"Animal rescue is in crisis" says Essex rehoming charity
Pet abandonment in Essex has gone up 40% in three years
Last updated 26th Nov 2024
The number of pets abandoned in Essex during winter months has gone up by more than 40% in three years.
The RSPCA carried out the research for their Join the Christmas rescue campaign to highlight the battle frontline rescuers are facing.
In Essex in 2021, there were 114 reports of pet abandonment.
In 2023 this figure was 582: an increase of 41%.
Figures released by the rescue charity today (25 November 2024) show the number of animals abandoned in England and Wales during the winter period has increased by 51% since the cost of living crisis began three years ago.
Between November 2020 and January 2021, the charity received 3,071 animal abandonment reports during the winter period.
Last winter (November 2023 to January 2024) this rose to a staggering 4,630 pets who were reported to have been left to fend for themselves.
An Essex dog rehoming charity, Spirit of the Dog Rescue, has been speaking to Greatest Hits Radio about resources that would help keep pets and their owners together:
Jenna informs us of three fantastic dog schemes run by the Dog's Trust to "help keep pets and their owners together":
- Low Cost Behaviour Support Scheme - for those that are struggling with pet behaviour and finances are a struggle. Jenna would also recommend using this service "if you've decided that you have no option but to give up your dog, but you need some help in the interim."
- Freedom project - for those "in a situation where you're suffering violence in the hands of another or at home and you really need to get out but don't know what to do about your dog."
- The Hope Project - for those that are "homeless and need veterinary support".
Ms Miller continues: "If you're struggling with veterinary needs for any animal and you happen to be in the catchment area for a PDSA vet, do get in touch."
"There also may be an RSPCA vet available in your area.
"Pet foodbanks do exist too, and some human foodbanks are able to supply and support pets."
"What we're seeing now, because of the cost of living crisis, is people that love the animals they care for and feel like they have no other choice than to leave them locked in a property they're moving out of, or leave them tied up behind a vet, or in the streets.
"Animal rescue is in crisis" says Ms Miller.
The All-party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group will be meeting in the Houses of Parliament in February 2025 for their annual 'State of UK Rescue' event.