in that time 686 have found new homes thanks to Elizabeth and her foster carers. They too suffer the same fate as the dogs, when children lose interest and circumstances change. We always have rabbits and guinea pigs on our rehoming list, alongside the dogs.
"If you are looking for a bargain why not drop into our Turbary Road, Ferndown shop. There is a great choice and new items everyday.
"We are always looking for volunteers to help with animal welfare, DIY, the shop and office help."
More information on the Waggy Tails website.